A term in full voice: music at Sedbergh
From the formal musical demands of Evensong at Ripon Cathedral to the energy of OctoberFest and the whole-school involvement of House Unison, the first weeks of term have shown the breadth of music at Sedbergh.
Alongside established performers have been pupils taking to the stage for the first time, performing on a second or third instrument, singing in choirs, playing in bands and contributing to whole-school music-making. What links these different experiences is the combination of ambition and participation: musicians are encouraged to strive for excellence, while remembering the enjoyment and confidence that first drew them to music.
Chamber Choir at Ripon Cathedral
On Sunday 5 October, Chamber Choir had the honour of singing Evensong at Ripon Cathedral alongside the Cathedral choir.
Under the direction of Dr Ronny Krippner, the choir experienced a service that is not regularly offered at Sedbergh and which brings a number of complex musical demands, including the singing of psalm settings.
It was an opportunity for pupils to work within a very different musical setting and to experience the discipline and precision required by cathedral music.
Scholars’ Recital
On Sunday 11 October, the first Scholars’ Recital of the year took place in the Thornely Studio, featuring musicians from Years 9 to 11.
For some, it was their first solo performance at Sedbergh. For others, it was their first solo performance on a second or third instrument.
The programme ranged from classical repertoire by Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Bacewicz to music by Bernstein and Mancini, alongside songs from stage and screen. The variety gave each performer an opportunity to show something of their own musical personality.
The recital offered an exciting glimpse of the future and of the range of young musicians developing their confidence and craft at Sedbergh.
OctoberFest
The first major concert of the school year was an evening full of energy, enthusiasm and, above all, enjoyment.
It was a debut for the entirety of Year 9, and for many in Male Voice Choir and Show Choir, all of whom sang Dolly Parton numbers. Elsewhere, the Pop Collective bands were out in force alongside solo performances from Archie and Lula.
Big Band opened the second half, with help from the audience, while members of the Orchestra performed within their sections before regrouping after half-term for Remembrance Sunday.
The combination of ambition and enjoyment is an important one: musicians should strive for excellence, but they should also remember why they started making music in the first place.
What was particularly impressive was the sheer number of pupils involved. OctoberFest demonstrated that music is not just about polished performances from the most experienced musicians. It is also about participation, creativity and having the confidence to stand up and share something with an audience.
Congratulations to everyone who took part, and thank you to an audience who entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of the evening.
House Unison Competition
The 2026/27 House Singing Competition got underway on the eve of the half-term break, as the School gathered in Powell Hall for the Unison category.
As the one House competition in which every single pupil is directly involved, the atmosphere was feverish but respectful, with a high standard of competition throughout.
Lupton returned to House victorious, with Sedgwick and Carus taking second and third place respectively.
House Unison is perhaps the clearest expression of the breadth of music at Sedbergh: every pupil takes part, and music becomes part of the shared life of the School.