Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College - Last Night Of The Proms (Time to Say Goodbye) Leavers Reflections 2015

On Wednesday July 15th on a gloriously sunny evening in Liverpool, something special took place in the sports hall of Archbishop Beck Catholic sports college. Children from a variety of primary schools put on an elaborate musical show and performed songs to the amusement of the gathered throng. The hall was adorned in flags and audience members waved their hand held union Jacks enthusiastically as proceedings for the 13th Last night of the proms got under way.

Schools in attendance on the night included Blessed Sacrament Catholic Junior, Holy name Catholic primary and St Francis De Sales Catholic junior.

After performances by the young choirs, an extravagant orchestral performance of tracks from Star Wars tracks ensued. The two charismatic hosts for the evening even delighted the audience with a light sabre duel. A dance ensemble who performed at Disneyland Paris performed an impressive choreographed piece from Sister Act.

Bruce Hicks conducted the Wirral musicians training band as they performed Battlecry - a piece which began quietly with a solo drum, culminating in the whole band aggressively playing together. This was followed by Thunder Rock by Donald Josuweit with it's single melody - a nightly procession.

Older members of the school sang Luck be a lady tonight from Guys and Dolls which was phenomenal.

Stunning solos were performed by Megan Jones who sang Journey to the past and Rachael Patterson who sang an emotive rendition of To Sir with love whilst aiming attention on the man of the evening Bruce Hicks.

It soon became clear that this was no ordinary last night of the Proms, true there was pomp and ceremony and the usual singing of Rule Brittania  which was executed faultlessly by the three previous Miss Brittanias. The evening provided an opportunity to pay homage to Mr Hicks who was retiring as well as to allow the sixth formers to say goodbye to their friends, teachers and the institution that had served them so well over their time at the school.

6th Formers perform "Time to say goodbye"

Rachael Patterson

Rachael Patterson

Rachael Patterson and headteacher Paul Dickinson

Rachael Patterson receives a gift for her efforts from headteacher Paul Dickinson

He did it "His way"

 In imitation of the iconic television show This is your life, Bruce Hicks was surprised with appearances by his former students over the years as well as an endearing account of his life at the college. Rachael Patterson and her fellow sixth form students took the lead in honoring the man who has been a role model and friend to so many at the college.

 As tributes were projected across the screen in the form of quotes from students present and past as well as video messages from Mr Hicks' acquaintances from all over the world, there was not a dry eye in the house.

Like seasoned professionals - Tom Patterson & Jack Higginson

Tom Patterson and Jack Higginson perform like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davies Junior

Tom Patterson and Jack Higginson perform Me and My Shadow

 Mr Hicks' son Nick took to the stage to pay tribute to his father also in a touching and eloquent fashion. He read messages from his father's contacts and spoke of him as an anchor. Mr Hicks was also described as a "unique and incredible individual, a positive role model in the lives of young people, helping them to build self esteem, a sense of pride and to develop self discipline in their lives.

There is no doubt that the college instills in it's students a sense of pride and empowers them to use music to achieve their goals. The evening was a perfect example of how music can achieve great things in the life of young people and Bruce Hicks has clearly left a legacy behind. It was a privilege to attend such an emotional event. It was certainly an enriching one. Kudos to all who made it possible.