The Winterfold School Song was commissioned to mark the school’s centenary, conceived as a large-scale work that could bring together the entire school community in performance.
The text was developed through a collaborative process, drawing on ideas from students, school traditions and legends, and the school motto Laos Deo. These materials were shaped into a unified lyric in consultation with senior leadership and the Head of Music, ensuring the final text reflected the identity and values of the school.
Musically, the work was influenced by the school’s concurrent production of Matilda, with a style that combines accessibility, energy, and theatrical character. The piece was designed to be performed by up to 300 students of varying abilities, supported by an orchestra comprising both professional and student instrumentalists.
Scored for SSA voices and large mixed ensemble, the arrangement balances clarity and impact, allowing all performers to participate meaningfully while maintaining a strong overall musical structure. Particular attention was given to texture, pacing, and ensemble coordination, ensuring the work could be effectively realised within the constraints of rehearsal time and resources.
- A typeset vocal score and worksheet was created earlier in the year to give time for the students to learn the work
- This passed through several review stages with the Senior Leader Team and Head of Music
- The Full Score and Orchestral parts were created a month prior to the premiere and handed to the instrumentalists
- The song was premiered by the whole school in their annual Summer Concert.
The song was recorded and featured in a commemorative video as part of the school’s centenary celebrations, extending its role beyond live performance as a lasting representation of the school’s community and identity.