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Music

Musical News 6 – December 2025

18th December 2025Heather Morgan

Across the Laurel Education Trust, music has been thriving. Simon Balle Music leads the work and our passion for inspiring students through music has reached a new audience at Mill Mead. It is wonderful that so many are part of Team Music in both our schools. This newsletter celebrates music across the Trust and across our musical community, so that we can all share what our students are achieving and that the youngest can see and hear what they could achieve in the future - inspiring the next musical generation.

On behalf of Simon Balle Music, Merry Christmas and thank you for your support and working with us. We are amazing musical schools and an amazing musical community!

Mark Taylor

Director of Music
Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust

Celebrating our Musical Curriculum

KS1 Curriculum

The children in KS1 have been practicing our Carols for the service at the church next week. We have been focusing on projecting our voices, learning the words off by heart and how to stand when performing. The children are very excited, and I’m sure their singing will be a moving part of the service.

KS2 Curriculum

Year 4 have been exploring the wonderful world of Musical Theatre! They have sung a variety of songs from shows such as The Sound of Music, Oliver! and Cats, developing their voices and singing in split parts.

Year 6 have been looking at the Romantic Era of orchestral music, delving into the magic of story telling through music. As part of this topic, they have sequenced in 3 parts to ‘Morning Mood’ by Grieg onto Soundtrap, challenging their keyboard playing skills and knowledge of music technology.

KS5 Curriculum

Years 12 & 13 have been hard at work with their compositions. Year 12 are currently working on their ‘free’ compositions, meaning they choose their own style to compose in; they have been very creative with their initial ideas, and are now developing their melodies. Year 13 are working on their Western Classical compositions this year, meaning they have to compose in a specific orchestral style, which is a real challenge. They have come up with some fantastic ideas so far, and are working on structuring them into historically accurate classical works.

Team Music Awards - December 2025

We are excited to announce our Monthly Team Music Award. Teachers across the department nominate students along with a reason - this could be for a number of reasons.

The Team Music Award ensures students are recognised and celebrated within the context of their musical learning as achievements look different for everyone!

Congratulations to our November winners!

Student	Reason
James	For designing and building an excellent trumpet table/display stand for his GCSE DT practical exam, which now lives in P9!
Lilia	For her rendition for Lucky To Be Me, appearing as soloist with the Brass Ensemble in the Wind and Brass Evening in November
Ethan	For consistently coming to his piano lesson well prepared each week.
George	For working hard in the transition from reading coloured notation to actually reading music. Well done.
Dante	For working so hard at home in between lessons and showing such enthusiasm for learning new things.
Alfie	For showing consistent dedication to his practice and musical development, and for his mature attitude to learning. He has also shown excellent teamwork and leadership skills in Rockschool. Fabulous contribution!
Laney	Has taken up the Saxophone this term and has done extremely well so far, working very hard in between lessons.
Arwen	Arwen has made huge progress technically in her cello playing in recent months.
Alexander	For making outstanding progress as a piano beginner with plenty of practice, inquisitive questions and a brilliant mature attitude to learning.
Emily	For demonstrating excellent effort and enthusiasm at the piano, and making exceptional progress! Well done
George	For demonstrating an excellent attitude in lessons this term.
Phoenix	For excellent work in piano lessons this term.
Daniella	Amazing progress through to grade four level. Fantastic attitude and enthusiasm for learning. Massive potential with your flute playing.
Emily	For superb progress towards taking your grade four exam. Prepared for all lessons with a great attitude. Great commitment to your flute playing
Samuel	You have made such fabulous progress over the last couple of terms. The potential in your playing is fabulous and I hope you keep the practice at the level it is currently at
Ruby	For a fantastic solo of Once in Royal David’s City at the Secondary Carol Services. Well done!

Our school community came together for our wonderful Carol Services at All Saint’s Church this week. All who took part were fabulous and represented the school so well. It was inspiring to be part of these annual events, reflecting on how special it is to be part of Simon Balle All-through School.

Our amazing Music Ambassadors were an incredible team not only helping set up and pack down, but support our youngest musicians at the Larch Services. Team Music really is unique!

Do have a listen to the recordings and revisit the festive performances.

This term, Simon Balle Music has begun working with everyone at Mill Mead Primary School as part of the Laurel Education Trust. It has been lovely to work together and create as many musical opportunities as possible. 37% of Mill Mead students are learning an instrument - this is incredible!

Mrs Nunn has been leading the curriculum teaching. She writes:

Reception and Y1 have been busy learning about pulse through songs and movement, and recognising high and low notes. We have also been learning how music can tell a story, without needing to use words.

Y2 and Y3 have been learning to play songs on the glockenspiel, and we have started to discuss how notes can be presented on the page.

Y4 has had a great term being introduced to the violin and cello, learning to play a variety of pieces using the open strings. They have also been introduced to simple notation, including pitch and rhythm.

Y5 and Y6 have spent the term working really hard learning brass instruments, which culminated in a wonderful performance of pieces including ‘I Feel Good’ and ‘Jingle Bells.’

The recordings for the Brass performances can be found here:

All year groups should feel so proud of the wonderful progress they have made in their music this term.

Last Sunday, the Mill Mead choir went with Miss Hill to the United Reform Church to sing as part of one of their services. Thank you to Miss Hill for all her support for Team Music Mill Mead!

Fife writes: We sang lots of Christmas songs and it was really fun.

Honor writes: I really enjoyed singing the different songs with the choir and the church - they even gave us biscuits at the end. I’m really excited to go back next year.

Darcey writes: I really enjoyed it because we had lovely songs and the funny actions to go with them. I really want to go back next year.

Well done to everyone at Mill Mead - see you in January!

In January the Mill Mead Choir will be joining the Simon Balle Larch choir at the O2 for the Young Voices event. We are all really looking forward to it!

Please can everyone rehearse the songs over the Christmas break!

Musical News 5 – December 2025

5th December 2025Heather Morgan

Recently, the Simon Balle Big Band performed at the switching on of the Hertford Lights by the Christmas Tree.

For me, the event was an inspiration. I was really, really worried about how the band would take the appalling acoustics where no one can hear anyone else. Would it rain? Would we make fools of ourselves?

I was a fool to worry. The band were incredible. Not only did they turn up on a day off, they listened, they were a team, they adapted, they danced with Santa, they played so well.

The highlight was the crowd. The Big Band is a little bit of an institution at the lights extravaganza. We've done this for....mmmm... 14 years I think. Parents, families, so many alumni, alumni families, our community, current musicians and so on were there, expecting us to be there. An incredible crowd of support. We had fun, some parents heckled (such fun!) and together, as Team Music past and present (and possibly future), we celebrated the Hertford Lights switch on and the Simon Balle Big Band.

Team Music is utterly unique. We are all part of it, not just the musicians. We are a community, a family, a team. (I think of our current Year 10 musicians - if they started in the Larch, we have been a constant in their lives for 10 years, and they are still talking to me!). We laugh together, we learn together, we get cross together and at times we are emotional together. Most importantly, we support each other through thick and thin, together, as a community. As a family. We understand each other, work together and aim to be inspired through music.

We are Team Music. How amazing is that?

Mark Taylor
Director of Music
Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust

Simon Balle Music is all about getting involved.

Ensembles, reading music, making music, being part of the team - Team Music.

I must be honest here. I am regularly asked how musicians can get involved. The answer - ask. Read music, have a wide pallet of styles and step up to be part of our incredible music. We try to encourage as many musicians to take part in Team Music, our ensembles and our performances. We need the musicians to embrace our ethos, work hard, listen to music, practice, take advice and understand that they will have to get out of their comfort zone. Sometimes, someone at home will have to ask for them.

Therefore, I am setting all musicians and families a challenge....

How much are you part of Simon Balle Music?

KS1 & 2 Curriculum

Reception have been recognising the pulse in music, then showing it physically in different ways, such as marching and clapping. We have particularly enjoyed using familiar music for this activity, such as ‘Carol of the Bells’ from ‘Home Alone.’

Y1 have been listening to ‘The March of the Toy Soldiers' from ‘The Nutcracker', and recognising the themes that represent different characters.

Y2 are continuing to learn pieces on the glockenspiel, and were particularly excited to start ‘Jingle Bells’ this week!

Y3’s reading of notation has been challenged this week by finding a piece written on the board, using their skills to read the notes, then playing it on the glockenspiel. It's been very rewarding when the children have an idea of what it might be just from reading, and it’s confirmed through their playing!

KS3 Curriculum

This term has been a vibrant and engaging one across the Key Stage 3 music curriculum, with each year group developing their practical musicianship while deepening their understanding of key musical genres and traditions.

Year 7 have been focusing on performance skills through the study of contemporary folk music. Using ukuleles as their primary instrument, pupils have learnt how to produce clear, confident chords and strumming patterns, working both individually and in small ensembles. Alongside developing secure instrumental technique, they have explored the features that define contemporary folk, discussing how traditional influences blend with modern songwriting.

Year 8 have continued to build their rhythmic fluency in the Beats and Grooves unit. This has involved hands-on performance work on the drum kit, learning to perform in three contrasting styles: rock, ballad and jazz. Pupils have gained an understanding of genre-specific drum patterns, the role of the drummer within an ensemble, and how dynamics and tempo shape a successful groove. This practical emphasis has supported the development of coordination, accuracy and ensemble awareness.

Year 9 have been strengthening their music technology skills through sequencing tasks in Soundtrap. Working towards creating a well known piece of Reggae, pupils have learnt how to construct basslines, chord progressions and drum patterns characteristic of the genre. Their creative work has been supported by studying Reggae’s rich cultural and historical background, including its origins in Jamaica and its global influence.

Across all year groups, students have shown enthusiasm, creativity and growing confidence in both performance and music-making.

Team Music Awards - November 2025

We are excited to announce our Monthly Team Music Award. Teachers across the department nominate students along with a reason - this could be for a number of reasons.

The Team Music Award ensures students are recognised and celebrated within the context of their musical learning as achievements look different for everyone!

Congratulations to our November winners!

Student

Reason

Lucas

For continually coming to lessons well prepared and well practiced. He has played a new piece almost every week so far this half term! I also see him leading the second row of clarinets in LWB with kindness and humility, helping out others when they’re lost or don’t know the notes.

Ariana

For always displaying such a positive attitude in her lessons and her dedication to Larch Orchestra.

Isla

For consistently practicing and improving, and demonstrating a renewed focus in her singing. She has been making braver vocal choices, and it is exciting to see confidence building

May

For her rendition of the Last Post at the SBAS Remembrance Services

Queenie

For working very hard at her note reading skills in the last few weeks, which is now paying off in lessons. Well done!

Alexa

For always coming to her lesson with such a positive attitude, willingness to learn and taking on board all that is being taught.

Dominic

For being awarded a place in the National Children's Orchestra on Bassoon

An incredible turn out from our Simon Balle Music community last night at the Corn Exchange for 13 bands who were performing to a packed crowd of family and friends.

So many individual stories of success, including many that we work with individually across the school.

It is so amazing to see the musical journey that musicians have as part of Rock School, from Seven Nation Army through to Talkin' Loud by Incognito. Every student had their individual story of success and our Year 13 musicians are incredible role models for the younger musicians, inspiring the next generation.

For clarity, the camera shakes in time due to the good vibrations of the bass. Physics and all that......!

Rock School's first Open Mic Night took place last night - and what an incredible evening it was!

We introduced the Open Mic Night to create a performance space to showcase our younger bands with the aim to build their confidence gradually as well as their performance skills and overall musicianship.

The evening also allowed other Rock School students to perform solo/small group items that they had been working on, demonstrating the variety of musical journeys and inspiring the younger bands!

It was a real success, and we look forward to the next one in March! Please enjoy the videos here:

Musical News 4 – November 2025

21st November 2025Heather Morgan

It has been a very busy few weeks, celebrating what our incredible musicians achieve. Concerts, rehearsals and the coming together of our musical community. The standard of music across our all-through school has been beyond expectation and I believe this is due to our unique ethos and high expectations. We teach musically, and expect results, musically.

Day after day I am astounded with what our musicians love about Team Music and achieve within Team Music. This newsletter is a celebration of our music, your young people, our community. There is much more to come - more ideas, more celebration, more music. Thank you to everyone who is part of what we do. You don’t get this anywhere else!

Mark Taylor
Director of Music
Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust

This is a subject I have returned to many times over the years. To read or not to read music, depending on the instrument.

Our take has become quite clear, as we have again had this debate - all musicians need to be able to read music.

Why? It means they can play more, and take part more in music, in various styles. If someone is, say, Grade 4, can they read music at grade 4 standard? Can they sight read music at grade 4 standard?

Our ethos is all about being in ensembles - making music with others, going beyond a comfort zone, learning new musical skills. Reading notation, especially treble and bass clef (again, depending on instrument) is crucial.

I am proud that we do ask all musicians to be fluent in reading music, and we will continue to expect all to be able to do this!

A superb evening of Wind, Brass and Percussion. The concert was, quite simply, stunning.

Do enjoy watching the performances, celebrating all that is Team Music!

I really enjoyed performing in the celebration of wind and brass on Monday where there were 5 different bands playing a selection of pieces. I thought the evening went really well and enjoyed playing and listening to all the music. My favourite piece was Lucky to Be Me and it was an amazing experience to do my first solo playing this song.

Lilia

Musical News 3 – November 2025

6th November 2025Heather Morgan

We are in our Autumn Concert season. Performances every week for the next few weeks - it will be great to see families and friends supporting our musicians!

Performances are a time to celebrate, away from exams and academic pressure! They demonstrate team work, concentration, enjoyment and more. They bring families together, they bring joy to so many. We have high expectations with our rehearsals and concerts, we do ask that everyone embraces our Team Music ethos. We aim to make every concert an occasion - an event to celebrate and remember.

Musicians who are performing should know what to do and what to wear, so we come together as one - Team Music. You can always ask questions if you are unsure.

Simon Balle Music is incredible. Together, we create amazing music. Now is the time to celebrate our amazing music! Come and hear what has been happening!

Mark Taylor
Director of Music
Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust

Our annual Christmas Carol Services at All Saints Church are around the corner! Year 11 Musicians should be able to continue with rehearsals during the mocks - a time to relax from the revision! Likewise, instrumental teachers work around exams so lessons can continue during December - every year students cope so well with this. The services are an important event for our school community and an annual tradition!

Our main concerts for the Spring Term are taking shape. We are looking to have a 'festival' where we have the Simon Balle Concert Orchestra and Chorus Prom, followed by An Evening with the Simon Balle Big Band. Full details will be out shortly.

It is also great to see how many students are taking advantage of Early Morning Practice - before school from 8am. This is such a useful time to progress as a musician, before the pressures of the day have started. I heartily recommend musicians, especially our more advanced musicians, take up this valuable opportunity. Practice is essential for progress!

I must also thank our colleagues in music who are working at Mill Mead Primary School as part of the Laurel Education Trust. We are supporting musical learning across the school and it is fabulous to help inspire more musical students!

Musical News 1 – September 2025

19th September 2025Heather Morgan

Welcome to everyone within Team Music as we ensure all our lessons, learning and ensembles are up and running once again. It is incredible to see so many musicians making music and to hear such wonderful sounds. Our website is the best place for information, but we are always here to help.

At Simon Balle Music, music is not just a subject – it’s part of our identity. Across our schools, music is at the heart of what we do. Laurel Music is thriving with people who share a deep passion for creating, learning, and performing. We’re proud to offer students a place where music is lived and breathed every day.

Opportunities to grow as a musician are around every corner, and it’s always exciting to see the different paths our students take. A love of music opens doors to incredible possibilities – but it also asks for commitment, courage, and time.

As Director of Music for the past 26 years, I’ve always believed that when musicians are inspired, everything else follows. They become more motivated, more collaborative, and more determined to achieve their best.

Music is not a quick win. It doesn’t offer the instant gratification of a video game or a YouTube short. But over time, it gives back in a way that few things can – bringing people together, building lifelong friendships, and teaching the kind of life skills that last far beyond the classroom.

So if you’re part of Team Music, put your heart into it. You never know what’s waiting just around the corner.

My Top Tips for Success in Team Music

1. Music takes time.
There’s no shortcut. Practice at home is essential. Younger students will need guidance – not just encouragement, but help building it into their routine. Success only comes with hard work, and that hard work begins at home.

https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/practice/ - this link outlines our expectations with practice.

2. Work with us.
We can’t do it alone. We know life is busy, but please find time for music. Read our updates, come to the concerts, celebrate the progress. If you’re investing in lessons, invest in the time too.

3. Commit.
Our schools offer a rich menu of activities, but music requires commitment. Being part of Team Music means showing up, contributing, and being dependable. A team only works when everyone is all in.

4. Learn to read music.
Yes, some famous musicians don’t read music – but we need our students to have the full range of skills. Reading music is essential to becoming a well-rounded, versatile musician.

5. Communicate.
Life changes – and students change. If things aren’t going well, let us know. We’re here to support and adapt. It all starts with a conversation.

6. Be part of the journey.
Team Music is something truly unique. Our all-through music offer is something you won’t find anywhere else. Embrace our ethos. Come to the concerts. Join the experience.

7. Show appreciation.
A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. Behind every music lesson, performance and rehearsal is a dedicated team doing everything they can to support your child’s musical journey. Gratitude matters.

8. Celebrate at home.
Say ‘well done’ often. Recognise the effort, the progress, the performances – big or small. It means more than you know.

We remain fully committed to doing the very best for every one of our musicians, in our own distinctive way, and with families by our side.

Simon Balle Music is incredible. Together, we create amazing music.

Mark Taylor
Director of Music
Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust

As a student myself many years ago, I carried my trumpet to school, or when I cycled, but it on my back. That's what you did.

All musicians should be able to carry their instruments to school - we don't have any double bass players! Drummers should bring drum sticks! Saxophonists can carry their instruments and so on. We have seen a rise in the number of instruments being dropped off at the secondary reception claiming that the musician can't carry it. Please help us and the musician. Unless an emergency, students should be carrying in their instruments to the relevant place in the Larch or secondary Music Centre. Can I also suggest that every instrument has a name tag on?

Likewise, we are proud that we have so many school instrumental to loan out and I am continually seeking to find more. Instruments cost money - a lot, and all I ask is that everyone looks after them and treats them with respect!

No one else should play the instrument
The instrument should be stored in the case
Any damage caused that is outside wear and tear will be charged
Students should be reminded to not drag cases across the ground (yes, I see this often!)

The instrument is valuable - often many hundreds of pounds. We have to all remember this!

Musical News – July 2025

16th July 2025Heather Morgan

Please take time to listen to, share and celebrate the recording from our musical celebration at Saffron Hall.

What we have in Simon Balle Music is unique. Incredible and off the scale in quality. Team Music is, quite simply, fabulous. The dedication that everyone has is, wow!

I must thank everyone in the team at school - teachers, support, leaders and more. Wow. Wow. Wow. What other school can fill the Saffron Hall with 800 of a musical community? 300 performers. Incredible. Memories for life.

Thank you to everyone for your support in the past 12 months. Team Music continues to go from strength to strength. We look forward to working with everyone in September!

Mark Taylor, Director of Music.

A triumphant return to the Hertford Corn Exchange was made last night by our 12 or so bands performing to a sweaty and packed house.

It is easy to get lost in the speed in which we work, forgetting the brilliant community we have at Simon Balle. Families, former students and more celebrating our amazing bands. For many, the first time they have been at the Corn Exchange. For others, a chance to showcase their work again in this venue we have not been at for a number of years.

Having students working in bands is always hard work - choices of music, who wants to work with who and so on. What was very clear last night is that when it works, it comes together in spectacular style. Musicians supporting each other across year groups in a way that is an inspiration to see. The inclusive nature of our work. The confidence being developed, the pride in the faces of families.

Such a brilliant evening! Take time to celebrate and say 'well done'. These are life building lessons - teamwork, resilience, hard work. It all came together so well last night. Oh, and the music team working with Rock School are fabulous.

Over the last three weeks, there have been 112 Trinity Music Exams at Simon Balle Music including Trinity Classical/Jazz and Trinity Rock & Pop.

Students have worked really hard to pass their exams, and what they have achieved amongst the other opportunities at Simon Balle is exceptional! So many distinctions, so many Grade 8's yet every achievement is as a result of hard work from everyone across Team Music.

58% Merit

24% Distinction

Wow!

Please click on the images to see the results! Well done everyone!

London College of Music Diplomas. (DipLCM).

Some of our most advanced musicians take these as their final celebration at Simon Balle. This year we had 5 once again - time after time we are told this is totally unique for any school. They are music conservatoire standard performance exams, way beyond Grade 8.

Sophie (flute), Barney (Drum kit), Lucien (Drum kit), Eva (Vocals) and Luca (Electric Guitar).

All now have DipLCM after their names.

Luca's was the first of this instrument in the country, as the diploma was created at my request. I cannot explain clearly enough how incredible an achievement this is. The team is utterly inspirational and has an amazing growth mindset for so many musicians, understanding their individual needs, challenging them in such a musical way, taking them out of their comfort zone.

Musical News 3 – April 2025

4th April 2025Heather Morgan

Simon Balle Music is incredible. The performances and achievements over the past few weeks remind me why we do what we do. The individual stories, the triumph, the resilience, the success.

We work hard to celebrate each individual musician. The recent questionnaire showed what an impact we have, together with you, as part of Team Music. There will always be things that can be better, but now is the time to celebrate. We have so many incredible musicians creating music that is quite unique. The role of families is to help us celebrate everyone, not just our own! Younger musicians can see what they can aim for, older musicians can celebrate younger musicians, working together. We are one all-through Team Music.

The recent performances showcased so well what your children are achieving. From rock to disco via Big Band and the Larch. Experiences, enrichment and memories. Older musicians with A level recitals, GCSE coursework and all those deadlines. Larch musicians with music medals and instrumental exams. What we have is unique and very, very musical. You don’t get this anywhere else!

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Continuing to celebrate, please could you take a moment to say WELL DONE to your musicians at home. So much has been achieved. This week alone, we have had some amazing achievement as a result of hard work.

Well done to everyone. Good luck in preparation to the 130 musicians working for exams next term. To reassure, we work with events on the calendar to accommodate everyone and we make everyone aware in plenty of time of the day the exams are on. Year 6 musicians - music exams are well after the SATS!

Well done. Fabulous. What a musical school we are! We are Team Music!

Musical News 2 – March 2025

14th March 2025Heather Morgan

We are in the middle of our performance season. So much music, so much celebration and enjoyment. It is an amazing, if busy, time of year. Times like this remind everyone why we do what we do. Your part in that, supporting our musicians is essential. Do take time to read here and celebrate what everyone is doing, not just those that you know.

We are a Team, everyone. One third of the school. You might be surprised with what goes on, some of which you had no idea!

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Simon Balle is a musical school. We are proud that we are a musical school. Sometimes, we have to remind everyone in Team Music what this actually means!

Pride and celebration. When we work hard, amazing musical things happen. Just look at our website!
Practice. Music takes practice, at least 3 times a week. In the Larch, families must supervise practice. Secondary musicians should be practising at least 4 times per week. We are all busy, but when practice is completed, the lessons are amazing!
Commitment. Ensembles take commitment. Music is commitment. Missing a rehearsal lets the team down. We are all busy, but we choose to be musicians and we have to commit!
Working together. The team work. We are all part of the team.

It is good to remind everyone of our values and ethos. Sometimes, we forget - life takes over. By building routines for practice and commitment at home, every week, you are helping create amazing Simon Balle Musicians.

An Evening with the Simon Balle Big Band

A fantastic evening with so much support from families and students! Read what musicians had to say about it and enjoy the videos!

"Big Band evening this year was extraordinary. The feeling of playing with a band that is like a family is unmatched. Getting to see all of the parents let loose in the audience and dance to music we are performing feels like such an amazing achievement. This year was extra special to me as I got to play my first solos at a Big Band evening, and I got to sing a song! When we are performing we do really feel a part of the community and the happiness it brings is something I hope everyone watching can feel."

Merry, Big Band

"I played tenor saxophone in Big Band 2 which was such an incredible experience! We played multiple pieces which I think went really well and it was so fun to play in front of an audience with the lights. My highlight of the night was either doing a solo, which was nerve-racking but also such an amazing memory, or dancing and singing with my friends. The whole evening had such a wonderful atmosphere and it was so nice to see the audience of all ages singing along!"

Holly, Big Band 2

An All-through Celebration of Brass

An evening filled with a fantastic programme of music performed by a talented group of musicians from Year 4 to Year 13.

"My favourite piece to play was “The Final Countdown” because it is dramatic, I know the piece very well and the Tenor Horn (the instrument I play) got to play the main tune. I also enjoyed the opportunity to play a short solo in “The Second Line”. It was fun but nerve-wracking as I had to improvise which I have never done before in front of an audience. My favourite piece played by the secondary brass Ensemble was called “Resolution”. The main lead in this piece was done by the percussion which I am also a big fan of, so it was really nice to see them be the stars of this piece! I really enjoyed playing with the secondary brass and I would love to do it again."

Charlie, Tenor Horn

"On Thursday I played in the All-through Brass Celebration along with a group of other brass players from year 4-13. Although a lot of the pieces were quite hard to begin with, we practiced hard at our Monday lunchtime rehearsals and by the time the evening came they all sounded brilliant. We played a range pieces such as Resolution, O Magnum Mysterium and a Selection from the Secret Garden. It was a fun evening which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. My highlight was being able to perform the pieces we’ve practiced in front of our parents and my favourite piece was Selections from the Secret Garden."

Lilia, Trumpet

Piano Recital

There was much to be enjoyed at our most recent Piano Recital where our March Exam Candidates took the opportunity to prepare by performing some of their pieces to an appreciative audience of family and friends.

It was great to see such a range of years (7-11) and Grades (1-6), so that parents could see the range of musical progression and I'm sure our less experienced players were inspired by the performances of others.

Well done to everyone and good luck with your Exam later this month!

"I recently attended and performed at the piano evening in the music department—my first recital here. The atmosphere was warm and supportive, with encouraging family members and teachers, making it enjoyable for both performers and the audience. I loved the variety of pieces, from Ed Sheeran to grade pieces and even an old Hindi song—a nice surprise as it was one I knew. My own performance went well, and I was happy with how it turned out, despite feeling a little nervous at first. Having attended quite a few school music events, this was one of the most comfortable and pleasant, with performers of all ages giving their best and an appreciative audience."

Nitika, Year 10

Musical News – February 2025

28th February 2025Heather Morgan

Our spring concert season is upon us with so many events showcasing our amazing musicians. Music is all about celebration - of hard work, of commitment, of what our musicians achieve. We continue to evolve, we continue to listen, but most importantly, we work every day to inspire the musicians we work with. Families at home are so much part of our ethos - if we all work together, brilliant things happen and superb music is created. Do have a read here of what is going on and do come and watch a performance.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Making sure we have routines for practice and reading lesson notes on Involve. https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/practice/ - our page on advice for practice. Older students might need reminders. Larch musicians will require supervising, 3 times per week. Lesson notes give advice on what is needed to prepare for the next lesson. Do contact the teacher if you would like more information or advice regarding what and how to practice. Practice really does make progress and being a musician is a long term commitment!

Year 4 have been impressing us with their fantastic singing in a very enjoyable musical theatre unit that we studied last half term and they will be performing to their peers in assembly this week.

In Years 7 and 8, students have been developing their composition skills inspired by the compositions of Beethoven and Grieg respectively. Have a listen to this fantastic composition by two Y8 students based on the programme of In The Hall of The Mountain King.

Musical Exam Success

Between January and February, students from Year 6 to Year 13 took their Trinity Exams.

There was a selection of Trinity Rock & Pop Exams, and Trinity Classical/Jazz Exams.

It is incredible to see so much confidence in students to take these exams, please see the fantastic results by clicking on the images.

In keeping with our Fortnightly Focus, it is brilliant to see how much hard work pays off in ability but also confidence.

Congratulations to all those who have achieved their Grade!

Larch Assembly Performances

Every Thursday in the KS2 celebration assembly some of our musicians have the opportunity to perform. Since September there have been over 40 students performing and earning themselves a Larch Music Star certificate.

Each week a group of students either perform as a soloist or in small groups. This is a fantastic chance to showcase all the hard work that goes on to learn a piece of music to performance standard. There have been a large variety of instruments played, from the violin to trumpet, piano to clarinet.

Well done to everyone who has played and keep up the good work!

Singing Recital

Last week I performed in a singing recital at school which is where any student with singing lessons can take part and sing a song in front of their family and some other parents. I believe this is mainly a practice for confidence and to build up skills of performing. There were lots of other students there who also participated and I enjoyed watching them perform their chosen song in front of everyone. I feel for me, it went very well. I always have fun at the singing recitals and love taking part. My highlight of the evening was probably watching everyone else perform. It’s so interesting to see year 7 to sixth form performing in the same art. I had a really fun time and can’t wait for the next one!

Maya, Year 8

Musical News – January 2025

31st January 2025Heather Morgan

We love performing. Making music with others is the reason we do what we do.

In order to be ready to perform, we have to practice - for our lessons and for the rehearsals. This term we will be focusing on practice across both phases so all our musicians are the best they can be.

Do have a look at the Whats On page for details of our upcoming concerts and performances. These include the Big Band evening, as well as a 'Live in Concert' event that features our new Simon Balle Concert Orchestra performing 4 disco arrangements from the BBC Proms last year.

Simon Balle Music is something very special. When we practice and work together, amazing things happen.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music.

Our Woodwind Starters’ Celebration showcased all of our Larch students who started learning the Flute or Clarinet in September.

32 musicians tonight astounded their families with their first performance on the clarinet and flute after 4 months of learning. The performance was the epitome of our unique and special all-through ethos.

Please do congratulate the musicians, they have worked so hard to get to this point!

Musical. Reading notation, in time. A huge sense of community. Confident. An inspiration.

Please click on the picture to hear the audio!

The Piano Recital allowed exam candidates a chance to perform in front of an audience ahead of their upcoming music exams.

We welcomed family and friends of some of our talented players for an Evening of Piano Music.

We were lucky to have performers from Years 8-11 playing a variety of styles. There was plenty of Rock and Pop on display with Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars amongst the artists featured, whilst, in contrast, the audience were also treated to music by Claude Debussy, Richard Rodgers and Joe Hisaishi.

Well played everyone, it was all thoroughly enjoyed!

Music

Welcome from the Director of Music

Celebrating our Musical Curriculum

KS1 Curriculum

KS2 Curriculum

KS5 Curriculum

Celebrating your Musicians

Music Medal & Exam Success

Trinity

Larch Star Assembly Performances

Cello

Team Music Awards - December 2025

Carol Services

Team Music at Mill Mead

Well done to everyone at Mill Mead - see you in January!

Please can everyone rehearse the songs over the Christmas break!

Welcome from the Director of Music

Fortnightly Focus: Get Involved!!

How much are you part of Simon Balle Music?

Celebrating our Musical Curriculum

KS1 & 2 Curriculum

KS3 Curriculum

Badgers - Away in a Manger

Rabbits - Calypso Carol

Celebrating your Musicians

Larch Star Assembly Performances

Flute

Brass

Team Music Awards - November 2025

Click here – a musical review of our last amazing year!

Rock Gig

Acoustic Guitar Recital

Congratulations to all of our Acoustic Guitarists!

Rock School: Open Mic Night

Welcome from the Director of Music

Fortnightly Focus: Reading Music

Celebrating our Musical Curriculum

Celebrating your Musicians

Music Medal & Exam Success

Larch Star Assembly Performances

Celebration of Singing & Strings

Larch Celebration of Music

Celebration of Wind and Brass

Upcoming Events – Please click on the images for all details!

Welcome from the Director of Music

In other news.....

Upcoming Dates

Welcome from the Director of Music

My Top Tips for Success in Team Music

Musical Instruments

Useful Links & Information

Upcoming Dates

Welcome from the Director of Music

Details for 2025/2026

Rock Gig - A Fantastic Gig!

Larch Starters' Celebration

A Concert to celebrate students who have started learning a Wind or Brass instrument since September 2024.

Music Exam Success!

Welcome from the Director of Music

Fortnightly Focus

Our Musical Curriculum

Celebrating Our Students

Musical Exam Success

Music Medal Success

Instrumental Lessons

The Guitar Ensembles have been busy rehearsing this term.

Click the right corner for more videos

Music Mondays

Assembly Performances

The Grade 8 Club!

Celebrating our Performances

Simon Balle Music Live!

Larch Celebration of Music

Year 2 Strings Training Celebration

Rock Gig

Coming up!

Click the poster for event details!

Welcome from the Director of Music

Fortnightly Focus

Our Musical Curriculum