Thursday 10th of April.
I arrived at Christ College
Brecon feeling apprehensive but quite exited at the prospect. Will anyone want
to do the Performance Class after the first session?? They may spend a short
time and realise they would rather do something else instead. Being introduced
to everyone is always nerve jangling as I am quite a shy person but everyone
made me feel at ease and even followed my volume control conducting! That's
always a great start. YUMMY Dinner sets
up the evening and feeling strong we stepped into the Studio to see who we
would be working with. 25 students raring to go even after a long journey, jet
lag and full tummies, perfect and just what Emma,Gareth and I were hoping for.
Made sure everyone could count to 5 forwards and backwards, and sing in tune
too which helps and also realised someone wasn't very good at guessing age`s.
Although it was very kind thinking I was 34. Time to finish for the end evening
already after Emma had weaved her magic and made everyone tired with her
routines. I was shattered just watching.
Friday 11th.
Day before the show!!!! How will we fit in 3 songs, and 3
dances into 1 day. Just a minute this is Inter High.. they can do magic. Ok
let's get into it. Sing dance relax sing dance relax, lunch sing dance relax
sing dance send the musical director off to the Studio to rehearse the Flash
Mob.. ssshhhh!!Don't tell the students, but Liz I am rubbish at keeping
secrets, it's ok you won't have time to tell them! Back to the theatre, how
are the show cast learning so quickly... because it's Inter High. They can do
magic!!! Dinner, one to learn. Oh my God a penguin in my parlour, 10 minutes
and its learned. I CANNOT BELIEVE THE AMOUNT OF WORK THESE INCREDIBLE YOUNG
PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN ON BOARD TODAY I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. There have
been tears of absolute joy and pride from certain members of the teaching staff
ready, I was ok of course I just had something in my eye... on several
occasions. Especially listening to the solos I am sure it's in my breifcase
somewhere is a great way to cover tears of joy and pride, I hope! Time for
bed, still a few words to be learned
wonder if the performers will do their homework??? No need to ask that
question, this is InterHigh they just do it. I certainly need my bed after the
excitement and hard work of today. How do they keep going. Emma, Gareth and I
have asked for so much and the students have just given it in bucket
loads.
Saturday12th
SHOW TIME!!! Saturday's here already. Ok John no tears today we have
lots to do, enter Razzle Dazzle and Frazzled!!!! Can they really pull this off,
yes you guessed it .... of course they can, this is InterHigh. Tech run,
where's this track where's the Mic more light here we can't see, Tech crew
sorting sound and lights, backstage flying around like roadies at a rock gig.
Costumes being made buttons patches all sorts. On stage do this do that stand
there sing louder smile etc etc. InterHigh students ok ok ok ok no problems
yes John yes Emma yes yes yes!!!! Why are they panicking????? Well done
everyone go get lunch!! Maybe I can eat something now having been unable to eat
breakfast.... struggled but had a little bit. Pizza it is then. Dress
rehearsal. Little chat. Oh and an impromptu duet with Alex. And here we go!!!!
Well says Gareth, that went rather well. What did you expect.... ok you know
the rest, this is----------, home to try make myself look smart really exited
by what is about to happen........... everyone looks ready all technical prep
done. Enter dressing room for last talk producer filling up M.D leaving room to
check all prepared, what do you mean awe they are both crying, we had something
in our eyes! AND HEAR WE GO!!!!! One FANTASTIC performance and another
and another, we are really about to give a little love, where did that time go.
Wow that was fantastic. Interval, and Razzle Dazzle em!!! Another wow from me
and the audience. Time for a quick toot ready for the finale. Just a minute
some of the parents are on the stage they think it's all over. Not quite yet,
two to go. Amazing dance routine and here comes that Penguin again. InterHigh
School get a standing ovation!!!!!!!!!!! And fully deserved too.
So
students I will now share this with you, what you did and the way you did it I
really didn't think possible!!! You made your teachers and staff look on in
amazement as you performed supported back stage and with the technical aspect
and the fab costumes. I was so proud to have been part of something so special.
To watch you all give your everything you had and more, never once did I hear a
moan or anyone make a negative comment. You all were an absolute credit to not
only your school but to YOURSELVES… I have worked with youth groups for many
years, and have never worked with a group who gave so much. You amazed the
audience and your teachers and staff. Please remember what you have
accomplished on InterHigh school weekend and be proud of it. You will all hold
a very special place in my memory and my heart and if I am lucky I may even get
to work with you again one day. Good luck to each and every one of you in
whatever you do. You have all been amazing to work with.
I have learned something this weekend and hope you all remember that in
this circle of life give them a bit of the old razzle dazzle and a little love
and it all comes back to You!!!!!!!
John Harris
Performance M.D. InterHigh school.
