ACS Music Christmas Advent Calendar

Welcome to a very different celebration of the Festive Season and showcase of the musical talents of learners from Year 7 right through to Sixth Form here at YGACS.

So… in lieu of our scheduled Christmas concert this year (16th December 2020) and to promote some good news & highlight the hard work of our musicians and Music Team of visiting instrumental and vocal tutors who, despite the COVID restrictions have safely compiled this online event for your entertainment.

https://christmas.aberdareschool.co.uk

The WAG restrictions mean we are limited regarding effective rehearsal of larger groups and even smaller ensembles that cross ‘bubbles’ & of course social distancing. In this regard things will be slightly different with an emphasis on soloists and mostly smaller or year group limited ensembles.

In our Christmas Concert we normally formally launch the annual school production, Addams Family, Fame, We Will Rock You etc… Of course, back in March the lights of London’s West End and regional theatres across the UK went ‘dark’ so, linked to the "The Show Must Go On" campaign promoting the impact of COVID on the Arts and Music and Theatre particularly we will focus on Music Theatre alongside traditional ‘Festive Fayre’.

We will spotlight some of the highlights of the Year 11 Mock GCSE Practical Exams that took place on 2nd December & feature some outstanding soloists from year 11.

The flavour will be broadly festive but also an opportunity to showcase our exceptionally talented learners who throughout lockdown have found new ways of working with their instrumental and vocal tutors and indeed the work of the Peri Team who produced an invaluable library of YouTube style tuition videos during lockdown!

Personally, I’d like to thank the Music Team at YGACS:

Mr. Baker (Guitar Tutor)
Mr. Galozzi-Hibbert (Drums)
Mr. Morris (Brass)
Mrs. Gibbs (Woodwind)
Mr. Fortey (Voice)
Mr. Chinnock (Piano/Accompanist)

For all their hard work. But especially, Mr Edwards (Bass, Violin, Vocals) a continuous support and a good friend.

Also a vote of thanks to Mrs Morgans, her management team and the Governors of YGACS who at every stage of the process have supported the return to music-making in school, for helping us find new ways to work safely, creatively & musically in this ‘new normal’ – Diolch. I am genuinely proud that we were amongst the first schools to facilitate a safe return to practical music lessons back in June.

Finally, thanks to the young musicians of YGACS for their patience, resilience and talent that has shone through lockdown and gives genuine hope that “The Show Must Go On”.

So… enjoy a different musical item every day in December right through to Christmas Eve (only one a day!) by simply clicking on today’s date on our interactive Advent Calendar.

Best wishes for a safe, happy & healthy Christmas and a far more ‘normal’ New Year!

Rowland Gibbs (Director of Music & Culture YGACS)