11:30am Friday 10th July 2009
By Sarah Hilley
A SCHOOL has released a new CD of its pupils’ greatest hits.
The CD from Commonweal School, in Old Town, features 21 original tracks from past, present and future pupils and staff.
The album – called Now That’s What I Call Commonweal, Vol 4 – showcases the talents of 195 musicians.
Headteacher Keith Defter said: “The Now series has become something of an annual event – eagerly awaited, and like most creative things, in production up until the 11th hour.
“Nevertheless, it is great to once again have the musical contributions of our community captured on CD.
“The diversity and quality of the songs is as good as ever in my opinion and I sincerely hope those who own a copy will enjoy it as much as I do.”
The CD includes songs from Year 7 bands The Frosted Teacakes and The Understanding and Year 9 group Paper Roses.
Freya Holmes, 15, composed a piece which used the harp, piano and piccolo.
“I really enjoy composing,” she said. “Doing the GCSE music course has really helped me and I’m really glad I chose it as an option.”
Sophie- Rose Goldsworthy, also 15, said contributing to the CD will help with her future.
She said: “Performing at school and having a song on the CD is a great experience for what I want to do in the future.”
Pupils from four primary schools, including Robert Le Kyng, King William Primary, Lethbridge School and Even Swindon, also took part.
Westcott Street-based Robert Le Kyng children recorded a school anthem.
Commonweal’s community arts development officer Josie Williams said: “This is the first time we have had our cluster schools on the CD.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for them as a prelude to coming up to big school.”
She said the CD would not have been possible without Commonweal’s art technician Nick Weaver, who recorded tracks and helped with writing and rehearsals.
“Staff and students delivered a diverse collection of high quality compositions and performances — proving once again that Commonweal has got talent,” said Mr Weaver.
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