The Caterham School community, including parents, Old Caterhamians and friends of the school gathered to remember the fallen on Sunday 13 November.

Music for the Remembrance Service was provided by our Wind Band who supported hymns and the National Anthem with appropriate pomp and style. Working together with CCF, impeccable precision was displayed in performances of Holst’s ‘March’ from his 1st suite for military band. A new work was composed by our Head of Instrumental Music, Dr Chris Brammeld which featured excerpts from various military themes; opening with a haunting and thought-provoking piccolo solo accompanied by the Corps of Drums, followed by a beautiful chorale played by the whole band with the iconic Last Post intertwined. Our Corps of Trumpets marked the poignant end to the silence with great elegance both at the Act of Remembrance on Friday and at the Service of Remembrance.

The School’s sacred choirs, JETS, ETS and Chamber Choir performed their annual ‘Recital of Reflection and Contemplation’ following the Remembrance Service. The recital, held in the Wilberforce Hall, continued the tradition of a short, emotional performance where powerful texts are chosen to further commemorate the day. As always, the choirs gave polished performances of beautiful pieces which included old and modern settings of well-known texts associated with Remembrance Day. The occasion brought together our sacred choral family; pupils in Year 6 to Upper Sixth working together and blending in harmony. Parents, Old Caterhamians and staff were moved by the recital and congratulations must go to all of the singers for their continued dedication to their role in providing excellent music for whole-school occasions such as Remembrance Day, Carol Services and Speech Day.