A Celebration of Black Musical Heritage and Jazz Excellence
8 May 2025 - All
In a powerful evening of collaboration and tribute, the African Society, led by Morade (LVI) and Tess (LVI), and the Jazz Band, led by Mr Ledingham, honoured the legacy and influence of Black musicians. The concert opened with Eden’s (LVI) commanding performance of Crazy in Love, her stage presence setting the tone for the night. Genevive (LVI) followed with a soulful rendition of You Bring Me Joy, while Nadia’s (UVI) smooth vocals in What a Difference a Day Makes, supported by Mr Parkes on piano and punctuated by Mr Ledingham on Tenor Saxophone, all captivated the audience.
Frida (LVI) brought charisma and commitment to No Scrubs, before Phire Choir, led by Nadia (UVI), delivered a fiery Respect. Judea (UVI), Ava (UVI), and Abbey (UV) lit up the stage with infectious energy, and the choir’s harmonies in Say a Little Prayer closed the African Society’s set with elegance.
Then it was time to fill the hall with the sounds of the 58-piece Jazz Band, featuring a cohort of talented pupils, a few staff members and professional musicians, entertaining the wonderful audience. Vocalists took to the stage to capture the audience with 13 songs adapted and arranged by Mr Ledingham. Our pianist, Francesca (UVI), opened by singing Night and Day to then return to the role of Pianist and then Harpist on Embraceable you sung by Sasha (LVI). Nadia (UVI) returned to sing Fascinating Rhythm, which with Alice’s (LVI) animated They All Laughed were secretly building to surprise the audience with some participation. Phire educated all on the use of Toot Sweets/Melody Pops for a special performance sung by Genevieve (LVI) of the Julie London version of Fly Me to the Moon, adding a playful twist. This was followed by a change of pace with Maddie (UVI) singing another Ella classic, Every time we say goodbye and Nell (LVI) wowing the crowd with the powerful Blues in the Night.
The concert drew a diverse crowd, including a Film/TV director, an Emmy winning screenwriter and a Wycombe Abbey Senior, now a film agent, who praised the pupils’ talent and professionalism. One guest said they would have paid £20 for a ticket!
A special mention to Sophia (UVI), who in addition to playing lead Alto Saxophone, recreated the mastery of Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James with At Last, Dream a Little Dream, All the Things You Are, Cheek to Cheek and closing the concert with a message, to Accentuate the Positive.
This amazing concert showcased everyone’s versatility, bringing the golden age of jazz to life in a night of unity, artistry, and unforgettable performances.
Kate and Alice
LVI
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