On Sunday 8th March our very talented Sonning Common Recorder players performed at Music Makers, at Rupert House School. Music Makers is a key event of the Henley Youth Festival (HYF) 2026. The event is for primary school-aged musicians to perform in a supportive setting and receive feedback from a specialist adviser (this year, the director of the Henley Music School).

Four different recorder groups from Y3-6 performed 8 different pieces including folk songs, waltzes and even a lullaby. All the players rose to the occasion, playing brilliantly in front of the large and unfamiliar audience, and receiving a huge round of applause after each piece. The specialist adviser was highly complimentary of the high standard that our players achieved, the enthusiasm with which they played and how well they listened to one another when performing as a group. Her only note was to smile more as they accepted their well-earned applause.

The recorder group then finished their performance by leading the whole room in an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday for anyone in the audience celebrating that weekend. The choir from Valley Road Primary School in Henley joined in without prompting to lead the singing, which made the performance even more entertaining and provided the perfect opportunity for our musicians to collaborate with other local children. Brilliant!

Huge thanks, as always, go to Mr Marples our indomitable recorder teacher who accompanied our pupils to the event, providing the opportunity to play at Music Makers and for helping to inspire a love of music and performance in our pupils.
Players: Megan T; Maxime P; Sophie B; Phoebe H; Mia H; Sam P; Jessica C; Toby J; Anya C; Robin B-M; Isabella B-L; James B; Isabella dS.