Rydal Penrhos uses its exceptional facilities to enhance the school’s community involvement, which has stood the test of time for more than a century.
Not only this, but with COVID-19 restrictions now subsiding, Rydal Penrhos is once again forming groups that welcome involvement from those in or out of the school community. This has proven hugely popular in the past and two music initiatives were recently launched with more on the way in the not-too-distant future.
The Rydal Penrhos Community Choir is back in full swing following a brief absence. The choir practices on a Monday from 6.30 to 7.30 pm in the Memorial Hall on Queen’s Drive and contributes to various events across the school such as the Christmas Concert and Speech Day.
The Choir is led by music teacher Alan McGuinness, who has plenty of experience with choirs from his time working at St Asaph Cathedral. He directed the Cathedral Choirs in both live and recorded broadcasts for national radio and television and was an organist for two broadcasts of Songs of Praise.
Mr McGuinness has given many organ recitals at home and completed a concert tour of New York City and New England in the United States of America. We encourage singers or would-be singers from the local community to join us.
Another exciting announcement is the launch of the Rydal Penrhos Community Wind Band, which formally began on Wednesday 2 March from 7-8.30pm in the Senior Music Room on Combermere Road, Colwyn Bay.
Sessions take place every Wednesday and the Rydal Penrhos Community Wind Band is open to current pupils, alumni, parents, staff and local musicians. There is no charge for the group sessions, which will be led by musician, ex-Rydal Penrhos parent and current school Governor, Clive Wolfendale.
The repertoire for wind band is vast and highly flexible, encompassing bespoke, classical and popular arrangements. Consequently, it will be possible to accommodate players of a ‘Grade 3’ standard (or equivalent) alongside more experienced musicians. Within the emerging freedoms from lockdown restrictions, there is an appetite to re-engage with music-making amongst regular practitioners and those who have not picked up an instrument for some time.
Staff are already planning more community-based initiatives, with a strong emphasis on getting back to normality and bringing back a true sense of belonging after what’s been a difficult two years for everyone.
The community spirit that’s evident across day-to-day life at Rydal Penrhos is something we feel should be celebrated and shared. Something that has been an enormous benefit and brought everyone closer together as a result.
Anyone wishing to join our Community Choir can contact Mr McGuinness at AMcGuinness@rydalpenrhos.com. For Community Wind Band enquiries, contact prep@rydalpenrhos.com.
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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or register your interest online here: https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/apply-now.
