Initiative brings out best in school
A video of a special lunchtime sing-along at Rydal Penrhos has gone viral.
As part of the school’s Music Week initiative, department director Pete Williams and other staff performed an impromptu version of the James Bay smash hit Hold Back the River, which saw pupils also stand up and join in.
The ‘Flash Mob’ video has gathered a staggering amount of interest on social media, with more than 11,000 viewing the scene in less than 24 hours on Rydal Penrhos’ Facebook page, while it was also provoked an extremely positive response on Twitter.
It was the latest in an extremely busy day for music lovers at the school, with saxophone star Sam Jones performing a series of solo hits in the Memorial Quad during morning break.
The evening saw a plethora of pupils take the stage for the annual Summer Concert, which was held in-front of a packed out audience at the Ferguson Centre.
Mr Williams, said: “Both staff and pupils have really embraced Music Week, and I would like to thank them all for their wonderful contributions.
“It is a busy time of year for everyone at Rydal Penrhos as we begin exam season, but they have all selflessly given up their time to contribute, and it has been a roaring success once again.”
Nick Dundee and Alex Roberts, both Upper Sixth pupils at the school, performed a pair of hits in the canteen alongside Director of Music Pete Williams on Tuesday, May 2.
This is the latest in a series of things occurring at various sites around Rydal Penrhos during Music Week, which is designed to highlight the plethora of musical talent at the school.
The guitarists started off with I’m Not Moving by The Script, before ending their mini-set with a rendition of the Take That song Patience.
Both have made significant contributions to the Music department during their time at Rydal Penrhos, with a number of exceptional performances in concerts and competitions.
Mr Williams, said: “Their performance was very good and it definitely got the attention of those that were eating their lunch at the time.
“You could tell by the fantastic reception they received at the end of their two songs just how well thought of they are by their fellow classmates, and both Nick and Alex have represented Rydal Penrhos superbly during their time here.”
The Year 5 and 6 group made the short trip down the hill to St John’s Church on Wednesday, May 3, where they put their own spin on the Rolf Løvland and Brendan Graham’s classic You Raise Me Up as part of the school’s Music Week initiative.
Conducted by Music teacher Richard Davies, the group sang beautifully and received a huge round of applause from the large contingent at Assembly.
They will also be performing the track – which has been covered by the likes of Westlife and Josh Groban – at Thursday’s Summer Concert at the Ferguson Centre.
This is the latest in a long line of performances at Rydal Penrhos as part of week-long celebration of the musical talent currently at the school.
Mr Williams, said: “It was no doubt a daunting prospect for the Prep School group to sing in-front of a large crowd of pupils and staff in a huge venue such as St John’s, but they all coped with the pressure superbly and delivered an outstanding performance.
“We have a great deal of musical talent at Rydal Penrhos, and this week has been a great way to showcase their skills in a variety of different ways.”