Vasa Concert 23rd January 2014

For the fourth year running we continued our link with The Vasaskolan Gävle School in Sweden and the Imberhorne music department for a week of musical activities, culminating in a showcase concert in the Gasson Studio on 23rd January. The Imberhorne Jazz Band and singers worked with the Swedish students to put together a performance of big band favourites including Birdland, Sway and Diggin’ on James Brown. The students rehearsed the music together in just one day which culminated with a stylish performance on the Thursday evening.  The joint concert also featured ensembles and soloists from KS3, 4 and 5. Jack Barnard, Helen Holden and Abbi Zivengwa (Yr9) performed a fitting tribute to Nelson Mandela with Wavin’ Flag by K’naan from the South African World Cup. The BTEC Students: Matt Didon, James Rowsell, Daisy Minords, Ali Brown, Sally Sirr, Jonathan Stoddart performed a rousing version of Hey Ya by Outkast. This was complimented by some excellent performances from the Vasaskolan students, who entertained the audience with a range of music, including a nod to their native land with Abba and other Swedish songs. As well as performing in the concert, the group of twenty Swedish music students mesmerised and entertained the lower school students with a lunchtime concert on Wednesday 22nd January. The visit from our Swedish friends led to a very enjoyable week and we hope to continue this exciting link in the future.