Turning up the Volume

Prince’s Mead was alive with music, energy, and exceptional talent this week as pupils took to the stage for our annual Music Festival. The event showcased the achievements of the many children who learn musical instruments with our visiting peripatetic teachers, including flute, violin, piano, trumpet, guitar and more. With over half of pupils from Year 2 upwards learning an instrument or taking singing lessons, this year’s festival was our biggest yet, reflecting the thriving musical culture at the heart of Prince’s Mead.

Our Head of Music, Sue Williams, praised pupils for their dedication and flair:

“Our young musicians continue to amaze us with their passion and progress. The festival is one of the highlights of the musical year, with pupils performing a wide variety of pieces they have been working on, from beginner to Grade 6. It was inspiring to see pupils supporting and celebrating one another.”

Each performance was assessed by our two guest judges – Sarah Carley, Head of Music at Thorngrove School, and Jo Seaby, Acting Head of Music at King Edward VI – whose expertise and encouraging feedback was a valuable addition to the day. In recognition of their musicianship, pupils were presented with silver and gold awards, celebrating their progress, confidence, and dedication.

Music is woven into daily life at Prince’s Mead. Pupils who have achieved Grade 1 and above are invited to play in the Prince’s Mead Orchestra, which performs every week at Friday Prayers, giving young musicians invaluable ensemble experience and regular performance opportunities.

Our extensive range of groups, including Wind, String, Guitar, and Flute, ensures that any child who wants to play in an ensemble can do so, regardless of ability. In addition, tea‑time concerts held throughout the year offer relaxed performance opportunities for pupils and enjoyable occasions for parents to attend.

Singing is equally celebrated. Every year group sings in a choir, embedding vocal music across the school. Our Chamber Choir, selected from Years 5 to 6, represents Prince’s Mead at special events, including a heart-warming Christmas visit to a local care home for some carol singing.

Meanwhile, Year 6 pupils are currently auditioning for the annual school musical, a much‑anticipated event that is paired with a trip to London to experience a West End production.

A lively new addition to this year’s festival was the Battle of the Bands, which encouraged pupils to form groups, arrange their own pieces, and showcase creativity and teamwork. The competition quickly became a favourite among pupils, adding a fresh dimension to the festival.

The festival concluded with a special end‑of‑day concert, featuring a selection of standout performers chosen to play for the school community and parents. It was a wonderful finale to a day filled with talent, enthusiasm, and a shared love of music.

Prince’s Mead extends heartfelt thanks to our visiting peri teachers, supportive families, and especially our two fantastic guest judges for helping make this festival a memorable celebration of music.