Amazing music in May at the Model

All the artists were children from Year 2 to year 7 and Mrs Robinson’s and Miss Herron’s class performed a musical entitled “The Peace Child.”

The hall was filled with many parents, grand-parents and friends who had come to enjoy the music. In addition to the Chairman and his wife Mr and Mrs Witherow and members of the Board of Governors, Mrs D. Morgan from N.I.C.I.E. came to enjoy the talents exhibited by the children.

The School choir which sang so successfully at Coleraine Music festival stared the evening with two songs entitled, “I want to be Happy,” and “Silver Trumpet.”

Anna Allen [violin] who obtained a 2nd place award at the festival then played “Kemps Jig” and another year 7 boy sang an extremely difficult song “The Wizard.” The Titanic theme was played by Grace Carson on the Tenor Horn. Grace was also successful at Coleraien festival obtaining a 1st place in the brass solo section. The Choir continued with another two items - “Any Dream Will Do” which was unaccompanied and “Catch a Falling Star.”

Joshua Henry who won his class at the Festival and also obtained the Woodrow Bursary for the most promising musician played “Allegro Mono Troppo” on his flute.A vocal trio of Grace Carson, Carrie McQuillan and Shannon Evans sang “Twilight” and this was followed by Jonathan Waide playing “Evening “ on his clarinet. Jonathan obtained a 2nd place at Coleraine Festival and Both he and Grace represented the school at the Young Musician of the Year, in Bangor two weeks ago.

The Choirs final items were “He was Pierced” and “The Lord is My Shepherd” – another item which the choir sang unaccompanied. The younger children now entertained the audience at the Year 7 pupils prepared for their musical. Liam Simpson [solo clarinet] performed for the first time to an audience of parents playing the “Funeral March from Symphony No 1” by Mahler. Ross fallows, also clarinet , then played “The Witches Dance” The youngest children to sing were Alexandrea Murphy [P.2.] Kathleen Simpson [P.3] and Paris-Rose McVicker [P.4]. “Humpty Dumpty” was the title of their song. Ruth Carson who had obtained a 1st and 2nd at Portstewart Festival played “Andante from Symphony No 75” by Hayden, on her clarinet. A vocal group with Emily Devlin, Jon-Lee Walker, Ruth Carson, Amber Doak, Rhys Ferris, Anna-Jayne Murphy, Erin Simpson and William Dale sang “The Snowman.” William Dale who was commended for his singing at Coleraine began this song before being accompanied by his friends.

After a short break the Primary 7 pupils performed their musical “The Peace Child.”

This was a story which could have taken place anywhere, but which on the evening was set in the mythical land of Mambica a place, ‘bursting with rhythm and colour.’ As the tribes [of children] established themselves either side of the ‘RIVER OF A THOUSAND SONGS,’ the audience was taken on an exciting journey.

The two tribes, Wannakeekee and Sotongi, sprang into life as each tribe tried to outdo each other.

When a western TV crew hit on the nave idea of building a bridge across the river to unite the two communities, the threat of war became a grave reality. As the bridge building proceeded , tension mounted and fear hung over both tribes. In the midst came a wonderful and joyful event – the arrival of the Wannakeekee Chief’s firstborn son. Great celebrations ensued.

The elation couldn’t last for long, however as the prospect of war drew ever closer. There seemed no way out until the Wannakeekee Chief delivered an unnerving message!!!!!

This was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable musical with all the year 7 children playing their part with great energy and enthusiasm.

At the end the Chairman, Mr Witherow, thanked the children for entertaining everyone so well and congratulated them on the display of their amazing musical talents. He thanked the teachers who had obviously worked so hard to prepare the children and the parents who had come to show their support on the evening. He also thanked them for their support during this year which has been so successful and is the start of a new era for “The Model.”

Mr McVeigh also thanked everyone involved with the evening and then invited everyone to remain behind for light refreshments which were provided and served by the P.T.A. and teaching staff.