Performing Arts

Drama

Each year sees a major school production as well as a variety of smaller dramatic pieces linked to examination work. Large scale musicals alternate with smaller, more intimate plays and offer the opportunity for pupils throughout the school to shine on stage, behind the scenes or musically within the orchestra. The latest stunning CFCS triumph in March 2011 saw the school’s production of The King and I, involving pupils from Years 3 to Year 13, play to over 1500 people in the professional setting of the Leatherhead Theatre.  We are fortunate in being able to draw upon the assistance and expertise of a number of  professionals from the fields of stage management, lighting, costume, programme design and makeup.

On an individual basis, pupils have the opportunity to take LAMDA examinations in Speech and Drama, under the guidance of a specialist teacher.  Pupils are frequently entered for Drama competitions, such as the Kingston Festival.

During the year various professionally-led performance workshops are taken by pupils covering such areas as stage combat, pantomime and melodrama.

Recent past Drama productions have included:

• Ernie's Incredible Illucinations
• Confusions
• Daisy Pulls it Off
• Blue Remembered Hills
• The Princess, the Palace and the Ice-cold Bath (specially commissioned community play based around the history of Claremont)

The Drama and Music Departments regularly collaborate on a number of projects.  Over the last few years this has resulted in high quality musical theatre productions such as:

• The King and I
• Oh What a Lovely War
• Salad Days
• The Man of La Mancha

Music

Musical activities flourish within the Senior School. There are a variety of activities that all can become involved with.

The Senior School Choir, composed of pupils from Years 7 to 13 and staff,  meets every week and performs a range of choral pieces from Oratorio to Show Songs and Pop. As well as performing in formal assemblies and concerts throughout the year a highlight must be the Carol Service at Christs Church, Esher, which is attended by parents, pupils and staff. In the last two years the Choir has given the first performances of Carols specifically composed for them.

Instrumental ensembles includes the Wind Ensemble, the School Orchestra and the School Rock Band.  These ensembles perform during the year at a number of events including:

• The Remembrance Service
• Christmas Community Tea
• Christmas Carol Service
• School Concerts
• Summer Meeting

Rock and pop music making is encouraged and supported by the music department and an annual Rock and Pop festival features the varied talents of the pupils from all year groups.  A staff band has also been a regular contributor.  A gallery of images from the last Rock Festival can be found here. 

Other opportunities for students include:

• Music Technology Club (Mixing and Sound Recording)
• Annual workshop held by members of the London Community Gospel Choir offering voice training along with the opportunity of performing a different repertoire in a concert setting.
• Annual Choral and Instrumental Music Competition open to all students.  This is always adjudicated by professional musicians from the entertainment business who have worked on such events as X-Factor, Strictly Come Dancing or supporting Kylie Minogue, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.
• Instrumental Teas offering soloists a platform to showcase their talents in front of an enthusiastic audience.
• Scholars Concert, where Music Scholars and Exhibitioners perform in the 18th Century Drawing Room of the Mansion to an invited audience from the School Community and beyond.
• Drama productions.

Specialist music tuition is available in a range of instruments as well as voice.