A Season of Musical Opportunities
Throughout March and April, Senior School musicians took part in a wide range of inspiring experiences that showcased their talent, ambition and commitment to performance. From collaborative ensemble work and theatre visits to major performance opportunities both in the UK and abroad, pupils engaged with exceptional music-making at every stage. Alongside these experiences, they also benefited from unique professional opportunities that offered valuable insight into the wider world of music. These activities have strengthened confidence, deepened understanding, and further inspired pupils in their musical journeys.
4th March – Wetherby Senior School Annual Brass & Wind Day
Our brass and wind players had a fantastic day collaborating with musicians from across London at Wetherby Senior School’s Annual Brass & Wind Day. Pupils worked with specialist tutors, exploring ensemble technique and tackling exciting repertoire that pushed their musical boundaries. The day culminated in a vibrant performance that showcased both individual progress and impressive teamwork. It was a brilliant opportunity for our pupils to experience music-making beyond Surbiton, building confidence and new friendships. Events like this are a powerful reminder of how much music can connect us, and we’re already looking forward to even more pupils getting involved next year.
9th March – Vox trip to Mamma Mia
Vox enjoyed an uplifting trip to see Mamma Mia!, immersing themselves in the infectious energy of ABBA’s iconic music brought to life on stage. Pupils were inspired by the performers’ vocal stamina, tight harmonies, and charismatic storytelling. The experience offered valuable insight into professional musical theatre standards, which pupils have already begun to reflect in rehearsals. There was a real buzz on the journey home, with plenty of spontaneous singing along to the soundtrack! Trips like this are a fantastic way to deepen musical understanding, and we’d love to see even more singers join Vox for future outings.
11th March – Young Voices trip to Hercules
Our Young Voices choir had a brilliant visit to see Hercules, a production bursting with dynamic vocals and gospel-inspired energy. Pupils were captivated by the powerful ensemble numbers and the expressive storytelling through music. Seeing such high-level vocal performance live proved both motivating and educational for our younger singers. The trip sparked thoughtful discussion about stagecraft and vocal technique in the following rehearsals. It’s clear that opportunities like this help shape confident performers, and we encourage more pupils to get involved in Young Voices to experience it for themselves.
17th March – Vox trip to SIX
Vox were thrilled to attend SIX, a bold and electrifying reimagining of history through pop music. The pupils were particularly struck by the individuality of each performer and the stylistic diversity of the score. The show’s empowering themes and high-octane vocal performances left a lasting impression on everyone. Back in school, pupils have been inspired to bring even more character and confidence into their own performances. It was an unforgettable experience that highlights just how exciting live performance can be – definitely one not to miss next time.
13th – 17th April – Choir Tour to Salamanca
Our Choir Tour to Salamanca was an unforgettable musical and cultural experience, with pupils performing in two outstanding concerts, including one in the breathtaking Salamanca Cathedral. Singing in such a historic and acoustically rich setting was a truly special moment that elevated the choir’s performance to new heights. Beyond the concerts, pupils embraced Spanish culture, strengthening friendships and building independence along the way. The standard of music-making throughout the tour was exceptional and a credit to all involved. Tours like this are a highlight of school life, and we hope even more pupils will seize the opportunity to be part of the next one.
28th April – Abbey Road Recording Day
Our Year 10 GCSE Music pupils and Music Scholars experienced a truly unforgettable day recording at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios. Working in Studio 3 with a professional engineer, each pupil recorded a solo track, gaining invaluable insight into the recording process. A special highlight was being supported by former Surbiton High pupil Annabel Gasiorowski, now an Assistant Engineer at Abbey Road—a wonderfully inspiring full-circle moment. Pupils also had the rare opportunity to glimpse Studio 2 and learn that Studio 1 was hosting a top-secret film score session, adding to the excitement. Experiences like this bring classroom learning to life in spectacular fashion, and we’re eager to see more pupils follow in these footsteps.
30th April – Music from the Movies by Candlelight trip
Pupils were treated to an atmospheric evening of Music from the Movies by Candlelight at the stunning St Martin-in-the-Fields. Surrounded by candlelit ambience, they experienced iconic film scores performed by exceptional musicians in an inspiring setting. The concert highlighted the emotional power of film music, something our pupils study and explore in their own compositions. Many left feeling newly motivated to develop their own creative work. It was a magical experience that we hope will encourage even more pupils to attend similar events in the future.
5th May – Side-by-side experience at Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Selected pupils took part in an exciting side-by-side experience at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, rehearsing alongside undergraduate musicians. This immersive opportunity allowed them to experience conservatoire-level expectations and ensemble playing first-hand. Pupils rose brilliantly to the challenge, demonstrating focus, adaptability, and musical maturity throughout the rehearsal. Working with older musicians gave them a clear sense of the pathways available beyond school. It was an inspiring and aspirational experience—one that we hope will encourage even more pupils to strive for opportunities at this level.
