In Harmony - Truro School

Welcome to the first In Harmony newsletter

With so much amazing progress happening with the new Music Centre, we are now looking to the next phase of its life with excitement as very soon we will be able to start hosting incredible musical events and performances. we are now looking to the next phase of its life with excitement as very soon we will be able to start hosting incredible musical events and performances. We want to ensure that our musical community are kept abreast of every exciting update from now onwards, and so this newsletter has been created so that you can find out updates as soon as possible all in one place, straight to your inbox. Below you will find a flythrough video of the plans for the building, with a beautiful bespoke composition by Old Truronian Ollie Jones CO23. Further down we are proud to share recent photos of the space.

The new Music Centre’s build aligns with Truro School’s rich musical tradition, which delivers around 40 annual concerts and gigs, an annual Summer Festival, individual music lessons for over 250 pupils, and regular notable multi-show performances of major musicals. For over a decade, Cornwall Music Service Trust (CMST) and Truro School have worked hand in hand to make music accessible to all. Now, CMST will take its place at the very heart of our new music centre, strengthening a partnership that has already transformed countless lives.

Official opening

We are currently looking forward to the grand opening of the Music Centre on Friday 9^th October. The evening will be a key milestone for the School after many years of planning and building work, to finally open the building to the community. The opening will be a celebration of our musical talent in our community, the Music Department and a celebration of the breadth of opportunities now available for both the School and for Cornwall. More information and a full programme of the evening’s performances will be announced in the next newsletter so stay tuned.

Where has music taken you?

If you feel you are able to play a part in the Music Centre opening, no matter how large or small, please get in touch. We would be delighted to have a conversation about how Old Truronians, current and former parents of children at the School can be involved.

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to read this brand-new Newsletter, celebrating music at Truro School. We hope you enjoy reading news and updates on the building and its programme of activities. We will also be taking an opportunity to dive into the musical heritage of the School, starting with the School Song.

We welcome feedback and suggestions, so please don’t hesitate to be in touch.

This newsletter is brought to you by the Truro School Foundation team: Sam Willsher (Development and Alumni Relations Manager) and Amanda Forde (Development and Alumni Relations Officer). For any enquiries about this newsletter or to opt-out of receiving it please contact [email protected] or telephone 01872 246094.

Development & Alumni Relations Team

Where has music taken you?

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View a flythrough complemented by a bespoke composition by Ollie Jones CO23

Truro School's Musical Heritage

The School Song – Esse Quam Videri

The school song was sung for the first time on Prize Day in December 1909. It was written by J.W Hunkin, who had left the school only a few years previously, and was put to music by Reverend R.K Vinter, the headmaster’s brother.

The school magazine reported that ‘the music was spirited and well adapted for school voices, and the song was sung with great smartness by the choir, under Mr Thompson, the Music Master.’

The Reverend R.K Vinter wrote to his brother, the headmaster, on hearing the song for the first time fifteen years later:

Those … words sung by 200 voices in perfect tune and with enthusiasm will haunt me for a long time. To hear the School Song by that volume of voices was a revelation of what can be made of even the simplest musical phrase hatched in the brain.

High on the hill with the city below,
Up in the sunshine we live.
Would you ascend to us – listen and know,
This is a warning we give –

Chorus
Come as our foe – but by day not by night –
Come as our friend, but be true.
Woe to the foe that’s ashamed of the light;
Woe is the friend that is, too.

When we are told
“This is pure gold”
Let it be gold in its ring
Little we care
What it may wear,
What is itself – that’s the thing.

Should to shoulder in war and peace,
Each of us sure of the rest;
Shoulder to shoulder, tho’ hardships increase
Never dismayed, or distressed

So we do duty in every man’s sight,
Friendly to all save to spies;
Making no truce with whatever the light
Shows up-bolstered with lies’.

Musical News

Latest

First Look Inside New Music Centre

We are pleased to reveal a first look inside the new music centre as the landmark project nears completion.

Timelapse Shows New Music Centre Development

We are pleased to share this new time-lapse with you, capturing the incredible progress of this Music Centre.

Truro School Unveils Exciting Music Project

Songfest 2026

Pupils from Truro School Prep recently took part in Songfest 2026, a joyful celebration of singing held at the Hall for Cornwall.

Truro and Exeter Choristers Unite in Song

Truro School choristers travelled to Exeter Cathedral on Sunday to join the Exeter Cathedral Choir for both the Sunday Eucharist and Evensong.

Cathedral Choristers are Made Up

On Sunday, 22nd March, our seven probationers were admitted into Truro Cathedral Choir as full choristers after completing nearly two terms of training.

An Unforgettable Scilly Adventure

The recent Truro Cathedral Choir tour to the Isles of Scilly proved far more eventful than originally planned.

Awaiting a New Home for Music

Our Music Department have been getting creative with where to host music lessons whilst they look forward to their new home.

Cornwall Music Festival Results

A huge well done to all of the performers who took part in this year's Cornwall Music Festival, across a wide range of solo, ensemble, and performance groups across voice, piano, strings, woodwind, brass, and music theatre.

A Glorious Gala Concert

On Thursday, 26 March 2026, Truro Cathedral was filled with the vibrant sound of young musical talent as the much-anticipated Truro School Gala Concert took place.

Truro School Foundation Launches Music Appeal

Truro School Foundation has launched an exciting new Music Appeal, inviting its community of parents, Old Truronians, and friends to help complete and equip the School’s inspiring new Music Centre.