THE SOUND OF MUSIC
School Production
7th - 9th February 2023
With its enchanting storyline, irresistible score and catchy songs, the hills and Ilkley Moor were truly alive with The Sound of Music.
Following on from "We Will Rock You" last year, this was another impressive production with a wonderful display of student talent showcasing exquisite choral singing and 4-6 part harmonies, beautiful solos with renditions of many timeless classics from “Do-Re-Mi”, “My Favourite Things” to the yodelling of “The Lonely Goatherd”, alongside powerful and convincing characterisation from the main cast and supporting roles.
The joy and power of music was also reinforced by the masterly performance from the live orchestra which showcased a wide range of musical talent across the different years.
What was particularly special about this show was that it involved over 135 students from all year groups including our year 7 students and also provided opportunities in a range of roles both on stage and behind the scenes including sound, lighting, staging, set and costume design.
Student testimonies:
"I am really grateful to have had so many wonderful experiences with the IGS showband. Every single performance was exciting and memorable. I made special memories and forged friendships within and between year groups... I have been challenged to play a great range of repertoire, and encouraged to be the best performer I can be. Each show makes us feel like part of a special team, and I will really miss it after I leave!" - Esme Gutch, Y13 (Orchestra)
"Being a part of the school show (The Sound of music) has been such fun. I have loved being part of the cast and learning new skills in acting, dancing and singing. The final show was amazing! The atmosphere backstage was really positive and everyone helped each other. I can't wait to find out what next years production is going to be!" -Minnie Booker, Y8 (cast)
"Working on the Sound of Music as my character will most likely one I look back on. It was the first time I have ever played an individual character in a production before; and it felt incredible to be able put yourself in the shoes of that character and bring your own perception and personality to it... Being a part of this production or any one at Ilkley Grammar School is certainly something special; and for me personally is one of the fondest things I have been a part of, having helped boost my confidence and social interaction as a general human being." -Jeff Cook, Y10 (cast)
"For me, this production was incredible, not only was Captain Von Trapp a wonderful character to play but the cast that I had the honour of acting alongside where amazing. From the largest to the smallest part everyone put their all in and it truly brought the world of the sound of music to life." - Alexander Ashman Hogan, Y12 (cast)
"Throughout the production, I enjoyed learning about the technical side of theatre, which allowed me to expand my knowledge on how shows are run. This allowed me to improve my skills such as working with other members of the team and cast allowing me to improve my communication with other people in a professional setting along with other important skills, such as problem-solving... I am looking forward to being able to work on this even further next year." - James Cumberland, Y10 (backstage)
“As always, working on a school production is an incredible experience and this year’s show was no exception to that. Working with the amazing Creative Arts Team, Orchestra and Cast as the Stage Manager is a privilege and it is clear everyone involved wanted the production to be unforgettable. Being able to lead the diligent and hardworking Backstage Team and work alongside the amazing crew is an experience I hope to never forget and I cannot wait for the IGS production of 2024!" - Dylan Hurst, Y10 (backstage)
"It was a great performance to be a part of everyone gave it their all and it came together perfectly. The teachers were awesome in supporting us all and put so much time and effort into it." - Zac Wilson, Y9 (backstage)
"I started Backstagers this year with no experience of IGS productions - absolutely 'nun'! Being part of the backstage crew has been an amazing experience and 'one of my favourite things' and I really enjoyed 'the hills (being) alive with the sound of music' around Ilkley. I think there's 'no way to stop it' and I cannot wait until next year's show." - Phoebe Siddons
Further Information:
- Visit our Creative Arts Twitter page to see all the tweets and photos of the production.
- Visit our Extra Curricular Creative Arts page.
- Visit Ilkley Gazette to read their article about our production.
