Commonweal — On top of the town!

 'Now That’s What I Call Commonweal Volume Two!’ was launched on 20th June at The Commonweal School, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire. Besides the work of students ( past, present and future) and staff it features a track by Justin Hayward, from the Moody Blues. Justin’s song is entitled ‘The Voice’ which is a brand new, all acoustic version of one of his songs.

Justin Hayward recalls his memories of his time at Commonweal School. “I was there in the early sixties. All of us at Commonweal felt there was nowhere better.  Even if our great rivals Headlands outperformed us academically now and again, we had style.  I was constantly amazed at the number of imaginative ways all the girls and boys had of wearing the uniform while still being within the rules.

”I lived with my family in the Mall, within earshot of the school, and I could jump out of bed and into my uniform (already prepared the night before and waiting for me) as soon as I heard the first morning bell, and still make it to assembly. Brilliant!

”My mother was a teacher at Drove Road school and my father taught at Sanford Street, so our lives and holidays were kind of co-ordinated.  I can’t say I was happy all of the time at school, but looking back they really were the very best of times, and I’m so proud of Commonweal now.

”I’m pleased to have a song on this CD.  I’m in good company. The Performing Arts make the world a better place, and I know that when you have music, art, dance or any creative endeavour as part of your life you will be enriched, as well as enriching the lives of those around you, which in the end must always be your purpose.”

The CD features a cross section of styles performed and written by students from year 7 to 11 as well as some staff items. It also includes a track from one of our primary school children Felix Bowyer, ageD 5, who wrote and sang a French song and also one from a past student. The album was put together by the school’s technician Nick Weaver who recorded the tracks, supplied sound tracks to those who cannot play but wanted to write lyrics, a melody line or sing. Nick also created the album cover and said:

“Over my first year as Performing Arts Technician for Commonweal, I have found it very rewarding to encourage the many talented students that I work with. A project such as the school CD is a great tool to focus their energy, sharpen creative skills, and measure their progress. For the future, it is a captured moment of their achievements.

“It is important to show young minds what is possible and to stretch their imaginations, and I have certainly enjoyed helping to bring their ideas to life.

“This is an interesting collection as it combines the incredible talent of The Alfonz (as they go on to greater things, hopefully for a long and distinguished career) and the rock puppies on their heels in the guise of LAWKI, who are just finding their musical feet.

“To echo the school’s inclusion policy, what better way to show this than the PI ( Physically Impaired) band blasting out their own original song, and sounding raw and exciting, and literally making the practice room walls shake! Rock on Volume 3! “

Commented Ali Sutcliffe, Head of Music at Commonweal. "The students have been very excited throughout the recording process. This was the first time the prestigious concert band have taken part in a recording session and they performed brilliantly. The choir is going from strength to strength and is proud to be performing a song written by a member of Commonweal staff on the disc. As Head of the Music department in a Performing Arts school I feel very privileged to be able to support this venture and hope that music continues to strive in our school."

The album has 21 tracks, is priced at £3.99 and is available from the school. Please email admin@commonweal.co.uk