A rousing and appreciative audience, including numerous VIPs from musical institutions (Conservatoires), Warwickshire dignitaries and Headmasters and music leads from local schools, were treated to an absolutely joyous evening of music whereby all the ensembles performed outstandingly, demonstrating that Brass playing is clearly thriving at Warwick School. A remarkable concert and everyone seemed to be revelling in the jubilation of music making.

The mighty sight and sound of 134 musicians commenced the evening with a bang, performing The Greatest Show from the American musical drama, The Greatest Showman. This song was further enhanced when Mr Tibbitts walked out onto stage accompanied by two Fanfare Trumpeters from the Band of the Household Cavalry. These prestigious musicians are members of the world-renowned State Trumpet Team, who perform for King Charles III and the Royal Family at all the Royal Ceremonies, so it was a real honour to host them at Warwick School for The Big Brass Concert.

One of the main concepts of this event is to take both students and the audience on a musical journey which demonstrates the life of a Brass Musician throughout their time at Warwick, starting from the beginners in Year 3 and Year 7 Music Scheme right through to our extremely accomplished musicians in the senior years acting as positive and inspirational role models.

Brass Company, the flagship ensemble for any aspiring Brass player, performed an exciting rendition of Starburst by Dan Price. Brass Monkeys demonstrated the brilliance of our youth in the Junior School, playing Circle of Life and Fanfare & Flourishes. The bandsmen demonstrated that the unique Year 7 Music Scheme is a wonderful opportunity to learn a new instrument and a successful curriculum that enables pupils to thrive.

Brass Ltd is expanding once again in size with lots of rather exciting prospects coming through the ranks. The advanced chamber groups boasted a high level of musicianship across the department in the form of The French Horn Ensemble, Bold As Brass and The Ambrassadors. Funk After 8 has rapidly become one of the music departments' most sought-after groups with its lively energy and top-notch standard of playing, delivering a couple of showstopping original compositions from Lucky Chops entitled Memories and Pizza Day.

After completing the full circle, Brass Company ended proceedings performing Fire In The Blood - a piece commissioned for the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army. The ensemble demonstrated real pizzazz, and the quality of both the playing and presentation was just simply magnificent.

Following rapturous applause from a very appreciative audience, the concert finale was Into The Unknown from Frozen 2. It seemed only fitting to ask our special guests from the Band of the Household Cavalry back onto stage to join all the musicians. At this point, another surprise was unveiled whereby listeners were mesmerised by the stunning vocals of Cici, a guest professional singer who has toured all over the country and sang in the West End.

Huge congratulations to all the talented students that performed and to Warwick’s esteemed Head of Brass, Mr Tibbitts, and the fabulous Brass team for making this event such a special highlight and another enjoyable night to remember for a long, long time!