No business like snow business at Lynn school show

There were plenty of surprises in store when a Lynn school performed its annual Christmas Concert to a packed house.

The sell-out event at Springwood High School featured around 200 students from Years 7 to 13 – as well as some unexpected appearances from the teaching staff.

“There were many highlights, especially as we had many groups performing for the first time,” said Director of Music Robin Norman, who organised the event. “However, speaking to members of the audience after the concert, there were some performances that many spoke about. These were the new Gabrieli Chamber Choir and the new Soul Band.”

Among the many other talents on show were Springwood’s Big Band, the Year 7 Choir, the Kingsmen and Cantabene choirs, Sinfonia, a piano soloist, and the Concert Band, while the many Christmas classics included ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Silver Bells’, ‘Step into Christmas’, ‘Walking in the Air’ and ‘Let It Snow’ – during which, to the delight of the audience, it started snowing!

“Alongside these, there was the Concert Band, complete with Christmas ghosts, dancers and snow – through the use of a snow machine,” explained Mr Norman. 

“There was also an outstanding preview of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat that we will be performing in January, featuring Callum Barber in the title role.

“It was all fantastic, and everyone performed out of their skin.”

The evening’s entertainment attracted a full-house of 290 to the Peter Hopkins Hall at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust – and it wasn’t just students that took to the stage.

The Sing-a-long Finale of Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ was accompanied by the Springwood Staff Band, which included the surprise addition of Headteacher Andy Johnson on the drums.

“As the Music Lead at the school, I could not have been prouder of everyone, from our ‘new’ Year 7 students involved and performing their first concert at Springwood, through to those that are ‘old hands’,” continued Mr Norman. 

“Performing to a full-capacity crowd can be a daunting, and yet exhilarating, experience, but everyone gave 100 per cent, and the results were a joy to be part of. 

“I am proud of every single student, and they should be justifiably proud of themselves as well.”

The annual event has long been a highlight of the school’s calendar, and this year’s production involved Pete Cuss, Thomas Burt, and Neil Quinn from the Springwood Music Department, as well as Head of Dance, Dawn Paulo, who choreographed the dance routines, and Peripatetic Tutors who helped prepare and direct some of the performances.

“We have a fantastic team at Springwood, and occasions such as this really showcase that,” added Mr Norman. “Everyone played their part amazingly.

“We really value both our school and local community, and shows like this really help this. To see students from all year groups smiling, laughing, and joking with each other backstage creates friends that will last a lifetime. That is the power of music – it creates common goals and ambition.

“For the community, we hope that we helped them get in the Christmas spirit, and that everyone left feeling lightened and just that little bit more festive!”