The Saltus Stage 5 | Page 15

Saltus Stage 15

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Ensemble Update

Vivace, the most senior string quartet at Saltus has had a busy term so far with performances for Westmeath and as part of the Menuhin Spring Concert.

The group performed at Westmeath for Mr. Harold Dale's 90th birthday. Both Mr. Dale's sons, James and Robert (a Rhodes Scholar) attended Saltus and were delighted to hear how the strong tradition of Music has continued and flourished in the school.

The Menuhin Foundation Spring Concert was held at St. John's Church in Pembroke on Saturday, March 14th. They performed the well known piece I Dreamed a Dream from the musical Les Miserables and a contrasting Tango by Michael McLean which they performed with great style. Well done to them!

Vivace members Liam Peniston (Year 12), Tashae Trott (Year 12), Sofia Montarsolo (Year 12) and Megan Zimmerer (Year 11) spoke eloquently and performed the varied programme with confidence and panache and were a credit to both their director, Ms. Haslam (Menuhin Foundation) and Saltus.

Inaugural Performances! - This year’s Spring Concert provided an opportunity for three new ensembles to be included in the programming.

Stringendo was formed last year as a bridging gap between the Junior and Senior Orchestras for Intermediate players. Directed by Ms. Haslam, the ensemble rehearses on Friday mornings and is currently the only group to included violas and double basses!

The all – male violin quartet, iBow gave it’s first public performance at the Spring Concert since being formed this September. It is one of two string quartets that rehearses at lunchtime, directed by Ms. Haslam.

Junior Jazz Band began rehearsing this September, directed by Ms. McDonald. The philosophy behind this ensemble is to introduce students to the genre of Jazz whilst being mentored by more experienced students in order to prepare them for future integration into the Jazz Band.