The Music Department’s annual Summer Spectacular provided a wonderful celebration of the year’s musical achievements, taking place on a warm summer evening in the beautiful setting of St Peter Mancroft Church. The concert showcased the breadth and talent of the department’s ensembles, offering an enjoyable and varied programme. The evening opened with performances from the Junior Jazz Band, whose young soloists demonstrated growing confidence and musicality. A change of mood followed with the Baroque Ensemble, featuring the soothing vocals of Charlie Collier alongside the lyrical oboe melodies of Alena Lai, creating a beautifully expressive performance. Spire Guitar Ensemble tackled the challenging theme from Howl’s Moving Castle with skill and precision. Sinfonia Orchestra impressed with a selection of repertoire including a lively and engaging Sound of Music Medley, while Uberbeat percussion ensemble brought energy and creativity to the programme with an entertaining performance using rubbish bins as instruments. The concert concluded with a performance from the school’s flagship orchestra, Gateway Players, who demonstrated outstanding technical facility and musicality across a varied programme. Their repertoire ranged from the evocative Big Country Theme to the demanding West Side Story Medley, which showcased the ensemble’s versatility and musicianship. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all and was very well attended by supportive family members, friends and teachers. It was a fitting celebration of the hard work, commitment and musical accomplishments of students across the Music Department throughout the year. 

Rosie B, Lower 6, reports on her experience of watching the 2026 Inters Musical, High School Musical Jr. , below... Another Lower 6 Independent project took to the stage this week as the cast of High School Musical Jr “bopped to the top”! Directed by Lev O and Louis B, the talented fifth form cast gave it their all and absolutely delivered. This was a high energy production with brilliant choreography by Zara M - standout numbers like Stick to the Status Quo and We’re All in This Together even had the audience clapping and dancing along! Dancing with basketballs proved no easy feat but they all rose to the challenge. Rory S and Evie A as Troy and Gabriella were excellent protagonists to this energising musical and heartfelt numbers like Start of Something New showed the pair’s incredible vocal abilities. Additionally, Abi B as Sharpay and Archie W as Ryan were a comedic tour-de-force as the two divas of the East High Drama Department. Other brilliant performances included Jimmy K as Chad, Lucy P as Taylor, Noah B, Isis G and so many more! This show was uplifting and breathtaking (for the cast and the audience I imagine). It also marks the third and final pupil-directed Independent Project piece of the year: The Revolting Teens of Sherwood in April by Ella B, Oliver! Jr by Daisy S and Charlie B and High School Musical Jr by Lev O and Louis B have all been amazing experiences for their directors, giving the drama pupils at Norwich School the opportunity to take the reins and create their own fabulous productions.