The FHS Music Department is delighted to bring back the FHS Musical Moment, which will be updated each week by the school’s new Composer in Residence, Miss Murata.

The Music Department, school staff and students will be introducing us to a wide variety of musical styles, genres and artists. We hope that you will be able to take some time to sit back and enjoy these new musical ideas and broaden your wider listening. After all, what is life without music?

We’re kickstarting this school year with a song chosen and introduced by Composer in Residence, Miss Murata.

‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ is a pop/soul song that came out in 1966 for the Tamla label (a division of Motown). Motown played an important role in the 60s in bringing racial integration and recognition in music. The label became both one of the most successful African-American businesses and influential independent record companies in American history. Motown brought together various styles of music such as blues, gospel and pop influences, which can be prominently heard in ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ through the off-beat accompaniment rhythms, the gospel-like call and response between Gaye and Terrell, and harmonies focused on primary chords with interesting chromaticism.

After all our lives being in turmoil for the past 18 months, this uplifting song reminds us of one of FHS’ key values: resilience. As the girls become settled in school life in the aftermath of 2020, this song reminds us of the incredible resilience displayed by the staff and students and indeed there ‘ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough/ To keep me from getting to you, baby’.

Click here to listen.