STUDENT REPORT
AN UNFORGETTABLE
PERFORMANCE
Lara Farrow 12C
movements involving clapping and stepping. The movement proved to be a
key aspect in the performance. The use of dance was visually enthralling and
served as a steady beat for the songs, a position usually filled by the beating
of a drum.
Another feature was the sheer amount of fun that the pupils seemed to
be having. Broad smiles beamed across their faces, which proved to be
contagious as the joy spread throughout the spectators.
"It was so much fun! We always enjoy it when we perform" - Noma, 15
"Yes it’s very enjoyable, I love to see the audiences’ reactions when we
sing" - Karabo, 16
A highlight of the concert was the performance of Asimbonanga and the
South African national anthem. All the choirs sang together, providing a
perfect blend of skill and talent. The symbolic unity between the schools was
so moving that most of the audience, including Dame Helen, were forced to
wipe the tears from their cheeks.
The concert was a landmark commemorating the relationship between
Sparrow School and Watford Girls. It strengthened the growing network
of international schools that we are affiliated with, including institutions in
France, Germany and China. When asked about the importance of these links
between schools, event organiser and former Deputy Head Mrs Richards said,
“These relations between Watford Girls and other international schools like
Sparrow School are of extreme importance. They enable pupils to learn about
other cultures and give opportunities for students to experience enrichment
through events such as the concert” .
For an encore all of the choirs gave an enthusiastic rendition of the African
Folk song "Thela". This proved to be a collective favourite as it provided an
opportunity for Mark II and Senior choirs to join in with the accompanying
dance. The life of the performance allowed everyone to immerse themselves
in the upbeat and charismatic songs, not only making the evening fly by but
also cementing the bond between Sparrow School andWatford Girls. A fitting
ending to a fantastic evening that will not be easily forgotten.
"I will forever remember my experience performing at Watford Girls
and the kindness I received here. I am glad we were able to share our
culture with you" - Karabo, 16.
O
n the 23rd November Watford Grammar School for Girls played host to
the choir from the Sparrow School in South Africa and The Haberdashers’
Aske’s Boys’ Prep School for a truly unforgettable concert performance.
After months of meticulous planning the students from Sparrow School
travelled the immense distance of 8,112 miles on a ten and a half hour plane
journey. They arrived at our school amidst final rehearsals for the music
concert that was to be held that evening. The choir consisted of twelve
students, their choirmasters Badae and Dominic and their headmistress Jackie
Gallagher. Their arrival at the school was cause for great excitement. Choir
member Pin-Wen Wang recalls the experience, stating: “It was so exciting to
finally meet the choir we have heard so much about. After our rehearsal with
them we were really looking forward to everyone else hearing them too”.
The aim of the concert was to raise funds for the Sparrow School which seeks
to provide education for children between the ages of 7 and 19, many of
whom have experienced homelessness, neglect or have been orphaned. It
is an organisation which Watford Girls has endeavoured to help in the past
through various fund raisers such as a twelve hour ‘read-athon’ undertaken
by three pupils last year.
The Main Hall was filled with eager spectators and the evening began
with a delightful rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World” from The
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ Prep School. This was followed by the ever
popular Senior and Mark II choir who performed a medley from the stage
production Les Miserables, the beauty of which caused the hairs on the back
of the necks of many an audience member to stand on end.
After a short interval Dame Helen Hyde addressed the audience, warning
any South Africans amongst them to have their tissues at the ready for the
choir’s performance of the South African national anthem and Asimbonanga,
a tribute to Nelson Mandela.
It was then time for the Sparrow School Choir to take centre stage. The first
thing that struck me upon seeing the Sparrow School choir on stage was their
brilliant attire of traditional patterned skirts, beaded necklaces and feathered
headbands. This was followed by the awe their presence created, muting the
audience’s excited chatter to complete silence as they walked on stage.
The first song entitled "As the deer pants" began the set and incorporated
the impeccable vocal abilities of the choir and also a series of rhythmic
STUDENT REPORT
