A Night at West Hampstead

A Night at West Hampstead 2024

Last half-term was finished off with a bang when we had the triumphant return of our music celebration - A Night at West Hampstead. Children from Reception age all the way up to Y6 came together to show off their musical prowess both individually and as part of various ensembles. Parents were treated to a beautiful art display on the ground floor hall, showcasing work from Nursery to Y6, before being ushered upstairs to the middle floor hall for a night they would not soon forget. There was something for everyone - from funk on the drum kit (Lucas Y3 Thames) to Renaissance madrigals rearranged for recorder (Tasha Y3 Thames)

This year, not only the children performed to their parents and peers but we persuaded some of the staff to perform as well! Bradley Jones (trumpet), Ed Parr (trombone), Emanuelle Fitzotti (guitar) and Clea Thomasset (flute) all wowed us with some beautiful renditions of well-known tunes. As a parent remarked, “Normally you’d have to pay £20 to hear something like that!”

It wasn’t only the exceptionally musically talented members of staff who came forward to perform, but some of the teachers you see every day. Miss Woodfield played her bassoon in a trio with Clea and Orla (Y4 Seine) and Mr Drake took on a starring role in the final performance of the evening! KS2 singers sang I Just Can’t Wait To Be King from The Lion King with Mr Drake taking the part of Zazu - we hope the children performing in that number enjoyed their one opportunity to be sassy to Mr Drake with impunity!

Whilst it was a lovely opportunity for us to celebrate the music which children learn in their individual lessons, it was equally wonderful to see the progress the children have been making in their lessons in class! A huge congratulations must be given to the children in all year groups who do not have private music lessons but who chose to return to school to take part in the ensemble performances such as Y6 brass, Y4 recorder and KS1/KS2 singing assembly. It was magical to see so many children on stage making music together!

The entire event was recorded and photographed by Mr Beynon so, if you missed the live performance, you can view it as many times as you like (as well as see a photograph of your child performing) on our website. Visit the creativity page and head to the A Night at West Hampstead 2024 tab to relive it!

Huge congratulations to the children who performed! They all did amazingly well and everyone left (if you will permit the pun) on a high note. We are already looking forward to an ever bigger performance next year - we hope we can persuade you to join us then!

The Staff of West Hampstead Primary School.