Glenn Miller’s In the mood was a fitting opening number for John Lyon’s Spring Concert as ten of the School’s bands, groups, ensembles and choirs put on a lively show for an appreciative audience.

The concert in the Boyd Campbell Hall on Monday 12th March 2018 showcased some of the huge variety of music on offer at John Lyon, with performances of works spanning exactly 300 years – from Henry Purcell in 1695 to Oasis in 1995.

The Wind Band opened proceedings with Miller’s classic and Stevie Wonder’s Superstition before the String Ensemble took to the stage to perform Purcell’s Rondeau from Abdelazer Suite and Charpentier’s Te Deum – Prelude, with guest oboist Samuel Smith playing the solo lead.

The four-piece Flute Choir executed Peter Warlock’s three movement Capriol Suite with great finesse, and the six members of the Classical Guitar Ensemble gave a stripped-down rendition of Lennon and McCartney’s All you need is love.

The Year 7 Choir, made up of boys from all four classes sang the traditional Mexican Chiapanecas and Michael Hurd’s Jonah-Man Jazz with great gusto, before making way for Rock Band with Wonderwall.

The Year 7 and 8 boys of Percussion Ensemble then had choreography as well as notes to content with as they moved around the stage playing various instruments in Peter Huntington’s Almost making plans.

Jazz Band really got toes tapping with Charles Mingus’ Goodbye pork pie hat and Joseph Kosma’s Autumn leaves, and were followed by the Pride of Lyon’s, wearing their trademark boater hats for their a capella renditions of Vaughan Williams’ Bushes and briars and Rolf Lovland’s You raise me up.

Closing the show, the Rhythm and Blues Group sent the audience on their way home with Frankie Valli’s Beggin’ and Ray Charles’ Hit the road Jack.

The audience certainly hit the road with smiles on their faces.