Fitting farewell for teacher

Pupils from a Blyth school have come together to perform a farewell concert for their much respected head of music.
Students at Bede Academy, Blyth, upper school choir bring their summer concert to a
close led by departing head of music David TallentStudents at Bede Academy, Blyth, upper school choir bring their summer concert to a
close led by departing head of music David Tallent
Students at Bede Academy, Blyth, upper school choir bring their summer concert to a close led by departing head of music David Tallent

Bede Academy South students performed at the school’s annual summer concert, conducted by departing teacher David Tallent.

Young drummers, saxophonists, pianists, flautists, guitarists and vocalists performed to a hall full of parents, carers, family and friends to give the teacher a well-deserved send-off.

Students Joe Beal and Imogen Burtle play the violinStudents Joe Beal and Imogen Burtle play the violin
Students Joe Beal and Imogen Burtle play the violin
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Head of primary years Bethan Harding said: “Bede Academy is known for its musical talent and that, in the main, has been down to the hard work and dedication shown by Mr Tallent.

“Once again, the concert has been incredible and I have been blown away by the sheer talent of all our students and staff.”

More than 70 pupils aged five to 11 took to the stage for the concert, led by an introduction from the Northumberland Nine on drums.

An evening of rock, pop, blues, classical, big band, folk and funk was enjoyed by all in attendance.

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The upper school performed Starlight Express to the packed crowd.

Bethan said: “Mr Tallent has been an absolute inspiration to our students, staff, parents and the whole community during the five years that he has been at the academy.”

Vocal numbers included The Greatest Show, This is Me and A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman soundtrack.

Pop classics from The Animals, Adele and Emeli Sande, West End stage numbers from Oliver, and musical movie scores from Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King were added to the programme this year.

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Year 6 pupil Joe Beal wowed audiences with a rendition of Castle in the Clouds from Les Miserables.

Instrumentals of the James Bond theme tune, Somewhere Only We Know by Keane, and Simon and Garfunkle’s Scarborough Fair were also performed.

Visiting parents and grandparents were quick to praise the children on their successful show.

Bede Academy children perform at the concert each year to showcase the musical talents that the pupils have been developing and working on each year.

The evening concluded with a drum finale from a group of pupils, accompanied by Mr Tallent.