The Music Society, under the joint leadership of two Presidents, has had another busy and successful year. I should like to thank both JanetWebster and Gena Caulton for their unfailing enthusiasm and hard work in all musical ventures during the past twelve months.

Last May many of our girls joined with pupils from Huyton C. of E. Junior School, Sylvester County Junior School and students of C. F. Mott College of Education in a production of the Benjamin Britten Opera entitled "Noye's Fludde'.. The parts of Noah's sons and their wives were taken by Angela Reeve, Diana Richardson, Eileen Kane, Carolyn Jessop, Eva Nelson and Angela Lucas. Some memorable dancing sequences were performed by Audrey Lofthouse and Gillian Radley as the Raven and the Dove respectively. Janet Webster very kindly understudied the six major singing parts. She might not have offered to undertake this task so willingly if she had known that the cast would be struck down with a nasty bout of influenza during the week of the performances.

An informal Summer Concert was held in July when both Orchestras played various items, several folk groups and recorder groups played and the audience heard some fine pianoforte and solo vocal pieces. The Chamber-Choir gave a memorable performance of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", the main Choir included "Creation Jazz" and some items from "Jesus Christ Superstar" and a clarinet "pop" group gave a lively rendering of "Nut Rocker". (Would Tchaikovsky have recognised his little composition?}.

Soon after returning from our Summer vacation we were thinking about Christmas Carol Concerts. Our customary visit to the Pensioners' Hall in Prescot to sing carols took place after the Autumn Term hud finished and it was pleasing to see so many girls willing to give up time during their holidays. I am sure it was not merely the (hought of those tasty mince pies they received after their singing that prompted them to go. A smaller group of girls also went round Prescot to sing carols in aid of the 'Harry Secombe War on Want Appeal, for which worthy cause a most encouraging sum of money was raised.

The main Carol Service was held in the School Hall on Wednesday, 12th December. A return was made this year to the more traditional form of Lessons and Carols, and the Orchestras, Choirs and Congregation combined to sing all the "old favourites". Some less familiar pieces were included such as the collection of Spanish carols entitled "Christmas in Spain". The first year Choir sang the familiar French carol "II est n£" with an impeccable accent, the Music Department disclaiming all responsibility for that, needless to say. A folk group from the fifth form performed 'Winter Wonderland" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with obvious enjoyment and clarity of tone.

Our thoughts turned to the production of '"My Fair Lady" after Christmas, the account of which is to be found elsewhere in the magazine. I should not like to miss this opportunity, however, of thanking every single member of the enormous cast for their hard work and effort which contributed to (he enormous success of the production. The large team of helpers behind the scenes, both staff and girls, must also be thanked. At each performance one remembered the amount of drive and enthusiasm given by choruses and principals alike, but nobody would mind, I am sure, if I put on record once again the tremendous singing and acting ability of our two main characters—Janet Webster as Eliza Doolittle and Stephanie Simm as Professor Higgins.

Other activities of the Music Society during the year have included a performance at the Summer Fair of Prescot Parish Church, a visit by over one hundred girls to the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool to see the "rock" musical, "Godspell" and another visit to the same theatre to see a production of "My Fair Lady" by the Wallasey Operatic Society. The School has been well represented at the Industrial Concerts given by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Many girls have achieved successes in instrumental examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Passes were awarded to Karen Eccles (Grade II Violoncello). Margaret Bannan (Grades III and IV Cornet) and Helen Jones (Grades III and IV French Horn). Merit passes have been achieved by Denise Monaghan (Grade III Flute), Julie Harding (Grade III Clarinet) and Anne Pilling (Grade V Double Bass). We were particularly pleased that Christine Wesby passed Grade III Clarinet with Distinction.

In conclusion I should like to thank all those girls who have (aken part in musical activities with such enthusiasm during the past year. My gratitude also goes to those members of staff who have given up their valuable time to sing with the Choir or to help in any way behind the scenes. One final word of thanks to you, our audiences, for your unfailing support of our ventures.

H.B.