Last Sunday saw a quite fantastic Jazz@theCripps concert with our NSB musicians mixing brilliantly with professional Swing Band - 'Down for the Count'. Director of Music Mrs Yates reports:

On Sunday, the music department welcomed the UK’s leading swing orchestra, Down for the Count, for an unforgettable day of workshops and performance. The orchestra worked with students throughout the day before joining them on stage for a collaborative concert in the evening.

The day began at 12:30 with sectional workshops for strings, horns and rhythm section. Members of the orchestra worked side by side with our students, offering expert guidance on technique, style and—crucially—balance. With nearly 80 musicians set to share the stage that evening, managing dynamics was essential. Musical Director Mike Paul-Smith was so impressed with the standard of our string players that he invited them to perform an additional piece with the orchestra during the second half of the concert.

At 3:30, the full rehearsal began, giving all students the chance to perform on stage with the complete orchestra. From the very first note, they sounded phenomenal. It was at this point many students realised just how special the evening was going to be. Members of Down for the Count were friendly, supportive and inspiring throughout, with many students commenting on how much they enjoyed the workshops and rehearsals.

By 7pm, it was time to take to the stage. Looking effortlessly stylish, Down for the Count opened the concert before welcoming students to join them within the orchestra. Year 12 student; Noah Grant shone in a leading role on piano, earning warm praise from audience members during the interval. Our Big Band and Big Band 2 also delivered two outstanding solo performances each, leaving the visiting musicians hugely impressed by the talent, confidence and musicianship on display.

The second half showcased Down for the Count in full swing, including a stunning guest performance by Year 12 student; Alessia Della-Vedova, whose rendition of Georgia on My Mind left the audience spellbound. The strings returned for their special additional piece before the finale brought everyone back on stage—over 50 NSB students alongside 30 members of the Down for the Count Orchestra. Year 13 student; Dominic Jackson and Down for the Count’s Marvin delivered a memorable duet of New York, New York, before the choir joined the stage to close the evening, for a rousing grand finale performance of Rhythm of Life.

It was an inspiring day and an extraordinary concert that we will all remember for a long time!

 

 

Several NSB students played leading roles in an incredibly moving Holocaust Memorial Event earlier this week. Mrs Yates and NSB Governor, Mrs Walker report:

On Tuesday, members of our Sixth Form leadership team and musicians attended the annual Holocaust Memorial event held at The Guildhall, Northampton. The event, run by West Northamptonshire Council, took place as part of the worldwide Day of Remembrance, held in memory of all victims of the Holocaust.

Stanley Rees, Charlie Townsend and Sophie Adeleye compered the event with great confidence and sensitivity, while Noah Grant  played the piano with incredible talent as guests arrived and again during the lighting of the candles. Our string quartet — Noah Grant, Chloe Alcazar, Loraine Nombo and Alexander Dixon — also performed superbly during the ceremony. (Mrs Yates)

It always gives me so much pleasure to report on the incredible number of times I see the good work NSB students do out of school. Yesterday was one such occasion. However, I have to say it was extra special in many ways.  There was so much praise for the students who took part.  The comperes took such positive control of the whole event, our musicians held the audience in such a magical way that people were visibly crying - especially when they played Schindler's List, and those leading the Statement of Commitments ( Sophie, Chloe and Lorraine) did so with such grace. Noah played beautifully as people were arriving and at the end as the audience lit candles.  Special guests included John Griffiths-Elsden Deputy Lieutenant, The High Sherrif, The Mayor of Northampton Jane Birch,  Leader of West Northants Council Mark Arnull, Chair and Deputy Chair of West Northants Council, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone,  Chief Constable, Leader and many Members of the Jewish community and more.  The NSB students were central to making the event so special — a true reflection of the consistently positive contribution made by NSB to our local community. (Mrs Walker)

 

In a week where NSB were again ranked in the top two State Schools in the UK for competitive sport by School Sport Magazine, the NSB rugby teams continued to extend our magnificent record in the National Cups this season. With the First XV already safely cemented in their Semi-Final berth, it was the turn of the U15s to try and reach a historic last four place for the fourth year in a row. They were up against a physically huge and talented Sedbergh side from Cumbria but buoyed by a vibrant home crowd the NSB boys delivered a stellar defensive display, mixed with sharp attacking flair to emerge as victors by 15 points to 7.  The next day our U14s faced an almost carbon copy tactical and physical opponent in Richard Hale School and again a fantastic gritty performance within the context of a challenging away environment saw NSB move into the Quarter-Final where we will take on perennial rivals Warwick School at home. Next week it is the turn of the U16s who again will face Warwick in the last 16 - this time away from home. There are no prizes for guessing who NSB's likely opponents in the U15 Semi-Final will be!!!

 

 

Richard Bernard

Headteacher