To contact the site email Dave davmckenz@aol.com or Sheila sheilan@bethere.co.uk .  Material has been received from Harry Parker (HGS 1936-40). Photos have been received from Mr. Parkinson (HGS Staff member 1960-67). These include an unknown Third Form 1960-61. Could you please let us know the name of the Form? Letters written by Major Jenkinson to pupils and staff of the first school at which he was Headmaster are now on the site's School History Section. If you have a Prefects photo for 1955-56 or 1959-60 could you please let the site have a copy? Thank you.

Musical Activities 1960s

1960-61
 
From the School Magazine 1961

The Music Department suffered a terrible blow at the beginning of the year with the death of Mr. Oliver. He had only been with us for one school year but in that short time he made many friends and is greatly missed. The loss is greater since the music department is insufficiently staffed, which places a greater burden on Miss Evans, whose work is greatly appreciated by us all. Many thanks go, however, to Mr. Owen, who has helped the music department at such a crucial stage.

The first musical event of the year was on Speech Day, when the Four-part Madrigal and Junior Choirs provided entertainment which everyone enjoyed.
The School Choir sang The Seekers and Reveille from "Three Songs of Courage" by George Dyson
The Middle School Girls' Choir sang The Ride of the Witch by Charles Wood and
Old King Cole by Ivor Davies.
The Madrigal Choir sang three Elizabethan Songs:
Never Weather-beaten Sail by Thomas Campion;
Since First I Saw Your Face by Thomas Ford and Thou Wast, O God by Thomas Tallis.

Mr. Kennedy and Miss Evans provided a novelty by producing the musical play, "Tom Sawyer" by Jonathan Elkins. I trust that this musical activity will continue to be an annual event.

The Four-part and Madrigal Choir played a leading part in the Carol Service in December and Mr. Owen successfully revived the Male Voice Choir whose performance was enjoyed by all. We would like to thank the members of staff who helped in the choirs.

It was encouraging that quite a few members represented us in the Grammar Schools Festival Choir at Leeds.

Guest House retained the Music Cup by a narrow margin of two points. Holgate were second, Price third and Talbot fourth. It is encouraging to note the interest taken by many juniors in this competition. Mr. Reed acted as essay adjudicator.

The musical activities were brought to a close with the Summer Concert. The standard of the performers was very high and appreciated by the large audience.

Our thanks go to Mr. Renhard, the visiting violin tutor; Mr. Hemingway, the visiting violin-cello tutor and Mr. Want the visiting brass instrument tutor. Additional help has been given by Mr. Reasbeck and the music department appreciates this help.

It may be noted that in July of 1960 two of our outstanding musicians attended a Summer Course at Bretton Hall.

The past year, therefore, has been a pleasant one but more support is needed by the school to give Music the higher position which it rightly deserves.
Weston P.G. L.VI.A
1960-61 Grammar Schools Music Festival
 
From the School Magazine 1961

This year fifteen members of the school took part in the Grammar Schools Music Festival at Leeds. The choir consisted of over four hundred seniors from twenty-two Grammar Schools in the West Riding. The performance of "A Sea Symphony", a work by Vaughan Williams, was given at Leeds Town Hall, on Tuesday, 21st March. Accompanied by the West Riding Symphony Orchestra, leader Laurence Turner, the choir was conducted by Stanley Adams, the Senior Adviser in Music to the W.R.C.C. The soloists were:- Elizabeth Simon, soprano; John Lawrenson, baritone and the organist was Dr. C. E. Ramsey.
On the programme were other items which together with "A Sea Symphony", made a very enjoyable and memorable evening for the pupils of the school and the staff who were in the audience, and for those who were taking part.
Hodge C. U.VI.A
1961-62
 
From the School Magazine 1962

The end of the 1961 Summer Term saw the arrival of Mr. Coar, whose presence was badly needed in an inadequately staffed department. Although Hemsworth may be a backwater as far as music is concerned, I am sure that Mr. Coar's energy has aroused some interest, if only in Morning Assembly.

The first musical event of the year was Speech Day, when the Four-part, Madrigal and Junior Choirs gave very able performances. The Four-part and Madrigal choirs played a leading part in the Carol Service, the former providing the traditional carols, and the latter some Australian carols. Holgate easily won the Music Cup, with Guest, Talbot and Price, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. The Juniors must be congratulated on their eagerness to enter; we hope as the years go by their zeal will remain undiminished.

The School was fortunate in having a visit from the West Riding County Orchestra who gave us a somewhat relaxing and entertaining day. One feels that such concerts are worthwhile occasions and do much to break down hostility to classical music.

Concert-going was restricted to one outing to Leeds where we heard the B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra perform Elgar's "Introduction and Allegro for String Orchestra and String Quartet", Bruckner's 7th Symphony and Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, with Ann Schein as the soloist.

Once again the Four-part Choir won the shield at the Pontefract Music Festival. The Madrigal Choir were fourth in their section.

Musical activities came to a close with the School Concert. Various items of a somewhat lighter nature than usual were interspersed among the others; we hope that they in no way detracted from the enjoyment of the evening, but rather fortified it.

During this year many pupils have worked hard and successfully; one does, however feel somewhat disappointed at the indifference of the majority to the musical activities of the School.

We are grateful to Mr. Want and Mr. Smith, visiting tutors in brass and violin respectively, and also to those members of staff who have helped so willingly. Most of all, of course, we are indebted to Miss Evans for her skilful and untiring work in the cause of music.
Weston P.G. UVIA
1962-63
 
From the School Magazine 1963

Musical activities in the school this year have been quite popular, especially amongst the seniors the recorder groups, the three choirs, the jazz band, and the brass and violin groups being the main bodies.
The first musical event of the year was on Speech Day when the four part Madrigal, Main and Junior choirs provided entertainment which everyone enjoyed.
Mr. Kennedy, Miss Evans and Mr. Coar introduced a little musical variety in the Christmas Show. Miss Evans and Mr. Coar gave several intermezzos which were highly appreciated, and the senior choir and recorder group worked hard together in the Christmas Pastoral and their efforts were well rewarded.
Holgate House retained the music cup 15 points behind came Talbot, Price were third and Guest fourth. It is encouraging to note the interest taken in the competition by the juniors and we hope that their enthusiasm will remain undiminished throughout their school life. Our thanks go to Miss Evans, Mr. Coar and Miss Thomas for organising and judging the competition.
The recorder group was so popular this year that a subsidiary group of juniors was formed under the careful guidance of Isabel Colpitts. This gave the juniors some experience of playing together before entering the senior group.
The highlight of the year for the senior group came with the Christmas Variety Show, where, together with the main choir, they performed a Christmas Pastoral by Colin Hand entitled "Jolly Wat", which was well received by the audience. Thanks go to Miss Evans and Mr. Coar for their help with this effort.
The senior group practised hard for the Pontefract Music Festival and won their section, gaining a first class certificate (85%). We extend our thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Palmer for their help, patience, and advice.
The jazz band has had a successful year, the highlights being the summer and winter sports dances. Many thanks go to Mr. Smith who has worked hard with the group and brought it up to its present high standard, and also to Miss Evans, who has made our practices possible.
The school had a large number of entries in the Pontefract Music Festival and on the whole did very well, winning first, second, and third class certificates. The main choir would like to extend their thanks to Miss Evans, the Madrigal choir to Mr. Coar, and the junior choir to Mr. Owen, all of whom have worked hard with the three groups.
The musical activities came to a close with the Summer Concert. The standard of the performers was high and the large audience appreciated each item on the programme.
Thanks go to Mr. Smith, the visiting violin tutor, Mr. Want, the visiting brass instrument tutor, and to all other members of staff who have helped so willingly. We are especially indebted to Miss Evans and Mr. Coar whose work in the school's music activities is unlimited.
The past year, therefore, has been an active one, but more support is still needed to give music the higher position it rightly deserves. We hope that some of the people who are yet indifferent to music will fortify our efforts in the coming year.
Thompson, G. J., 5A
 
1963-64
 
From the School Magazine 1964

This year has seen the arrival of a new music master, Mr. Cooling, to take the place. of Mr. Coar, who left last summer.

The first musical event of the year was Speech Day, when the Madrigal, Main and Junior choirs gave a very able performance which everyone enjoyed. The Main and Madrigal choirs also played a leading part in the Carol Service in December.

The House Music Competition was won by Holgate House, with Price second, Talbot third, and Guest fourth.

The School Choirs were prevented from competing at the Pontefract Music Festival this year, because of the Music Concert, which was, unfortunately, on the same night. The concert itself was a great success, with items of a lighter nature interspersed among the more serious.

This year, the Main Choir was composed entirely of girls - through obligation, not choice. But I am pleased to say that the Madrigal choir suffered no lack of male voices, urged on by several enthusiastic members of staff.

The Jazz Band has continued to flourish this year under the able leadership of Mr. Smith. The highlight of the year for them was in October when they appeared in a Jazz Festival at the Queen's Hall, Leeds. The sight of a certain needlework teacher sitting on a bathroom stool in the midst of dancing teenagers will not easily be forgotten. Being of a naturally modest disposition, I will make no mention of the singer, who was, nevertheless, addressed by Mr. Barry O'Dee, of Luxembourg fame, as "a little doll".

I should like to thank Miss Evans for all the work she has done this year in the cause of Music. The choirs have flourished because of the time she has given up, and because of her skilful and untiring work throughout the year.
Vivienne Toft, U6A. Holgate
 
1964 Summer Concert
 
From the School Magazine 1964

The highlight of the School's musical activities was, undoubtedly, the Summer Concert. The performance of each choir was of a very high standard and the winning House-Choir, Price House, conducted by Christine Kenyon, proved the event to be a pleasing innovation to the programme. Special mention, should be made of the School Choir's rendering of "Come to the Fair" which provided a rousing finale to the evening's entertainment.
Individual performances were also very polished; Louise Armitage, Pauline Ogley, Jean Armitage, and Susan Ashmole were the soloists, while Vivienne Toft and Jean Armitage sang the duet.
On the instrumental side there were excellent piano solos from Janet Herbert and Angela Deighton, and a duet from Jean Armitage and Nancy Birch. Two juniors, Leslie Pickersgill and John Micklefield formed a competent, if a little nervous, brass duo.
Perhaps the most versatile musician of the evening was Andrew Hudson, who played the trumpet with the Jazz band as well as singing in the Madrigal Choir. The continuing improvement of the Jazz band was shown by their skilful performance which was enjoyed by all. Dennis Jordan and Terence Galley provided a delightful comic interlude with "On Top of Old Smokey" and "There's a Hole in my Guitar", the words of which were adapted by Jordan himself.
The variety of the items in this year's concert made it one of the most successful ever. Special thanks must be given to Miss Evans, Mr. Cooling and Mr. Owen for all the enthusiasm and effort that they put into its organisation.
Nova Websdale, U6A. Talbot
 
1964-65
 
This has been a disappointing year in some ways, despite great efforts by Miss. Evans and Mr. Cooling. The blame lies almost entirely with the boys, who have given very llttle support to the choirs this year. However, despite the lack of male voices, the choirs are of excellent quality and gave very able performances at Speech Day and at the Concert.

The Madrigal Choir is perhaps the strongest that it has ever been and this is in no small way thanks to the six members of staff who prop up the male voice side. The senior girls choir' has been well supported and one would think that the sight of so many beautiful songstresses would spur on the boys to grater efforts.

The Jazz Band has played sporadically this year since its members are involved in G.C.E. We thank Mr. Smith for his guidance and hope that he will have no difficulty in replacing the pianist, trumpeter and drummer when they leave this term.

The emergence of a strong violin group and brass group suggests that in the not too distant future the school orchestra might be re-formed.

The House music competition was again won by Holgate.
Hudson, A. J.

Concert 1965
The highlight of the year's musical activities was, as always, the summer concert, and the performers this year displayed their skills admirably.
The choirs, which, by tradition, provide the opening and finale, gave performances of a high standard. especially the girls' choir whose harmonious rendering of three negro spirituals proved an excellent finale to the evening's entertainment.
Individual performers were Robert Hanlev (violin), Sonia Smillie (accordion), Angela Deighton (piano), Pauline Ogley (contralto), Mr. D. Want (trombone), and Dennis Jordan who sang one of his own compositions and one of his own arrangements.
One feature not seen at a concert for some considerable time was a violin quartet which rendered two enjoyable numbers. The Brass group, which has improved beyond all recognition, gave Clark's "Trumpet.Voluntary" as one of two pieces. The Jazz band, though reduced in number through illness, gave, nevertheless, a polished interlude, and two fast Spanish Dances were the subject of enjoyable piano duets by Miss. Evans and Mr. Cooling.
Special thanks must be given to Miss. Evans, Mr. Cooling and all the other members of staff who helped in the preparation and practices which went on for many weeks. Also thanks are due to Mr. Gray, the business manager, whose untiring efforts in the sale of tickets helped to make this concert, a great success.
Hudson, A. J.
 
1966 Summer Concert
 
The musical activities of the school have been brought to a close this year by the Summer Concert, and indeed it provided a wonderful night's entertainment. On the instrumental side, there were performances from the School Orchestra. Brass Group and Recorder Group, and two excellent piano solos given by Angela Deighton and Kenneth Dixon. The two soprano soloists Theresa Riley and Margaret Killingbeck, overcame any nerves they might have had and made a great success of two very beautiful songs.

Two highlights to the evening were provided by Dennis Jordan (photo above), who sang his own songs, accompanying himself with his guitar, and Mademoiselle Passols' musical group. Of course, nothing can be said of Jordan that has not been said before, for he always shows tremendous enthusiasm in the more entertaining activities of the school. But Mademoiselle Passols is new here and we cannot congratulate her enough on her interest in the school. For the music concert, she, and Mr. Harrison, helped Normans to perform a choral arrangement.

Mention must also be made of the two violinists Robert Hanley and Colin Mair who handled this instrument, which is so much more difficult to play than one might assume, in a very professional way.

All that remains is to thank the other people who took part, but above all to thank Miss. Evans and Mr. Owen for all the work they put into the production of this year's School Concert.
Marilyn Smith, L.6.A. Guest.
 
1966 House Music Competition
 
The Music Competition, as always, attracted a wide variety of entrants, and revealed, if not a desired and badly needed source of musical talent, at least some ingenuity and House spirit. Choice of music also showed a wide variety, ranging from old favourites such as Beethoven and Mozart to the less conventional recorded duet of 'Clementine' (well-rehearsed prior to Wednesday afternoon Geography lessons by Kathleen Lowe and Haigh in the Girl Prefects' room).

Holgate unfortunately lost its long-held predominance in music this year, being beaten into third place by Price and Guest respectively.

Although, losing many of its supporters this year, the Music Competition appears to have aroused considerable interest in the lower school which speaks well for future years. It is probably a foolish wish, and undoubtedly a dangerous one to commit to print, but I hope that Music will become increasingly important in the school, and perhaps may some day even rival Rugby.

The winners of the various classes were as follows:-
Brass Solo, Bray, B.
Brass duet, Wassell and Bray.
Senior Piano Duet, J. Carr and V. Brett.
Junior Piano Duet, J. Cox and G. Jones.
Violin solo, Mair, C.
Violin duet, Burrows and Hanley.
Senior Piano Solo, A. Deighton.
Junior Piano Solo, Dixon K.
Junior Vocal Duet, M. Wicks and L. Barrett.
Senior Vocal Duet, L. Armitage and J. Armitage.
Senior Boys Vocal, Jordan, D.
Senior Girls Vocal, J. Henwell and T. Riley.
Junior Girls' Vocal, M. Killingbeck, J. Armitage.
Miscellaneous Instrument, Jordan, D
Recorder Duet. V. Brett and K. Greasley.

Guest - 2nd; Holgate - 3rd; Price - 1st; Talbot - 4th.
Angela Deighton. U.6.S. Holgate
 
1966 Solitaire and Giselle
 
Last term Miss. Alliot took a party of juniors from school to see performances of the ballets, "Solitaire" and "Giselle."

"Solitaire", a modern ballet given in one act, was very popular, being fast-moving and novel. Patricia Ruanne, Kerrison Cooke and John Sale were the principal dancers with Hillary Debden and Paul Clarke mahing up part of the excellent supporting cast.

"Giselle", a classic ballet given in two acts, was enjoyed partly because of the musical accompaniment and partly because of the brightly coloured costumes.

In both performances the standard of dancing and of the production as a whole was very high and we are very grateful to Miss. Alliot for giving us the opportunity to see them.
Jaqueline Winder, Talbot
Susan Smith, Price
 
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