Brentwood School Musicians Play to 500+ Crowds in Germany

Fifty-five musicians from Brentwood School played five concerts in the Rhineland, in south-west Germany, this month, and the school says every one of them drew an audience of 500 people or more.

The group came from four of the school’s ensembles: the big band, the chamber choir, the string ensemble and the a cappella group. The trip is the school’s annual European tour, which is open to student musicians from Year 7 to Year 13. Earlier tours have gone to Belgium, France, Spain, Slovenia and Croatia.

The school calls this year one of its most successful tours. Earlier tours went well, it says, but the size of the German audiences was “extraordinary”, and far bigger than students usually play to at concerts in this country.

“Real goosebump moments”

Chris O’Leary, Brentwood School’s Director of Music, said the tour covered both ends of a school music career:

“The energetic big band sound, strong soloists and heartfelt voices created real goosebump moments. For our year seven students, it was hopefully their first of many international music tours. For our departing sixth form musicians, the tour saw off their impressive Brentwood music careers in style with this series of showstopping performances.”

Florian Cooper, Head of Brentwood School of Music, said the size of the crowds caught the staff out as well:

“The audience reception was unbelievable. We knew we would be playing to larger than average audiences but even we were surprised at the sheer number of people turning out at each one of the concerts. The trip brought the school’s whole musical family closer together in an unforgettable week of music making. Best of all, the students had tremendous fun, too.”

The music department

The school describes its music department as one of the most enviable of any school in Britain, at a time when it says other schools have cut back on music. It aims to give specialist musicians heading for a music career lessons from leading tutors, while beginners get the teaching and encouragement to build their skills.

Brentwood School says it is partnered with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is one of a handful of All-Steinway Schools in the country. Founded in 1557, the independent school teaches more than 1,920 pupils aged 3 to 18, according to its own figures.

What it means for you

If you have a child at Brentwood School who plays or sings, the annual tour is open to students in every year group from Year 7 to Year 13. Questions about the music programme go to the school’s marketing and communications team on 01277 242 246. Term dates for the borough’s schools, including the October half term, are on our Brentwood school term dates page.