HERINGTON HOUSE SCHOOL
EARLY MUSIC DEMONSTRATION. November 2008

It was with great pleasure that we welcomed back to school James McCafferty and his wonderful array of early musical instruments.

As usual James arrived early, as his instruments are very delicate and have to acclimatise to the surrounding air temperature. Dressed in tunic with studded leather sleeves, fustian brown hose, cross garters and boots. He was armed with his broadsword, which immediately got the attention of all the children!

The demonstration was packed with music, stories, songs and history about the instruments he was playing.  There was even some audience participation with Adam Smith and Tamara Tharmaraj  playing the renaissance drum and the rebeck while James played ‘a hit single from 1607’ on the crumhorn.

James explained the history behind Good King Wencelas a tune all the children recognised. A tune the children did not know was the Serving Girls Holiday.  All were amazed to learn that when this song was written, working people only had two days holiday a year.

His final tune was an old favourite of our Christmas Concert each year.  The Boar’s Head Carol.  The children were able to demonstrate to James their knowledge of Latin and sang the chorus beautifully!

Our Head Girl, Irrah Carver Jones thanked James warmly for his most entertaining demonstration.  We look forward to welcoming him again soon.

Anyone wishing to see the beautiful instruments that James brought to show the children or hear some of the music that was played should visit his website: http://www.earlymusic.co.uk