Music and Drama
Music plays a large role in the life of the school at Junior King's. A very large number of boys and girls are involved from the very first day they arrive.
There is a very popular choir with lunchtime rehearsals once a week. Pupils just turn up.... auditions are not necessary. The choir sings at a number of special occasions during the school year. They are evident at the Prize Giving evening in November and a small number only at Open Morning also in November. The full choir always sings at concerts in school and in Chester Cathedral for the end of term services.
The school orchestra is made up of pupils who have had lessons on their orchestral instrument for at least two terms. We have a full range of orchestral instruments of varying standards. Music is specially written for the pupils, so all standards are catered for. We play all kinds of music; TV themes, film music and classical music.
All pupils learn to play the descant recorder in year 1 as part of their music lessons. Some pupils are proficient enough to join the orchestra after a few terms.
Pupils bring their musical instrument to school on a regular basis to accompany the hymn in morning assemblies. Classes of pupils too are able to accompany the hymn on a percussion instrument from a large selection we have in school. This has to be arranged on a rota because of the enthusiasm of the pupils.
Junior concerts, theatrical productions, daily assemblies and end of term cathedral services are all opportunities for children to perform and shine.
Always a high point of the school year for parents and children alike, J2 pupils present their play in the Lent term and J4 pupils in the summer term.
Mary Poppins - a production with J2 pupils
The J2 Play is an established tradition and, like their predecessors, the pupils worked very hard to prepare their production of Mary Poppins. As always, it was a most rewarding and confidence-boosting experience for all concerned.
The play was adapted especially for the pupils by Miss Jan Anderson from the original book written by P L Travers. Miss Anderson somehow managed to create a speaking part for all fifty-nine children! The wonderful production, set in 1910, tells of two children, who are not receiving enough attention from their parents until nanny, Mary Poppins, arrives, bringing with her her own unique brand of magic! The production included twelve fabulous songs, directed by Mrs Barbara Roberts including ‘Let's Go Fly a Kite', ‘A Spoonful of Sugar' and ‘Supercalifragilistic...' All the children sang the songs, with the verses sung as solos, with help from percussionists from J4. A breathtaking performance from the children, aged eight and nine, was enjoyed by a full house of parents and friends.
The Tempest - a production with J4 pupils
At the end of June, J4 performed their annual drama production, "The Tempest". Directed by Vanessa Gibson, “The Tempest” is a Shakespeare 4 Kidz production which makes Shakespeare’s language accessible to Key Stage 2 children.
Starring all 72 J4 children and supported by 23 J3 musicians it was indeed spectacular!
Mrs Gibson said, “I believe that to give junior school children a taste of Shakespeare in a fun, musical way, at such a young age really sparks in them the initial interest which then stays with them throughout their life.”
Seated on all four sides of the acting space and within seconds on the stage lights coming up the audience were transported to a ship, being tossed and blown in the waves. The standard of performance was breathtaking, and it was difficult to believe the children were only aged 10 and 11.
From the spectacular direction, superb singing and music, wonderful costumes, effective lighting and impressive use of the space, the school hall felt more like The Royal Exchange!
Drama is all about co-operation, trust, communication and self discipline and the J4s really gained from this experience.
Perfect Pirates - a production with J2 pupils
J2 performed "Perfect Pirates" earlier this year. Everybody in the year took part at least saying one line each! Each child had a unique costume which was relevant to their part.
The plot, set in 18th century when piracy was at its peak, tells of the exploits of pirate bands -Calico Jack and Captain Bluebeard and their attempt to find hidden treasure and the Governor’s representative Captain Barnet’s attempt to capture the crews of pirates. As in all good fairy tales, good triumphs over evil and in the final scene, we witness Captain Barrett back in the UK and Calico Jack and his crew in prison ready to face the hangman’s noose.
The whole production, directed by Miss Anderson was a triumph and much enjoyed by children and parents.