From Mr Sarjeant, Head of Performing Arts

In July, 61 students and 7 staff ventured to the Mediterranean for the first Performing Arts tour. The destination was Lake Garda; known for its picturesque scenery, incredible climate and delicious food.

Two coaches were packed with every piece of equipment required for three outdoor performances and set off on the 22-hour round-trip to San Zeno di Montagna; a small village on the hillside overlooking Lake Garda. Unfortunately for the touring party, it didn’t take long before the first stop in Dover to realise that both coaches had malfunctioning air conditioning!

After what seemed like a lifetime driving through France, we stopped for breakfast in the Swiss Alps. After enjoying the mountainous views – and mountainous prices for continental breakfast – we continued our journey and arrived at our hotel 24 hours after departing Leventhorpe, largely due to searing heat above 30 degrees both outside and on the coach! Students were desperate to jump in the pool as soon as the coaches were unloaded and with the go-ahead from the hotel, the pool was opened, and everyone enjoyed an opportunity to let off steam and cool off after a long and arduous journey.

DAY 1

Our first full day in Italy was spent in the historic city of Verona; home to Julliet’s balcony, the Arena di Verona and endless ancient, cobbled streets filled with the best shopping luxury the world can offer! After a quick wave of Julliet’s balcony, the students were sent off to explore before reconvening for ice cream and a group walk through the city to the river, before returning to the hotel for dinner and the first of the three concerts.
Location of the first concert was a small village called Ponti Sul Mincio. The performance took place on a large stage platform, situated on the footsteps to castle ruins which provided a picturesque and theatrical backdrop. The concerts included performances from student bands ‘Diverted Traffic’, ‘Novella’, ‘Faultline’ and ‘Face For Radio’, as well as school ensembles ‘LevSingers’, ‘The Funklets’, ‘DysFUNKtional’ and ‘Who’d Have Funk It?!’. Such was the enjoyment and delight of the locals who attended, the touring group dined on locally cooked pizza after the gig!

DAY 2

Saturday morning was spent at the hotel, with most students spending the time in the pool and enjoying the sun. The morning was set against a backdrop of a small group of senior students who setup instruments and spent 2 hours improvising, to the delight of residents and hotel guests who sat on the veranda to enjoy the music. By this point, local air-conditioned coaches had been arranged for the remainder of the tour and the group headed to Lake Garda for a boat trip from Garda to Sirmione. The evening gig took place in a town called Bussolengo, home of the ‘White Night Festival’ with Leventhorpe’s touring performances providing the supporting act to their Saturday night DJ. By the time ‘Who’d Have Funk It?!’ had finished performing, we estimated approximately 5,000 people were packed into the town’s piazza. As the DJ started, a large group of students were front-and-centre of the first set, with dance moves led by Mr Turvill against a sea of amused locals!

DAY 3

Sunday was spent at renowned theme park ‘Gardaland’, with some students enjoying a few too-many thrill-seeking rollercoasters! After a final evening meal at the hotel, we ventured to our smallest and final gig, taking place in a village park a short drive from the hotel. Despite the small audience, enthusiastic music lovers were bolstered by our own students, who behaved with dignity and respect, showing an unwavering support for one-another during each performance. 
We departed San Zeno di Montagna on Monday afternoon – still on air-conditioned Italian coaches – for the long journey home, with our coach company meeting us and the equipment in Remes for a quick and sleepy changeover at 4am on Tuesday morning!

Since arriving back, it has been a pleasure to hear students continue to talk about the tour and receive messages from parents eager to share how frequently and positively the tour is spoken about.

My thanks go to the staff who supported this trip and made it both possible and memorable. Ms Kistell, Mr Turvill, Mr Davidson and Miss Hills were a perfect fit for the faculty, and I was musically and emotionally supported by Mr Beardsworth and Miss Miller, without whom the performances would not have been the quality and success that they were. Closer to home, Ms Ball – who was unable to attend the tour – organised the tour polos and hoodies. 

My final thanks go to the students. They were a credit to us as teachers, the school and their families for their conduct and involvement. I could not have asked for a more polite and talented group of students for a first performing arts tour. Whilst there was a real collective effort from all students, a special mention must go to Thomas Penketh, who spent the week before the tour itemising and packing equipment and took sole responsibility for ensuring all equipment was accounted for and in good working order. 

As for what’s next, we will be touring again, so watch this space!

Ciao!