On the 13th May, we had the chance to take part in the inaugural IAPS Orchestral Day, which took place just down the road at Benenden School. The resulting orchestra comprised twelve prep schools and no fewer than 162 children. The qualification for entry was that all participants had to be Grade 3 standard or over and it is a testament to the quality that we have at Saint Ronan’s that from our Year 5-7 musicians, we were able to take 26 orchestral players. While I was very proud that we provided the only bassoon player in the whole ensemble, it did rather bring the peril that this noble instrument faces in the wider world.

The mighty orchestra rehearsed all morning, including in some very useful sectionals, and after a joyous lunch break playing ‘it’ in Benenden’s glorious gardens, we returned to the hall to perform the two pieces we'd learned to an audience of parents.

There was a distinct buzz in the minibuses as we returned, and all those involved can now report that they have played in an orchestra with over 150 members.