Celebrations as school opens dedicated performing arts centre

DOWNPOURS could not dampen spirits at Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools on Saturday as staff, pupils, parents and friends past and present marked the opening of its new performing arts centre.

Pupils pulled together to demonstrate the wealth of artistic talent present at the school with performances from its junior and senior orchestras, chamber choir and also solo performances from Emily Ambrose, Theo Hayes and Jessica Ferguson, on bassoon, piano and violin, and flute respectively.
Former pupil Sebastian de Souza gave an opening speech via video link from Hollywood, while head boy Finlay Rossiter and head girl Jessica Ferguson cut a ribbon on stage.
The project was an extension of the existing sports hall, which now boasts retractable tiered seating for a 220-strong audience, with space for a stage to be erected, and a two storey foyer linking it to the adjacent arts building to create a dedicated performing arts hub under one roof.
It comprises a gallery to display pupils’ artwork, a foyer with performing space and a music technology room, while six additional music practice rooms have been added meaning that all music lessons can now be held there.
Headmistress Caroline Riley said the space resembled a small London theatre, and that the school was thrilled with the final product.
“It was a fantastic day,” she said. “It was the coming together of a very long dream which we have had of bringing music and the arts altogether under one roof.”
Headmaster David Fleming added: “The new performing arts centre offers our pupils outstanding resources to
develop their talents in music, art, drama and design, in addition to superb gallery space to exhibit their work.
“It is also hoped that it will be widely used by the local community through the Brockhurst Charitable Trust.
“Already, director of music, Cliff Rowley, has started a community orchestra which will be based in the new building, and head of art, Louise Gunnersen, plans to run art workshops for local residents later this year.”
The first official production was held in the new centre on Tuesday as Year 8 pupils
performed scenes from ‘Oliver’.