SECONDARY school students joined established musicians from La Ronde Concert Band to play festive favourites at a concert last night.
La Ronde, a 40-strong community band who play at occasions including Liberation Day, performed together with around 70 students at a concert at Haute Vallée School.
La Ronde’s musical director, Charlotte Cooper, who is also head of music at the school, said that the band were “delighted to be joining forces” and that the concert was an opportunity of introducing young people to music.
“We recognise the essential role that music plays in the lives of young people and are proud to see these young musicians perform,” she said.
“Their passion, dedication and commitment will ensure the future of live music in Jersey.”
The 70 or so students taking part came from the school’s various bands.
For many of the students, the concert was their first time of experiencing performing in front of an audience and, as Ms Cooper explained, a way of celebrating “the achievements of these students”.
La Ronde Concert Band celebrated its 41st anniversary last year and is made up of around 40 musicians, including clarinet player David Perchard, who has also written about growing up during the Occupation.
The concert featured plenty of “festive favourites” such as Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, a medley of well-known carols, as well as Let the Bells Ring, which is based on the Ukrainian Bell Carol, and music from the soundtrack of Home Alone.
For any Islanders who missed out on the festive concert, there will be another opportunity before Christmas to enjoy plenty more carols and yuletide favourites.
La Ronde Concert Band will be playing at an upcoming performance at St Andrew’s Community Carols from 3pm to 4pm on Sunday 22 December.
