FMAT schools showcase 2024: Students from Fairfax Academy took to the prestigious stage of Birmingham University’s iconic Elgar Concert Hall, in a spectacular showcase that brought together talented youngsters from four schools.
The Fairfax students performed alongside children from the other three schools that form the respected Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust (FMAT) for the fantastic 2024 FMAT Showcase on Octber24.
Fairfax, which is the foundational school of FMAT, joined Bournville School, Erdington Academy, and Smith’s Wood Academy for a fantastic night of music, drama, dance and spoken word performances.
It was the third event of its kind and showcased the broad range of talent possessed by FMAT students.
And Fairfax – which is renowned for its arts provision and its annual Eisteddfod – provided everything from compelling drama to pitch-perfect 40-strong choir.
The school’s Drama Faculty opened the night with a spellbinding scene from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, brought to life by dedicated students who will be performing the piece again at Birmingham’s Rep Theatre this month.
Delphi Grove-Hines then delivered a stunning solo violin performance in Act 1.
Act 2 was rich with musical talent from Fairfax, opening with a band playing “Supersonic” by Oasis. The students, who all landed a role in the band after auditioning, were Elliot Cronin, Leighton Coulson, Leia Redman, Spencer Dowling, Yu Hao Cheng, Ewan Tall, Seb Ashworth and Niamh Scott-Walters.
Head of Music David Ashford said: “The students in the band all had to audition to be there and rehearse outside of lessons, so the commitment and dedication was there from the outset. They did us very proud.”
Two superb dance performances followed the band, giving Fairfax’s outstanding GCSE dance students a chance to show what they have been working on.
Ruby Heath and Riley Hill-Cotton performed together first, followed by a dance routine by Isabelle Alexander, Lillian Bowen, Jasmin Delaney, Mae Heath, Isabel Hunt and Jess Kirby.
A vocal group comprised of Nissi Tskepo, Nicole Bradbury, Aiden Cole, Niamh Scott-Walters and Rhyleigh Gumbs delivered a spectacular performance of Elie Goulding’s “Burn”.
Fairfax then closed the showcase with a brilliant 40-student choir performance of “Africa” by Toto, which brought the night’s entertainment to an uplifting end, before all four schools united on stage for the curtain call.
Mr Ashford said: “We’ve been working on the musical aspects of the showcase since the start of September, and it’s thanks to the students’ determination that tonight was such a great success.
“Performing arts are a huge part of Fairfax life, and bringing everyone together in this amazing concert hall is a wonderful opportunity.
“Tonight has shown just how talented our students are, both as an individual school and a wider Trust.”
Principal Sean Castle said: “The FMAT Showcase was a great night that and Fairfax’s students once again showed what they are capable of, with polished performances that fitted well in such an amazing venue.”