7.30pm Thursday December 2020

AUTUMN CHAMBER CONCERT

Our Christmas programme commences with our Autumn Chamber Recital, featuring some of the best soloists and small ensembles that the School has to offer. This event features short performances from both our younger and our more experienced musicians. The evening promises to provide a rich and thoroughly enjoyable programme of diverse music.

CHAMBER CONCERT PROGRAMME

7.30pm Tuesday 15 December 2020

WESTCLIFF HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS: A CENTENARY HISTORY

Official Launch of the School’s Centenary History Book, by Dr Alan White

As the School’s Centenary Year comes to a close, we are privileged indeed to have this opportunity to access the story of Westcliff High School for Boys, captured so brilliantly by Dr Alan White, former Teacher of History and Deputy Head at the School, and author of a number of books on twentieth-century European history.

“This book is first and foremost a narrative history of the School’s first hundred years. It does not, however, confine itself to story-telling: it seeks as well to provide explanation and analysis. In particular, it has things to say about continuity and change in the life of the School, and also has perspectives to offer on the significance of key individuals and the role of chance and contingency in the School’s history.” - Dr Alan White

The duration of the book launch video is approximately 30 minutes.

7.30pm Wednesday 16 December 2020 & 7.30pm Thursday 17 December 2020

CENTENARY MUSIC HALL

WHSB’s troupe of players brings the late 19th century tradition of Music Hall back to life with some wonderful old songs, poems and pantomime sketches

Music Hall as a tradition dates back to the 1850s when enterprising publicans realised that bringing in some entertainment would boost sales at the bar and lift their profits. The genre was to spawn a century of British entertainment, inspiring seasonal pantomime, musicals like Oliver! and variety hall acts. Today’s TV comedians can track their acts back to the great Music Hall comics like Max Miller, Arthur Askey and Ken Dodd. Television shows such as Britain’s Got Talent are a reincarnation of the form, bringing The Good Old Days to a new young audience. WHSB’s Centenary Music Hall brings this form back to life, with wonderful old songs like O O Antonio, Daisy Bell and Down At The Old Bull And Bush, together with some glorious poems and pantomime sketches, all brought to you by WHSB performers from all year groups. (Mr B Jeffreys, Director of Drama)

The duration of the Centenary Music Hall video is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

7.30pm Friday 18 December 2020

A CENTENARY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

A festive celebration of the 100th Christmas at Westcliff High School for Boys featuring music and readings from pupils and staff. This promises to be a warm and festive evening featuring much loved carols alongside, the Big Band, the Brass Band and Christmas celebrations which evoke the spirit of this festive time of the year.

There have been challenges in approaching our festive programme this year, but in true Westcliff spirit we have refused to admit defeat and accept a year of abandoned tradition. More than ever it is important that we maintain our sense of community; that we abide by the values that have propelled the School through the last one hundred years. We are all immensely proud of the determination demonstrated by our staff and pupils in fighting the odds and producing as wonderful a celebration as ever, ensuring that our Centenary year is not marred by a lack of that which has made us so special. (Mr Tom Derrick, Director of Music)

The duration of the Centenary Music Hall video is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.