BATTLE OF THE BANDS AT QUEEN MARY’S SCHOOL, TOPCLIFFE

The choral and orchestral music for which Queen Mary’s School is renowned is about to make way for ‘heavy rock’ as preparations for the school’s annual Battle of the Bands gets underway.The leading North Yorkshire independent school at Baldersby Park near Thirsk has gained an impressive reputation for its music. Many pupils play an instrument and, in particular, the Chapel and Junior Choirs are known across the region for their quality performances. However, the more traditional instruments are being temporarily exchanged for electric guitars and drum kits as the girls get ready for the competition on Thursday 11 March at Baldersby Park.Ian Scott Massie, who has taught guitar and percussion at Queen Mary’s since 1987, says the competition is very much run for the girls and by the girls. It was first held in 1997. “This is another area of music for the girls to explore, one which gives a different, but complimentary route for their musical skills to be expressed. They choose who will be in their band, give it its name and choose the music. I arrange the music to reflect their ability, run the rehearsals and teach technique and stage skills. We have had bands at the school since 1989 and several pupils have gone on to be in bands after leaving, and it’s great fun for all concerned.”The competition will be judged by Mr Scott Massie, Oliver Jones, who is running the Deer Shed Festival at the school on 17 July, Nathan Bosomworth, drum teacher from Ripon and Jim Fleeting, a guitarist and guitar  maker, also from Ripon. Mr Jones has kindly said the competition winners can play at the Festival.


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