THEY’RE singing a happy song at Redmaids’ High School after a series of choral successes. On Saturday 11 March, the senior choir and
a cappella group Close Encounters took part in the Bristol Festival of Music, Speech & Drama and were both awarded trophies for winning their classes with stunning performances. The Senior Choir won the Susan Weaver trophy for singing Viva La Vida by Coldplay and Soldier, Soldier in the free choice class. Close Encounters won the Malcolm Williams memorial trophy and sang The Sound of Silence and Big Spender to rapturous applause. Adjudicator John Pomphrey complimented both choirs. 

The success continued the following day, when Close Encounters travelled to Warwick School for the National Final of the inaugural GSA (Girls’ Schools Association) Choir of the Year. After submitting their video entry for the competition in December, Redmaids’ High received the news in February that Close Encounters were one of six choirs selected for the competition final. The students, Rosie, Claudia, Maddy, Charlie, Hattie, Emily and Grace rose to the occasion and performed with vitality and style. Close Encounters were delighted to be placed as runner-up with some fabulous feedback.   

Head of Keyboard Studies and long-standing member of the Music Department, Mrs Kate Woodman, who trains both choirs,  commended the students.  “Singing is incredibly important at Redmaids’ High, and we are fortunate to have many talented singers who perform in our six outstanding choirs. The girls are committed and work so hard in every rehearsal which is testament to their fantastic achievement at the events over the weekend. 

“The judges were extremely complimentary about their singing, and I am so incredibly proud of them all.”