Thomas Mills High School & Sixth Form hosted its annual Christmas Concert, delighting a packed audience with a vibrant evening of music. The event featured approximately 100 talented students, performing in a variety of ensembles and showcasing the school’s rich musical culture.
The evening included performances from the Chamber Choir, Senior Choir, Jazz Group, First and Second Orchestras, Flute Choir directed by Debbie Rogers, String Group directed by Cal Fell, and Cello Ensemble led by Gretel Dowdeswell. The Knighties, under Rebecca Knight’s direction, and Vinten Voices, directed by Pam Vinten-Phipps, added to the impressive line-up.
Smaller groups such as the Hulland Quartet—a student string quartet—also took part. Individual highlights included Magnus on clarinet, Acer on piano, and Eva on cello, whose solos were met with enthusiastic applause. The Junior Choir added a playful moment with their kazoo performance, which had the audience laughing. The traditional Handbell Ensemble, directed by John Bayle, was warmly received as always.
The evening offered a diverse musical repertoire, spanning from Baroque to jazz. The concert concluded with a lively and spirited rendition of I Will Survive, bringing together all the performers for a memorable finale. This was followed by the audience joining in for the traditional carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and the traditional Sleigh Ride playout.
To complete the festive experience, the Friends of Thomas Mills served delicious mince pies and refreshments, raising funds for the school.
