Musical News – 18.03.2022

18th March 2022Heather Morgan

Welcome to our Music!

It has been an amazing couple of weeks with so many performances and so much music being created across our all-through school. Every musician has achieved something and has a story of triumph to tell! The Big Band evening, vocal showcase, Year 2 Strings celebration, performance assemblies, Big Band gigs, a guitar evening, Larch orchestra and choir rehearsals for the concert next Wednesday, A level recital rehearsals, preparation for the exams this week and next. So much is happening and it is fabulous that our musicians are embracing all that we have to offer. We are working hard to also ensure our musicians are involved in the decisions being made, in our new ideas and in feedback from what we have achieved. Well done to everyone.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Big Band

Senior Choir

Our Secondary Phase...

Big Band..

Over the last couple of weeks, Big Band have performed here, there and everywhere!

Starting, of course, with our Big Band Evening. On Saturday 5th March, we were fortunate to have Big Band perform for a live audience full of friendly faces for the first time this year!

Next, Big Band entertained the Herts for Learning Headteachers' Conference, a very fun evening had by all!

Finally, they performed at the Mayor's Civic Dinner.

We are so proud of how they all embraced the challenge, and adapted to the different occasions! Well done to all!

Vocal Showcase - Saturday 12th March

On Saturday, we had our first singing concert in 3 years! It was fantastic to see so many students involved and performing a variety of genres and pieces! From Chamber Choir, to Musical Theatre, Duets to All Choirs!

Kitty in Year 9, who performed in multiple ensembles, said:

I really enjoyed how every student and audience member was very supportive, I also liked how there was a variety of different songs, especially musical theatre, in the vocal showcase. I have always listened to music and sung around my house from a young age. I find it rewarding when I can master songs I have been working on or hit a note that I couldn't before. Accents help me get into character as they don't sound like me but the role I am playing. Attending acting clubs and knowing what message the song portrays helps me understand my character. 

We are so proud of all of our performers, here is all of our choirs performing 'Fix You'.

A Celebration of Brass

Our wonderful Brass musicians throughout the school came together to perform last week. It was a great to see so many students of various ages take part in the evening. Listen to our Secondary Brass students with 'Highlights from La La Land'!

 

Guitar Platform Evening

On Thursday, Mr Niesyto's students came together to showcase a wonderful array of acoustic guitar pieces.

Students from Year 7 to Year 13 performing solo numbers, our Guitar Workshop did their first performance, and the evening finished with our Guitar Ensemble.

It was a brilliant evening!

Our Primary Phase...

Larch Stars

Our Larch Stars are musicians who have been nominated by their instrumental teachers for something really good that week. Their certificate is presented in assembly. Well done to..

  • Ayla B (Year 3) for great progress in the last few weeks.
  • Mason Y (Year 3) for great performance in his lesson.
  • Pearl C (Year 4) for superb effort in lessons.
  • Florrie C (Year 3) for excellent work on her low note production.
  • Eloise S (Year 5) for working hard at her note reading.

Assembly Performances

In the Larch Celebration Assemblies, we have had wonderful performances from:

Isabel H in Year 6 playing 'Stealth Mode' in piano.

Ava C & Isaac B in Year 4 playing 'Shepherd Hey' on clarinet.

A Celebration of Brass

Our wonderful Brass musicians throughout the school came together to perform last week. It was a great opportunity for the younger students to see our older students perform, and understand where their brass journey can take them!

Our Larch Brass musicians performed brilliantly! Please have a listen to 500 Miles!

Year 2 Strings Training Programme Evening

On Tuesday, our Year 2 Violinists and Cellists showcased their hard work to a live audience of their parents and carers.

Mrs Johnson and Mrs Nunn are happy to announce they have all successfully completed their Strings Training Programme!

Do see below a little snippet from Tuesday.

Music Medals

Lots of Larch Musicians across many instruments are completing their Bronze Music Medals currently.

Coming Up...

Please take a look at our 'What's On' page to see what is coming up!

What’s On

 

Our Vocal Showcase – March 2022

17th March 2022Heather Morgan

On Saturday, we had our first singing concert in 3 years! It was fantastic to see so many students involved and performing a variety of genres and pieces! From Chamber Choir, to Musical Theatre, Duets to All Choirs!

Kitty in Year 9, who performed in multiple ensembles, said:

I really enjoyed how every student and audience member was very supportive, I also liked how there was a variety of different songs, especially musical theatre, in the vocal showcase. I have always listened to music and sung around my house from a young age. I find it rewarding when I can master songs I have been working on or hit a note that I couldn’t before. Accents help me get into character as they don’t sound like me but the role I am playing. Attending acting clubs and knowing what message the song portrays helps me understand my character. 

Please find the performances below:

Celebration of Brass – March 2022

17th March 2022Heather Morgan

On Thursday, we had our wonderful Brass musicians throughout the school came together to perform last week. It was a great to see so many students of various ages take part in the evening.

It was a brilliant opportunity for our younger players to see older students perform with the same instruments – an evening of inspiration.

Please have a listen the a couple of snippets!

Highlights from La La Land – arranged by Dan Taylor:

500 Miles – Larch Brass

Musical news for March 2022

4th March 2022Mark Taylor

Welcome to our Music!

It is brilliant to have our music gradually returning to life, with live performances and our musicians working together. We have every year group in our school, and so for the first time amazing music taking place in both phases.

Recently we had our first Rock Gig for two years. It was a wonderful occasion and one of such emotion for the performers and families. Watching the confidence and musicality was a joy.

 

Elsewhere, all our ensembles are eagerly rehearsing for forthcoming concerts, details of which can be found below. This includes the Year 2 String Training Programme musicians who have been working hard on their first ever instrument (we thank our partners the Hertfordshire Music Service who have helped fund the programme), as well as some Year 13 musicians preparing for their final recitals with the visiting examiner. 36 students took a music exam in January with an 86% merit or distinction rate - each result was a personal triumph!

With our concerts, our traditions return. The Big Band Evening, the Wind and Brass Evening, the Vocal concert and more. These traditions are important to families and the musicians - older musicians who were once younger are waiting for these concerts to return so they can have 'their' moment performing pieces they have waited their turn to do. In the Larch we are creating new traditions now that we can perform once again. Year 3 woodwind musicians were brilliant in their recent performance evening, showing families what they have achieved in just over a term. Alongside traditions, we are working to develop new ideas, new partnerships across the school, bringing together our musicians in new ways.

Our Summer concert returns to Saffron Hall this year. Please save the date and alert everyone you know!

Our message now to all musicians at Simon Balle is to get involved! There are so many opportunities for musicians and with commitment and hard work, amazing things will happen. As we believe

When you're part of it, you put your heart in it

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

From our Secondary phase

New Musicians

Since September, we have had 24 Year 7s and 8s begin to learn a woodwind or brass instrument, and shortly we will invite them to join an ensemble.

We are proud of how they have embraced this new challenge and worked so hard. Starting in a band is a big step, so we will ensure that they are supported to make the transition smooth and fun!

Singing

Our singers and choirs are preparing for their Vocal Showcase coming up. You can find out all the information by clicking the image below:

We look forward to hearing what they have been working so hard on!

Congratulations

To Aimee in Year 13 who has gained a place at BIMM from September where she can take her love of popular music to a whole new level in her degree. Aimee is a great musician and committed to our Chamber Choir and the Big Band. Well done Aimee.

Alby in Year 10 recently took part in The Voice Kids on ITV. Do click on this page to see what happened.

Alby shines on the Voice Kids

An Evening with the Simon Balle Big Band

Is this Saturday. They are supported by Big Band 2 and it should be an amazing evening. The Big Band are then performing at a Headteacher's conference and then the Hertford Mayor's annual dinner next week, so a busy time for this group who have worked so hard to rebuild this well known group. Live music is returning!

 

From the Larch

Our Larch Stars

Our Larch Stars are musicians who have been nominated by their instrumental teachers for something really good that week. Their certificate is presented in assembly. Well done to

  • Isla J in Year 2 for working extremely hard and demonstrating excellent bow hold each week
  • David B in Year 5 for continuing to make steady progress each week and always trying his best
  • Freddie U in Year 2 for making excellent progress in his cello playing, and his concentration and focus has greatly improved
  • Isabella H in Year 5 for always showing enthusiasm and working hard, even with a sprained wrist
  • Chloe A in Year 2 for excellent playing with the bow
  • Annabel H in Year 5 for excellent work over half-term towards her Grade 1
  • Amber C in Year 5 for keeping excellent time and moving between right & left hand
  • Thomas M in Year 3 for becoming more confident in his cello playing
  • Ziva H in Year 6 for fabulous work, good reading and having a positive, mature attitude
  • Harry D in Year 3 for brilliant work in his clarinet lesson
  • Renae L in Year 4 for great work at home and during lessons
  • Euan E in Year 5 for excellent work over half-term towards his Grade 1
  • Beau B in Year 5 for good note reading, and helping others within her saxophone group
  • Angus M in Year 3 for brilliant work in his clarinet lesson
  • Olly S in Year 3 for great finger position on his clarinet
  • Khush B in Year 3 for really good work on his flute sound production
  • Zach H in Year 5 for excellent work over half-term towards his Grade 1
  • Lola M in Year 6 for always trying hard in the lesson and persevering when finding something technically challenging

Performances

Each Friday, we have students perform a piece in the Larch Celebration Assemblies. Performing is such a great experience, and we look forward to seeing more of our students be able to do this in front of their peers.

Ziva H in Year 6 played 'Air' on the violin, and was accompanied by Mrs Kirk.

Consider Yourself

In Mrs Iles' lessons, year 4 have been singing: 'Consider Yourself' from Oliver. You can listen to their hard work below:

Brass Ensemble Rehearsals

We are excited to say that our Larch Brass Ensemble are having a series of rehearsals in preparation for the upcoming concert: 'A Celebration of Brass'. All information can be found by clicking the image below.

We are looking forward to hearing what they have been working on, and giving the opportunity to perform with other students throughout the school.

Coming up

We have lots of live music coming up. Full details can be found on our 'What's On' page

What’s On

Do follow us on twitter for more of our news.

Alby shines on the Voice Kids

1st March 2022Mark Taylor

Recently, Alby in Year 10 appeared on The Voice Kids on ITV. He sat down with Miss Morgan to tell her about his experience.

What made you apply to the Voice Kids?

I didn’t apply myself, my Nan did it for me, she’s been really encouraging. I never would have done it, the idea of it was too scary, but once I was there I was fine. I’m glad I did it, I would do it again if I could. 

What did you have to do to get through to televised rounds?

There were 8-10 rounds before the ‘blind auditions’ that were televised. These were zoom call auditions, where the producers narrowed down 70,000 applicants to 40 overall. The last call back was in ITV studios in London, and we had to wait 3 weeks to find out whether we had got a blind audition - it was crazy!

How were you in these rounds? What was it like when you were selected?

They called my mum to tell her I had a blind audition, she was down the road at the time, she came running towards me to tell me - I was shocked, very happy though! A few weeks later, we had the first band rehearsals, I submitted in 3 songs prior to this, but they asked for 12 more! They had 5 days to decide what contestants’ sang. I originally wanted to sing ‘Turning Tables’ by Adele, but they chose ‘The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face’ - I didn’t even know the song when it was chosen! 

My favourite song was ‘Falling’ by Harry Styles, I was jealous because my best friend got to sing this!

Describe how it was working in the groups of other kids? How was it working with the mentors?

It was very fun! I’ll let you in on a little secret; the mentors weren’t really there! Danny came in the most out of all of them - he watched the rehearsals on his birthday, that was fun. Our actual mentors were our vocal coaches, they were so helpful and supportive. I loved being on stage, it always looks so glamorous on TV, but we were always so chilled, one time we were even in pyjamas, it was great. It was actually a year ago yesterday that we all met each other.

What was it like being in the semi final?

Honestly, you don’t really think about it, you just enjoy the experience as it goes along. I really loved the experience, it was good to do it with people I liked, I liked that I got to share it with my best friend. 

What have you learnt from being on The Voice Kids?

My confidence has skyrocketed, a lot thanks to the vocal coaches. I have kept in contact with one of them, as I sometimes have 1-1 singing lessons. Before working with them, I was scared to belt, but now I feel like I can do so much more. I didn’t get to show as much as I can do! I wish I’d known what I know now whilst I was on the Voice!

 

What are your ambitions now?

From the Voice Kids, I received lots of publicity. I am currently writing my own music, I like writing by myself, I’m very precise! I have a producer, we are actually shooting a music video in the coming months, and a photoshoot too! It’s very exciting.

Piano Day – Thursday 25th November

13th November 2021Mark Taylor

Our annual piano day returned!

In the morning we welcomed renowned pianist Anna Markland, who delivered a Masterclass.  Anna listened to and encourage five of our most talented players, whilst our other players will had the chance to watch and learn from one of the country’s leading musicians.

At 1.20pm, a selection of all-age players performed in an informal concert in the Library.

Then at 6.00pm, pianists from Years 10-13 performed in a Teatime Concert featuring duet and ensemble items, as well as many special solo performances.

Here are some other highlights from our piano team.

Mr Lovell's view from the piano stool

In this blog, Mr Lovell discusses the art of performance.

The view from the piano stool can be very comfy, especially in the familiar surroundings of your own home! I grew up with a piano in the house and one day I was given the option of having lessons, or the piano would have to go. I used to sit and splash around at the keys a bit, pretending that I knew what I was doing, but I knew enough to know that I didn’t want to lose this awesome instrument. I took up the offer of lessons and never looked back. Simple stuff at first of course, I was never going to be Young Musician Of The Year and I used to get frustrated when I couldn’t get the hang of things quicker. The piano stool was a place where I felt happy. I enjoyed myself and had the satisfaction of feeling that this was something that I was improving at, even if it wasn’t always at as fast a pace as I wanted. And I loved that whilst my teacher introduced me to the wondrous music of Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy, it was also a pathway into playing the music that I was already listening to at home, like Elton John, Genesis and Kate Bush.

The view from the stool can get a bit less cosy once the stool is elsewhere other than home: the school hall or especially the exam room! Nerves can be off-putting and make you feel like all the enjoyment has been sucked out of you. But without them, you can never focus to the point of showing yourself at your absolute best. And whilst there’s not much to beat the immersion into the joy of music to escape all the pressures of life, the one thing that’s even better is the buzz you get when you play something well and someone else is there to tell you how good it is. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a standing ovation for a prestigious recital, or whether it’s just your Mum saying, “well done, it’s getting better”, you get a glow that makes you feel good and it spurs you on to want to achieve more. I’ve been playing for over 40 years now and, I assure you, that buzz is as strong now as it’s ever been!

So if you, like me, play the piano, why do you do it? Why did you start and what is it about this incredible instrument that keeps you going? Here are some of the responses we’ve had from our students here at Simon Balle:

I enjoy making people happy when I play

Playing piano puts me in a wonderland of music

I enjoy playing the piano because it makes me forget about stressful things happening in my life

I really enjoy playing keyboard at Simon Balle as I learn so much and have fun

I really enjoy playing the piano, we are always having some sort of fun event or activity!!

The opportunity to perform, to share your skills and revel in the praise that comes your way, is vital to keep us all pushing on and improving ourselves. So, let’s keep up the practice, strive to be the best we can be, but, most of all, enjoy making music and enjoy what it looks, feels and sounds like from your piano stool!

Mr Lovell

From Gabriel, Year 12

The piano masterclass with Anna Markland was a huge success. This is for a plentiful number of reasons. It was very beneficial for developing our performance skills and confidence (an important aspect of musicianship) as we were given some useful tips for performing by Anna and we were playing in front of all the other pianists – a big crowd! Also, for many, it was very informative on practice methods: Anna zoomed in on specific areas of struggle and emphasised the significance of ‘slow’ practice. For me, we focused more on style and musical awareness. Anna suggested an alternative approach for using the sustaining pedal to make the texture of the music less heavy. Finally, I would like to say an immense thank you to Anna Markland for imparting her expertise and additionally to Mr Lovell for diligently organising the whole event.

From Toby, Year 13

I found Anna Markland’s advice and support very insightful throughout the masterclass. What was particularly useful was how it felt as though Anna was giving tips and ways to improve playing to everybody in the room, not just the player sitting at the piano. In addition, what was particularly helpful was that the advice was relevant for all of the students of varying ages and experience with the piano. Personally for me I thought that Anna was not only extremely supportive of what I was playing, but also offered some really good, constructive feedback such as how to improve my sitting position when playing, how to practice the piece more effectively at home and how to position my arms in order to play the more challenging sections of the piece with greater ease.

Singing once again!

3rd November 2021Mark Taylor

Last year, singing was often the hardest hit, with the restrictions. Choir numbers were limited and singing was a challenge. It is therefore brilliant that our choirs are back in full force.

We have so many amazing singers. We believe that everyone can sing, and it is great that our musicians agree! The Chamber Choir, consisting of our senior singers and musicians has regrouped and is busy working for the many school events this term, including the Remembrance service and the carol services. The senior choir is now a Vocal Showcase. The aim is that all KS4 and 5 singers can come, enjoy singing and showcase what they can achieve. All styles of songs are covered and whilst still in the first few rehearsals, there is so much talent at the rehearsals on a Wednesday. The Junior Choir also rehearses on a Wednesday and consists of so many singers in Years 7 – 9. Having this choir return with so many singers is amazing and we look forward to hearing them perform later in the term. Throughout the curriculum, throughout the school, singing is an everyday part of our music. Whether in a band, as a soloist or just for fun, singing is something that can bring joy to everyone.

In the primary phase, we have two fabulous choirs. The Years 2- 3 choir and the Years 4 – 6 choir both sang so beautifully at the Harvest Festival at All Saints’ Church. Singing is so popular in the Larch, and Mrs Johnson’s KS1 singing assembly on a Tuesday is a delight to listen to.

Elsewhere, singing lessons are very popular. Some of our most advanced singers in the sixth form also performed at the Harvest Festival this week and created a beautiful atmosphere with their captivating performances. We have singers with the Big Band and in Rock School and we are planning a return to singing evenings where families can celebrate in person what the musicians can achieve.

What is lovely is the confidence that we see grow in our singers as they learn to perform, learn how to command a room and learn about connecting to the music. Performing in front of others as a soloist is, for some, a challenge. Actually doing it, standing tall and standing proud can be a huge achievement. The pride seen when they finish and take in the applause is wonderful to see. 

The return to live performances is our aim for the year in all of our work, but especially our choirs. It will take a little time, but with perseverance and commitment, I am sure we will not be disappointed with what will be achieved.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Happy New Term in the Larch!!

4th September 2021Mark Taylor

Happy New Term in the Larch!

Dear all.

As we welcome the new term, we are preparing for much more exciting music making this year and the opportunity to see our musicians develop.

Our Larch instrumental lessons start from Monday 13th September. We will email you full details later next week, of days and what and when things are happening. Year 6 will have lessons in the music centre and will be supported to walk over in time. We are finalising the huge logistical puzzle of our teaching! It is also on Monday 13th that Year 6 woodwind and brass musicians will join Junior Wind Band in the music centre after school. Again, full details will be emailed next week. Year 3 string players will join the Larch Orchestra in January.

The Larch Orchestra and choirs start from Monday 20th September (ie, that week). This gives the students time to get back into routine and play their instruments again! It is the week of the 20th September that the Year 2 Strings Training Programme starts - the musical journey for these students begins! Cello will be on Thursday, Violin on Friday.

As an overview:

Junior Wind Band (Yr 6 wind and brass musicians) - Monday after school until 3.55pm starting on Monday 13th September

Larch orchestra - Wednesday after school until 4pm starting on Wednesday 22nd September

Larch choirs - Thursday after school until 4pm starting on Thursday 23rd September

In advance of lessons starting, please can everyone go over a couple of pieces from last term if they have not done so already. Check everything in the instrument case is there and perform at home. We will be working hard this term to support you to support each musician - how to practice at home, what to do if there are challenges, how to celebrate progress. It is time to get back even more to the joy of learning and performing. We even hope to have several live concerts this term!

https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/in-the-larch/

Please do take a moment to look at the Larch music section of the website. It has the dates, resources, support and information. It will also have the timetables ready for lessons to start. A Year 6 page will be published next week.

Celebration of our music is on twitter - https://twitter.com/simonballemusic and the main school media channels.

Please bear with us if there are teething issues. Just get in touch - direct all queries to music@simonballe.herts.sch.uk rather than the Larch reception.

Learning an instrument is great fun. Yes, practice is essential, but if you build in the routines, ask for help when needed and celebrate success, amazing things will happen.

Have a great musical year!

Mark Taylor, Director of Music.

And so the end of term…

17th July 2021Mark Taylor

Congratulations to all musicians for their achievements this year. We have held over 240 individual music exams. This is  an amazing achievement, showing perseverance and hard work through all the challenges. As part of this, seven Year 13 musicians have achieved a diploma at a standard of first or second year music college.To have this number of students taking these very challenging exams is unique in any school and we cannot underestimate the enormity of what has been achieved. Our senior musicians have also achieved 29 Grade 8s between them, most with a merit or distinction. In the Larch, 53 musicians took a music medal this year and several have achieved Grade 1 or 2. This again is a phenomenal achievement. Every exam result at every level is something to be so proud of and the numbers involved make us unique as a school. 

Last weekend we were fortunate to have two outdoor concerts to celebrate what some of our musicians have achieved. Enabling the Concert Band and Big Band to perform allowed our brilliant Year 13 musicians to celebrate their achievements and say goodbye. Having this ‘final moment’ for them was so important and it was wonderful to see everyone there enjoying the amazing music. The recordings and pictures will be on the school website early next week for all to enjoy. The evenings were very emotional for so many, both musicians and families. All our musicians throughout the school are amazing, and it was wonderful to hear about how music is such an important part of their lives. 

Team Music has triumphed this year and it has been wonderful to see and hear how families, musicians and the team in school have worked together, in person and online. The musical achievements that we have had have been wonderful to see and hear. Across all phases, music has kept going and we are so grateful for all the support. It is by working together that we have achieved what we have.

Looking forward, we continue to adapt and ensure that our musical opportunities continue to grow.  I am delighted that so many young people are learning an instrument in the Larch, and that we have so many musicians across the school who want to be part of Team Music. Thank you to everyone in Team Music for coming together to create incredible music and wonderful memories. To those with us next year - concerts, performances and experiences will be back. Keep practising and see you then. To those leaving - thank you. Thank you for your support, thank you for your musicianship and thank you for the memories.

https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/

https://twitter.com/simonballemusic

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

What a musical year!

2nd July 2021Mark Taylor

What a musical year! Looking forward to the next one....

Dear families.

It is that time of the year when we look forward to celebrating what our Larch musicians have achieved as well as looking forward to September.

Despite the lockdown earlier this year, our musicians have been amazing. It is fabulous to see and hear what they continue to achieve week after week. The rehearsals are going so well and it is lovely to hear about all the successes with exams and music medals. Some have been taking exams this week!

Year 2 has done so well with the Strings Training Programme. Hearing some of them last week I was reminded how much progress they have made. We will be recording their celebration in a couple of weeks and sharing this with families. This work is the foundation of instrumental learning, preparing students to continue with the violin and cello or move on and take up a different instrument. Hearing all the instrumentalists in the other years has been a joy, both in small groups and in the orchestra. The choirs too are singing so well and with such enthusiasm.

Looking to next year, we will shortly be reminding year groups of which instruments they can learn at Simon Balle. The current Year 2 will be introduced to the flute and clarinet and the current Years 3, 4 and 5 to other wind instruments as well as brass. We have not been able to do this live for a while, so we are excited to let pupils hear everything in person. I really hope that pupils will continue on their musical journey as so much has already been achieved. Also looking to September, Year 6 wind and brass musicians will progress to be part of Junior Wind Band on a Monday after school until 4pm. They have been so important in the orchestra and they will now be working with older musicians, taking their music to the next level. Year 6 string players will continue in the Larch Orchestra on a Wednesday for now, so that they can support the younger musicians and help create that rich string sound.

To summarise:

In September, the Larch Orchestra will consist of:

  • Years 4, 5 and 6 string players
  • Years 4 and 5 woodwind players
  • Year 5 brass players

Year 6 woodwind and brass players will be part of the Junior Wind Band on a Monday until 4pm. If it clashes with team sports in the Autumn term they will do each activity on alternate weeks!

Year 3 Strings will join the orchestra later in the year.

Well done to everyone for their hard work and perseverance this year. We have an amazing musical future ahead of us. As Team music develops and more opportunities are created, the sky really is the limit on what can be achieved.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music