Proms at The Perse provides sweet summer sounds

Summer sun and marvellous music came together for the annual Proms at The Perse showcase.

A record number of 323 pupils played their part in the extravaganza, providing tantalising tunes across three separate stages – the Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre auditorium and foyer and the Sports Hall.

The 600-plus audience was spoilt for choice with choirs, percussions ensembles, jazz bands, wind bands and orchestras performing a wide variety of styles and sounds.

Perse Director of Music Ben Wingfield said: “The Proms is our summer festival and by far our biggest event of the year. The idea is that members of the Perse community can move around and curate their own programme of wonderful music, while enjoying some street food or a picnic.”

As ever, the Perse Mighty Orchestra, formed of the musicians and keen audience members, brought the curtain down on the Proms, this year with a rousing rendition of Quincy Jones’ Soul Bossa Nova, better known as the Austin Powers theme tune.

“Our resident arranger Jon Halton created a score with parts for beginners right up to Grade 8 level and it all came together so beautifully on the night. We even had the audience providing some body percussion to keep everyone in time!

“It’s a true team effort making the Proms such a wonderful way to round off the year though. As well as the pupils performing, we have Naomi Holiver (music administrator), who ensures pupils aren’t needed in two places at once, the catering department making delicious street food and the caretakers who do an outstanding job of making the place look brilliant.”