The evening opened with an electrifying performance of Time Is Running Out by Muse from Splinters, setting the tone for a night of musical brilliance. The String Band followed with two beautiful pieces – Autumn and March from The Nutcracker – before The Shreddies rocked the stage with Hammer to Fall.  

        

The Sixth Form SOOP Jazz Collective brought the groove with Stevie Wonder’s Superstition, and a returning favourite from last year saw the Year 7 Languages Choir singing Feliz Navidad in both Spanish and French, supported by languages teacher Mrs Bernard. 

Other standout moments included Lilyah Evans’ stunning rendition of I’m Not the Only One, and Barbieshop, led by Immie and Tilly, performing Happy Christmas (War Is Over). 13 Volt Adaptor delivered All the Small Things (though Dr Humphries and Mr Dorney still prefer the name “Toby and the Pattersons”!). 

     

The first half closed with a rousing sequence performed by the Orchestra: Fanfare and Flourishes, Mars, and finally Merry Christmas Everybody, with the audience enthusiastically joining in. 

The second half opened with the loudest act of the night – Drumline – followed by the Senior Guitar Club, who wowed us with iconic intros, including Dr Humphries’ favourite, Bat Out of Hell.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came from Ben in Year 9, who delivered a stunning performance of Hang Your Lights by Jamie Cullum. This piece held special significance—it was suggested to Ben by Dr Humphries two years ago after a previous performance. Ben chose this year’s concert as the perfect moment to honour that suggestion, creating a heartfelt tribute to Dr Humphries. 

The Choir, accompanied by Josh Marsh on piano, sang Make Your Own Kind of Music and Step Into Christmas, while Pins n Needles rocked Sk8er Boi. 

Charlotte Poole, a Year 11 student delivered an emotional performance of She Used to Be Mine from the musical Waitress, earning the highest mark for her GCSE performance that Dr Humphries has ever awarded in his seven years at Gordano. The Jazz Band closed the evening with two classic numbers – Goodbye Pork Pie Hat and Brooklyn – requested by Jethro. 

                 

                 

Before the finale, Ms Blundell, Mr Dorney, and Year 13 students Immie and Jethro paid tribute to Dr Humphries, promising to continue his legacy and thanking him for his inspiration both in the classroom and through extra-curricular music. 

“I’ve worked in many school music departments, but I have never known one run as brilliantly as yours. During my very first week here, I observed one of your lessons and it was exhausting just watching! The energy and enthusiasm you bring to every single class is remarkable. It has truly been a privilege to work alongside you. We promise that your legacy will live on for many years to come.” 

Ms Blundell

The night ended with a joyful performance of Merry Christmas Everyone by the Jazz Band, sung by Immie Dexter, with full audience participation. 

And then came the snow machine – because what’s a Christmas concert without a surprise blizzard indoors? The hall turned into a winter wonderland and everyone was grinning like kids on Christmas morning! It was the perfect sprinkle of festive magic to top off an incredible night! 

Thank you to everyone who made this concert possible – what a perfect way to celebrate the season and honour Dr Humphries’ incredible contribution to Gordano!