Every year students and staff work tirelessly for months on end to deliver the school production and this year was no different, with Carr Hill producing an unforgettable version of the Sound of Music.
The 1965 hit musical film was brought to life by a 90 strong team of students and staff. The team has been working on the production since October 2013 and have managed everything from the set design, to the lighting and sound right through to the promotion and marketing of the musical.
Based on the book The story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp the film is about a young woman who leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the seven children of a naval officer widower. The production required dedication and passion with over 100 hours of rehearsal time need to ensure the show was perfect, this included staff and students giving up their weekends and evenings.
Carr Hill were so keen to make the production authentic that special costumes were made for the cast whilst this is the first production using the new school lighting which enables students to put on a much more professional production.
Year 13 student, Natalie, played the lead role of Maria. Having performed in five previous Carr Hill productions Natalie felt her experience would help her gain the role of the free-spirited Austrian woman. Natalie said: “The Sound of music is my all-time favourite musical so I was delighted when I found out that it had been chosen for the school production this year. I was thrilled to gain the role of Maria; it’s a dream role for me.
“Although it has been a huge commitment I have really enjoyed being a part of the production. I have made so many new friends and learnt such a lot from the teachers and other students. It is funny as I feel like the relationship I have with the students who play the von Trapp children mirrors that of the one that Maria has with them in the musical, that is how close we have all become.”
The school production was performed over four evenings and the support from family and friends was phenomenal. Each night the end of the performance was met with a standing ovation and deafening cheers. Some audience members had travelled far as London to watch and many parents bought tickets for a number of shows.
Year 8 student Sam played one of the youngest von Trapp children, Kurt. This is Sam’s second year at Carr Hill and second time in the school production, he played the lead in Oliver! last year. Sam said: “I didn’t really know of the Sound of Music before I found out it was the school production for this year. I went home and watched it three times. I really liked it and decided to go for the part of one of the von Trapp boys. I was delighted to get the part.”
For Year 12 student, Amy, The Sound of Music was her first school production. Amy landed the role of Mother Abbess and chose to audition due to her love for Sound of Music which she used to watch with her mum when she was younger.
Amy said: “I’m so pleased I decided to audition for the Sound of Music. It has been brilliant being part of something so big, the support we have received has made the hard work all worth it. I will definitely be auditioning for next year’s production.”
The Sound of Music follows productions such as The Wizard of Oz, Oliver! and We Will Rock You. The Sound of Music was selected this year as it is the 100th anniversary of WW1, it was also felt that the students were ready to take on a more serious and challenging production than in previous years.
Mrs Gould, the Drama teacher turned Director, said she was proud of the students for rising to the challenge. Mrs Gould said: “I am so proud of all the staff and students who have made this production such a success. This is my 11th year and I have to say that this is one of the most challenging productions we have put on, this is due to the sheer number of songs, some of which are in Latin.
“The production brings together a real mix of students. Those who take part aren’t just interested in drama and music, many try out for the school play learn new skills and meet other students with different interests and from different year groups. As you can imagine at the end of the 6 months firm friendships have been formed and many students chose to come back year on year.”
As important as the 50 strong cast in delivering a performance reflective one of the greatest musicals of all time was the backstage and tech team. Year 12 AS Level Business students were involved in the production as part of their course. The students were challenged to oversee the organisation and planning of many elements of the production, which involved set building and costume design. The students also took responsibility for the marketing and promotion elements of the show. This entailed creating an array of marketing materials from posters to tickets, right through to organising appropriate refreshments during each of the performances.
Zoe was one of the Business Studies students involved. She said: “It has been great to be a part of the production, having the opportunity to apply what we learn through textbooks to practical situations. The best bit about being involved has been helping such a dedicated team of students and staff and knowing that our work has contributed to the overall success of the production.”
Miss McMahon, looked after the backstage team alongside Mr Banks. She said: “There was a lot of pressure on the students to get everything right but they always rise to the occasion and have plenty of support from the staff. We aim to put on an incredibly professional production which is why so many hours of preparation and rehearsals are imperative. As part of the backstage team the students and I have been responsible for the health and safety of all the cast and crew members as well as ensuring everything runs to strict timings.
Year 12 student Nathan was head of lighting and this is his third year being involved in the school production. He has previously worked backstage but chose to work on lighting as he wanted to try front of house. He said: “I enjoy working as part of a team and seeing everything come together on the night. The experience really helps you develop practical skills.”
It is not only Carr Hill staff and students that helped to make the production such a success. Carr Hill also involves local primary schools in its productions each year. This year Freckelton C of E, Ribby with Wyre, Newton Blue Coats, St Michaels and Weeton Camp were all part of the production, performing a well-known song from the musical on each of the nights.
Other Images
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF CARR HILL STUDENTS’ MUSIC
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