FMAT schools showcase 202: Talented performers from Smith’s Wood Academy joined the other schools in the respected Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust at Birmingham University for the fantastic 2024 FMAT Showcase.
Smith’s Wood joined Bournville School, Erdington Academy and Fairfax Academy on the stage of the University’s iconic Elgar Concert Hall for a fantastic night of music, drama, dance and spoken word performances.
It was the third showcase of its kind, and the talent on display from Smith’s Wood was stellar.
Head of Music Louise Hayward said: “We had 24 students performing at the Showcase, representing a wide variety of performing arts. Some of the students performed things they perfected for our summer concert, while others have had much less time to prepare. They impressed us all.”
Weeks of preparation behind FMAT schools showcase 2024
The Academy’s drama group first assembled as a class in September. Despite only having six weeks to performance from “Blood Brothers”, the cast, consisting of Evie Doyle, Grace Doyle, Riley Harman, McKenzie Lee Mann, Georgia McLean, Luna-Bella Camposona, Demi Proctor, Evie Watts, Indya Mason and Lilly Dukes, shone on stage.
Mrs Hayward said: “They’ve done really well to put together such a brilliant showing in such a short amount of time. The audience had so much fun watching their interpretation of such a great musical.”
Two solo performers from Smith’s Wood also took to the stage. Pianist Xzavier Houghton and dancer Owen Taylor impressed the audience with their incredible individual talent.
FMAT schools showcase 2024 – ‘Brilliant’ performers from Smith’s Wood take the stage
Vocal group the Smith’s Wood Singers, made up of Sophie Coleman, Nouria Mata, Seanna Tipper, Cleo Wakefield, Ellie-Mae Hughes, Ellie Thompson, Roxanne Stokes, Kassie Wall, Esther Ibojo and Brianna Matsikure, sang together in perfect harmony.
For the Academy’s final performance, musicians Iziah Houghton, Xzavier Houghton, Jaydon Snook, Kassie Wall, and Sophie Coleman shared the stage, performing excellently as Smith’s Wood Band.
The night closed with students from all four schools joining one another on stage for the curtain call.
Miss Hayward said: “This has been such a special night for everyone involved. The staff and parents are so immensely proud of the talent our students have shown on stage.
“For the students, the experience of performing in a professional place and seeing what other schools have to offer is beautiful. It’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
“The schools are all supporting each other, sharing talent and sharing moments. It makes us all proud to be part of one Trust.”
Principal Stephen Huntington said: “We are very proud of the Smith’s Wood students who worked very hard to prepare for the Showcase and performed brilliantly on the night.”