Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

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JAZZ BAND One of the most recognisable and well-known music ensembles at Grosvenor is the jazz band. I have been a member of the group for three years now and it has always been amazing fun. Mr Arnold has asked us to play a variety of different jazz pieces from film scores to traditional jazz standards. By far the best thing about jazz band is the more casual nature of it. There is very little pressure on the juniors to be amazing while also letting the more experienced musicians hone their skills. Over the last year we have played a wide range of pieces. We concluded the year by performing Bart Howard’s ‘Fly me to the moon’, Van Morrison’s ‘Brown eyed Girl’, James Brown’s ‘I feel good’, and ‘How deep is your love?’ by the Bee Gees. We rehearse on a Thursday from 4:15 to 5:00 in the music department with Mr Arnold as our director. We also get to play for the school on several occasions throughout the year. The first time we played for the school this year was when we played for the canteen at lunchtime as a Christmas treat for the juniors. But of course, the gig where we could really show our talent was the Spring concert in the Ulster Hall. The hall’s renowned acoustics and the ensemble’s astounding skill made for a performance that I am sure will not be forgotten about in a hurry. Our Jazz Band is made up of wonderful people with amazing musical ability. We have two saxophones (Reuben Magill and Maria Veluz), five trumpets (Daniel Major, Joanna McCullagh, Ruby Glover, Penny Glover, and Jack Mitchell), two trombones (James Hughes and Reuben Curragh), a percussionist (Keli Seneadza), a bassist (Katie Smyth) and of course the man himself, Mr Arnold, who makes the whole thing happen. I hope that all of our musicians can keep performing and you can keep enjoying our music. James Hughes 14TG5 (trombone)

BRASS ENSEMBLE The Grosvenor Brass Band has been truly exceptional this year. Speaking as someone with seven years of experience in the ensemble, albeit with no personal bias, I can confidently attest to the high calibre of musicianship and camaraderie within the group. Under the expert direction of Mr Georgie Sandford, a highly accomplished conductor, musician, and proud alumnus of the school, we have been fortunate to benefit from both his musical expertise and his unwavering commitment. This year, the ensemble has been predominantly composed of Year 14 pupils, including James Hughes and Reuben Curragh on trombone, Harry Douglas on tuba, and Joanna McCullagh and myself on cornet. In addition to the Year 14 cohort, we have also been privileged to perform alongside Jack Mitchell and Jameel Ahmed on trumpet, Oliver Donnelly on tenor horn, and Harry Lloyd on tuba. As we prepare to leave the band, there is a shared sense of sadness among us. The weekly rehearsals, held on otherwise uneventful Wednesday afternoons, have consistently been a highlight of our school experience. Throughout the year, the Brass Group has performed a varied repertoire, including ‘Ye Banks and Braes’ arranged by Chuck Cassey and ‘Shackleford Banks’ by Jay Bocook. The transformation in our sound from the beginning of the academic year to our performance at the Spring Concert, held in the prestigious Ulster Hall, was remarkable. This progress is a testament to Mr Sandford’s dedication and the consistent effort he invested in our development. The more informal and intimate nature of the Brass Group, coupled with its smaller membership, fostered a strong sense of community and allowed friendships to flourish across year groups. I wholeheartedly encourage any pupil who plays a brass instrument to consider joining. It is an immensely rewarding experience, both musically and socially. Daniel Major, 14TG6

GROSVENOR IN VIEW > 2024/25