- Musical News 2 – November 2024
Wow! What a month!
We have had 25% of our school community performing in concerts and gigs - it has been an incredible week of celebration.
Six performances in 5 days this week. Concert Band, Junior Wind Band, Brass, Saxidentals, Rock Bands, guitars, all our Larch choirs and ensembles, our senior choirs and singers.
The quality has once again been outstanding, and the stories of nerves, inclusion, smiles, opportunity, team work, joy, community and incredible music has been a joy to be part of.Few schools in the country have this number of students involved performing to such a high standard. What students get from being part of this cannot easily be described.A school is built on a community. What an amazing all-through musical community we are.
We are really proud of what our students achieve!
Mark Taylor
Director of Music
Our Simon Balle Music Podcast
We have recently launched our new Simon Balle Music podcast!Our first episode - 'All things Simon Balle Music' is out now! Please have a listen, follow us on Spotify, and watch this space! New episodes are coming soon!The Celebration of Wind and Brass Concert showcased our wonderful Brass Ensemble, Saxidentals, Junior Wind and Concert Band!
It was a delightful evening with an array of music!
Please enjoy videos from last night's concert:
The Rock Gig was a fantastic evening down at the Southern Maltings in Ware.
Lots of fantastic performances from Year 7 to Year 13 - incredible!
The Larch Celebration of Music showcased our amazing Larch Musicians!
- The Larch Wind & Brass Band (Year 4, 5 & 6)
- The Larch String Orchestra (Years 4, 5 & 6)
- Year 2 & 3 Choir
- Year 4, 5 & 6 Choir
Well done to everyone! Over 140 musicians performing - 45% of Years 2 - 6. 180+ in the audience!
So many smiles, so many proud families, an amazing musical community. We are one musical all-through school!
Our Guitar Recital showcased Mr Niesyto's fantastic students!
It was a brilliant evening for both solo and ensemble performances - please enjoy the videos here!
Our Celebration of Singing Concert showcased our incredible singers!
From Chamber Choir, and Secondary Choir to a selection of groups and solo performances from a selection of Year 8s, Year 9s and Year 12s.
We are really proud of what was achieved and we hope that you are too!
Please watch videos here:
Our Celebration of Strings Concert showcased:
- Senior Strings (including Year 6),
- Our Chamber Group,
- Solos
- Music featuring some of our Acoustic Guitarists.
It was fantastic to see how our String Orchestra has built over the years - a real epitome of our all-through community. As Mr Dear said, it is a really exciting time to be a strings player as the growth and development is so exciting.
Please enjoy the videos here:
The Hertford Christmas Gala was a real community event!
The Simon Balle Big Band performed brilliantly on Friday in Hertford Town. It was brilliant to see so many in the crowd supporting our students - from families, alumni to members of the public.
The students really showcased the school to the community!
The Power of an All-through School
Three Year 9 students, our first year group all those years ago in the Larch. Performing to a standard and with such confidence way beyond their age.
Only at Simon Balle. I have the privilege in my role to see and work with students as they grow through our all-through school.
Music Enrichment
A shining example of what some of our most able musicians in the Sixth Form are achieving as part of our Enrichment Programme!
Please read all about Music in Simon Balle Sixth Form here: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/sixth-form/
We are one all-through musical school - enjoy!
Year 4 Curriculum
As part of their music curriculum, Year 4 have started a new musical theatre unit, which they are loving.Here is a snippet of Kingfishers singing 'Consider Yourself' from their lesson last week! Mrs Iles is really impressed, well done to all!Our Upcoming Events
Simon Balle’s Adult Community Choir - ‘Take Note’ - have their Winter Celebration Concert on Saturday 7th December, 7.30pm at St Andrews’ Church.
- Musical News – November 2024
Let's get performing!
We are now in concert season. Concerts, gigs, performances, celebrations. Hundreds of musicians, thousands in the audience. All celebrating our musicians and Simon Balle Music.
Do come and hear what our musicians achieve. Details are below. Being a musicians is about working together, being a team, creating music for others to hear and celebrate. All that work comes together in a beautiful performance.
We must not forget our Carol Services. Amazing community events. Do put the dates in your diaries - once again All Saints' Church will be hosting us.
Stay in touch, help us continue to work together and I hope to see you very soon. Remember, you are part of Team Music as well!
Mark Taylor, Director of Music.
Piano Recital
Our Piano Recital featuring Year 11, 12 and 13 students was a fantastic evening of performances!
Please see all videos from the evening here. Well done to the incredible soloists.
Click the top right corner for more videos!
Music Medal Success!
Some of our Larch Musicians have recently taken a Music Medal exam, we want to say Congratulations to:
- Edward for passing his Copper Music Medal
- Zak for passing his Bronze Music Medal
- Iris for passing her Bronze Music Medal
- Lucas for passing his Bronze Music Medal
We are really proud of you! Please say well done at home!
Larch Piano Success
Our Larch Pianists have been working hard with Mrs Johnson.
Well done to Alba, Alexa, Alec and Valentina all for excellent work in your lessons and for practice at home!
Alec - After School
Alba - Take Note
Valentina - Fantasia
Alexa - Music Box
Upcoming Events
We have so many Concerts and Recitals happening in November.
Please make sure you have bought your tickets via the Parent Portal.
Go to Make a Booking > Music Events > Select the Correct one!
Click on the posters for all event information.
- Musical News – October 2024
Team Music!
Music is certainly alive at Simon Balle - creating lifelong musicians!
We are so proud of all our musicians - those that joined us this term and those who are working so hard, continuing on their musical journey with us. Our ethos is clear - the more you put in the more you can get out. With practice, with support from home, with a mindset to 'do your best', we can achieve brilliant things, together.
I've been at Simon Balle a long time. This triangle of support and working together is so important and has never changed. Our youngest musicians cannot make progress without support and expectations to practice at home, every week, celebrating every achievement. Our older musicians need nagging, need the support and need to understand their musical pathway so they continue to succeed in music within their busy lives. All students need support and for us to work together. We can't do this for you at home!
Next half term is another time to celebrate our musicians through so many performances. Please have a look at our What's On page and ensure you are ready and have the dates in your diary. We celebrate together - as Team Music. Well, are we not all a musical team and community?
Keep enjoying the music!
Mark Taylor, Director of Music
Piano Recital -
A brilliant way to start the year with a piano recitals featuring some of Mr Lovell's students!
Click the top right corner for more videos
Royal Northern College of Music Workshop
A large part of our Sixth Form musical experience is our Advanced Musician’s Programme.
AMP is all about high expectations, excellent support and great opportunities in every aspect of our musical learning.
Musicians are expected to embrace the opportunities we offer, including:
◾ Masterclasses
◾ Workshops
◾ Weekly ensembles
◾ Concerts and recitals
◾ Performances out of school
◾ Working with younger musicians
◾ Having opportunities to experience the Guildhall Young Musicians in London (part of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama)
◾Working with the Royal Northern College of MusicThis month, our Sixth Form Advanced Musician's had the opportunity to work with Professor Andy Stott, the Head of Popular Music at the Royal Northern College of Music @rncmlive and a group of Year 2 musicians.
During this incredible experience, our students enjoyed live performances, heard about life at a Conservatoire before engaging in song writing workshop.
Our students also had the opportunity to perform and gain feedback to support their own development.
Larch Brass Ensemble Performance
In the KS2 Celebration Assembly this week, we were treated to a brass ensemble performance, organised by Mr Peach featuring our Year 5 & 6 Musicians.
It was fantastic to see such a variety of brass instrument being used by our young musicians, and we're really proud of what they have achieved!
Watch a snippet here, and watch out for more on our Instagram @simonballemusic
Music in the Sixth Form
New applicants interested in being part of Team Music at Simon Balle All-through School, are recommended to Register their interest in joining the Sixth Form. You will be invited to join our rehearsals and concerts to experience first hand how amazing our music is. Changing schools can be daunting, so supporting you to already be part of @simonballemusic is very important to us. We will meet with you as part of the interview process and ensure that we can support your individual musical pathway.
Staying connected throughout is vital for musical progression and to start feeling part of Team Music. Click the banner below to read more about Music in the Sixth Form at SBAS - including our Advanced Musicians Programme.
What's On
Please see our big events coming up, but there is always more listed on our What's On page! https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/whats-on/
Click on the images to see the event details!
- Musical News – June 2024
Musical June!!
It is always amazing to be part of performances and celebration at this time of year, showcasing what our musicians are achieving. Saffron Hall is next weekend, along with a Yr 2/3 showcase on Tuesday. Oh, and then 120 exams, and a tour. Our team most certainly go above and beyond to create outstanding opportunities for our musicians. If you see one of us asleep in the corner, don't disturb!!
I have one favour to ask everyone. Each time you are proud, tell them! Listen to exam pieces, take a moment. We are all very busy in life, but we should not be too busy to support our young musicians and have a listen to celebrate!
Keep enjoying the music!
Mark Taylor, Director of Music
Take Note Gospel Workshop
On Saturday, Take Note hosted a Gospel Workshop for the very first time.
Kathy McLeish from the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir, and her accompanist, Peter, came along and taught Take Note a different way of learning, singing and performing."The experience was brilliant, and just so joyful, I'd love to do it again."Click the top right corner for more videos
Larch Piano Evening
What a fantastic evening of performances from Mrs Johnson's pianists!
Each performance was fantastic and students should be so proud of themselves! Performing in front of an audience can be daunting, however, these students made it seem to easy! A massive well done!
Please watch the videos here -
Click the top right corner for more videos
Mrs Iles' Piano Evening
It was a fantastic evening watching and listening to Mrs Iles' students perform to a small, but supportive audience.
All performers did brilliantly and have demonstrated how hard they work on their instrument.
Well done to all.
Watch the videos here:
Click the top right corner for more videos
Guitar Platform Evening
It was a fantastic evening celebrating Mr Niesyto's students. Each performed brilliantly whether that was in a small group, a duet or a solo. Well done to all!
Watch the videos here:
Click the top right corner for more videos
Rock Gig
To finish the year of Rock School, we had our summer gig at the Southern Maltings!
Students performed and played brilliantly, despite the heat! It's really incredible to watch the bands grow in confidence as the year progresses, so we are really excited to see what September holds!
Please see the full set of dates, including the Rock Gigs for next year here: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/rock-school/
It has been an amazing year of Rock School, thank you to the staff who dedicate their time to supporting students and bands, and thank you to the students who are committed to rehearsals! All of your hard work pays off!
Click the top right corner for more videos
Diploma Performance & Exams
On Wednesday, 3 Year 13 musicians performed at All Saints' Soundbites. It was an incredible performance and the audience were in awe of what they heard. An incredible professional standard.
Watch the videos here:
On Thursday, 4 candidates took their Diploma exams. Diplomas are Conservatoire standard performances that require maturity and outstanding musicianship. We await the results!
On the Mic - Episode 2
On the Mic | Episode 2: Lily
We sat down with Lily to chat about her journey at Simon Balle Music.
Enjoy!
On the Mic - Episode 2
- Musical News – May 2024
Our incredible musicians
What is incredible about music at Simon Balle is the enthusiasm and musicality of our students. We have so many musicians wanting to be part of Team Music. Hard work, practice and support from home will ensure that students thrive and achieve their potential. I realise I might have said this many times in the past, but with our busy lives, we need more reminding of this than we used to have.
Our musicians are at the heart of what we achieve, with your support. We are a team. We need to constantly communicate and ensure each musician is inspired, knowing what their long term musical aims are.
With so many performances and a tour to come, I know we will have so many more amazing memories that will be made. Together, we can make them incredible memories for life.
Mark Taylor, Director of Music.
Larch Celebration of Music!
A brilliant evening of Larch Music!
The students demonstrated such high enthusiasm across the evening, and the standard of music they demonstrated was enjoyable to watch!
From Katy Perry, to Fleetwood Mac to The Sound of Music, there was so much variety to cater to all!
We are very proud of our students!
Click the top right hand corner for more videos.
Rock Gig!
An incredible Rock Gig last night. Over 200 in attendance, including around 65 performers, the gig is a wonderful example of our amazing school community, From Year 7 to Yr 13, the quality of music and performance on display was an inspiration. Everyone supporting everyone else. The confidence, the inclusiveness, the wow moments, the team work. So much on display from our wonderful musicians.
We are so proud of the students involved!
Click the top right hand corner for more videos.
Wind & Brass: Pop Hits Edition
An incredible evening with fantastic music from very talented individuals! There was such a variety, including Madness, Taylor Swift, Elton John, The Beatles, and so much more - there really is something for everyone!
The children were amazing, again, you all work so hard and it really pays off, blown away, again.
Thank you, having a reason to play your instrument and not just at lesson times makes it so worthwhile.
Many people around us were also saying how much they enjoy the concert.
Favourite piece was Candyman, love the jazziness of it.Click the top right hand corner for more videos.
Singing Evening with Ms Kemp
Another brilliant singing evening with Ms Kemp's students! From musical theatre, to pop, there was something for everyone.
Students performed brilliantly, with such confidence! Certainly an evening of inspiration.
Singing in front of an audience is a wildly different to singing in front of one singing teacher, each student did a fantastic job at making it seem so easy and the end result was fantastic! Well done to all!
The videos can be found here:
Click the top right hand corner for more videos.
On the Mic
Over the next few months, we will be sitting down with students and talking about their musical journey during their time at Simon Balle. It’s an exciting opportunity to get to know more students, while also inspiring others!
We are calling this little segment 'On the Mic' - make sure you are following us on Instagram to ensure you don't miss any episodes!
Episode 1
What's Coming up?
Check out our What's On page for the summer term events!
From piano recitals across the school, to the final Rock Gig!
- Musical News – March 2024
Welcome back!
Being proud of our musicians is a daily occurrence at Simon Balle. Every day they never fail to amaze. Surprises, musical achievements, laughs, great music, amazing stories.
This is purely as a result of our ethos and hard work. Hard work from the musicians and you at home. Without your help at home, our musicians would achieve nothing. Without you listening to practice, celebrating, coming to performances and taking an interest, the musicians would be nothing.
Music is a team effort. In every way. When one member lets the team down, the team is affected. It is, above all though, something that requires very hard work. Commitment.
We live in an age where almost everything is instant, achievable, and gratifying, and if it isn't, there's almost always an easy fix. Not so with learning music. It isn't easy, you have to persevere, and you have many ups and downs along the way. But, it's oh so worth it.
Enjoy the music. That your children create. With your support.
Mark Taylor
Director of Music
Music Exam Success
In February, students from Year 4 to Year 12 sat their Trinity Classical exams.
Preparing for and sitting the exam can be a daunting experience, but students rose to the challenge and their results reflect this!
87% achieved Merit or Distinction, which is incredible!
Click the Trinity logo for the results.
A Celebration of Brass
On Thursday, Brass players from across both the Primary and Secondary phase came together to showcase what they have been working on!
It was a brilliant evening with opportunity for inspiration! You can watch it here!
Last Thursday I performed at the Brass celebration evening in the Brass ensemble. I feel that it came together really well and everyone worked together very hard to produce lots of good music. My highlight of the evening is when I played a solo piece called Lucky to be me. It was such a confidence boosting experience and I am much more comfortable playing on my own in front of an audience.
Millie, Year 10
Click in the top corner for more videos!
An Evening with the Simon Balle Big Band
Big Band Evening 2024 was absolutely amazing! To have each and every musician perform at the standard they achieved was incredible.
The team work, the musicianship, the sense of community, your enjoyment, people coming from far and wide and so much more. Younger musicians watching the older musicians, new musicians joining the experience. These are amazing students performing at such an incredible standard, working so, so hard. Everyone made a huge step up and grew that little bit more.It was an utterly brilliant evening, and everyone should be so proud! Please enjoy the videos!I played saxophone in Big Band 2 and violin in Senior Strings, accompanying the Big Band. This was my first Big Band Night, and the atmosphere was unlike any concert I'd been in before! The strings contributed to the sound and tone of the more jazzier Big Band pieces so much, I think the strings should do more with the Big Band. With barely any rehearsals, BB2 went smoothly, offering younger musicians a chance to perform in the Big Band Nights. I loved being part of some ensembles and listening to all of the Big Band songs - I can't pick a favorite! The night never seemed to end!
Holly, Year 8
Click in the top corner for more videos!
Year 2 Strings Training Celebration
Congratulations to our Year 2 String players who have completed their Strings Training Programme!
On Tuesday evening, our Year 2 String players showcased their achievement to parents, families and their peers with the support from Mrs Johnson and Mrs Nunn.
Strings is the very beginning of the musical journey in the Larch. Students pick to learn the Cello or the Violin, and begin working towards their Strings Training Programme!
All Year 2 players have been awarded their certificates, what an incredible achievement! We are really proud of our students!
You can watch the full celebration evening here:
Click in the top corner for more videos!
A Celebration of Singing & Secondary Strings
A wonderful evening full of music from a variety of ensembles!
Find our videos here:
Click in the top corner for more videos!
A Piano Evening
Another brilliant evening of music!
Mr Lovell's students came together for a recital evening in preparation for their upcoming exams.
Click in the top corner for more videos!
Our Instagram!
We are continuously posting updates over on our Instagram - from exam success to concert videos, to photos - follow us for all things Simon Balle Music here!
What's Coming Up?
We have so many upcoming events, including our spring term Rock Gig and a Celebration of Wind and Brass.
All information can be found on our What's On page!
Save the date! Our end of year celebration at Saffron is Saturday 6th July, keep an eye out for more details on the Saffron page (click the picture).
Many other events can be found on our What's on page: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/whats-on/
- Musical News – December 2023
What an amazing term it has been! Full of music and celebration!
Thank you for all of the ongoing support - communicating with us, celebrating our concerts, celebrating your students, following along with us on this journey! You are a valued part of Team Music!
Merry Christmas from Team Music, and we'll see you in 2024 for much more music!
Secondary Carol Service
Featuring the Simon Balle Concert Band, Senior Strings, Secondary Choir, Chamber Choir and Saxidentals.
The Simon Balle Community were lucky to enjoy Carol Services featuring Secondary Musicians this week - what a way to count down to Christmas!
Secondary musicians performed fantastically, what a way to finish 2023.
Click in the top right corner for more videos
Larch Carol Service
On Tuesday Evening, we enjoyed our Primary Carol Service, featuring the Larch String Orchestra, Larch Wind and Brass Ensemble, Year 2-3 Choir & Year 4-6 Choir.
It was incredible to see so many Primary students involved and celebrated!
We look forward to more Larch Music Celebration in 2024!
Singing Recital Evening
On Wednesday, we enjoyed performances from Ms Kemp's students!
It was a brilliant evening of plenty variety from musical theatre to metal to pop!
Please enjoy the videos here -
Click in the top right corner for more videos
Take Note: Winter Celebration
Take Note held their annual Winter Celebration on Saturday to start off the Christmas period, it was an incredible evening with a variety of music, and of course mince pies!
To find out more about Take Note - please click here for this link.
- Musical News – November 2023
Wow and wow!!
At Simon Balle, we are so proud of what our musicians achieve, day after day. We have had so many amazing performances and moments of celebration in recent weeks across all of our music. Increasingly across the country in many schools, music is in decline. At Simon Balle, I am continually reminded what music means to our students, families and community, both in school and in the wider area. Everyone in Team Music is part of this. The recent performances and events have been nothing short of incredible. We have much more to come.
With Christmas around the corner, so are the Carol Services. Details are below, and please put these in your diaries. They are amazing occasions and this year should be even better! I look forward to seeing many of you there, at All Saints' Church.
Finally, we are on Instagram, curating pictures and videos to celebrate our amazing musicians. Please follow us, like and share. Why should we keep everything achieved to ourselves?!!
https://www.instagram.com/simonballemusic
Enjoy the music. Team Music!
Mark Taylor, Director of Music.
Update in the Larch Phase
It has been fantastic to introduce performances in the Larch KS1 Singing Assembly and KS2 Celebration Assembly. Both Secondary and Larch students have been involved, playing as classes enter the hall. This is an excellent platform for the students allowing them the opportunity to showcase some of the super learning, and hard work that has been going on in their instrumental lessons.
KS1 have also been lucky enough to have a performance from the Year 2-3 choir. They heard 2 songs performed by the choir.
As part of the Celebration Assembly, some of our Larch musicians receive a Larch Star certificate. They are nominated by their instrumental teaching or by Mrs Johnson for an excellent performance in assembly. Our Larch Stars for November are:
Felix WB, Angus M, Felix G, Harry D, Stanley H, Alba W, Emelia M, Alexa T, Jack C, Alec C, Aluna S, Lewis E, Chloe A, Isla J, Marnie W, Mimi T-B, Mason Y, Loris U, Valentina M, Dominic K, Orson B, Isabella C and Evie B! Well done to all
PIANO DAY 2023
In November, we celebrated Piano Day! Mr Lovell worked tirelessly to ensure all of his students celebrated Piano Day in one way or another, whether this was a performance in the Library at Lunchtime, a performance as part of his Recital Evening, or a video filmed in lessons. 57 pianists took part during the day. Incredible.
It was a brilliant occasion, and we look forward to it again next year!
For now, please enjoy the videos filmed for Piano Day, along with a wonderful variety of performances from the recital evening!
Click the top corner to see the other videos
George & Lucas – Bike Blues
Musette
Seren & Sophie – Simplicity
A Larch Celebration of Music
Joint Choir Item Under the Sea Year 2-3 Choir Sing a Song in Unison Year 4-6 Choir Make Your Own Kind of MusicHow far I’ll go - featuring olos from Eva & Toby Larch String Orchestra Time to TangoSword Dance Drunken Sailor
Larch Wind & Brass Shake it offShepherd’s Hey Brain Stew
On Thursday, I played the piano at the Celebration of Larch Music. I was slightly nervous as I've never played in front of a crowd on my own before, but I knew I could do it as I practised the piece enough times. My highlight was how proud I felt when I finished playing. It was a great experience and I don't think I'll be as nervous next time!
Valentina, Year 5
A Celebration of Singing & Secondary Strings
On Wednesday, we celebrated our Singing & Secondary Strings.
There was a variety of performances from James Bond Theme by Senior Strings, Billie Eilish by Chamber Choir and a Hairspray number by Secondary Choir!
Performing can be a daunting experience, and all the students performing here did exceptionally well! They should be really proud!
You can watch the videos from the evening here -
As a member of the cello section in the orchestra, the highlight for me was performing the iconic James Bond theme. Each musician contributed to the symphony of sound, creating an incredible atmosphere. The collective effort of everyone involved made the performance truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on both performers and the audience alike.
Chloe, Year 8
Click the top corner for the other videos
I was very nervous on the day. I had a solo in the secondary choir. I sang the first verse in the song ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ and I loved the song. I feel it went well and my family told me I did a great job. My favourite part was when I was handed the microphone and I knew I was ready to sing. I was terrified but when it came I was fine and I really enjoyed it and recommend an experience like this.
Hazel, Year 7
A Celebration of Wind & Brass
On Monday, we celebrated Wind & Brass. With performances from Junior Wind Band, Brass Ensemble, Concert Band, Saxidentals and the all new JSAX!
It was a fantastic evening of music, you can watch the videos here. Well done to everyone.
Click the top corner for the other videos
Rock School Live!
On Tuesday evening, we enjoyed performances from 14 bands! What a variety of songs! All performed to such a high standard! We are so proud of the performers and amazing audience.
Enjoy the videos here!
Click the top corner for the other videos
Big Band at Hertford Lights
On Friday, the Simon Balle Big Band performed at the Hertford Christmas Gala!
It is always a brilliant performance, and this year was no different! Thank you to everyone in our community who came to watch and support.
- Musical News – September 2023
Welcome Back!
The start of a school year is always one of reflection. Those who have left our immediate musical family, those who are moving up, perhaps realising a long held ambition to have 'their turn'.
It is always amazing how our musicians 'step up'. Take on new challenges, fill gaps in ensembles and adapt to still be part of Team Music. More news on this below, but how our musicians are adapting is brilliant.
I'm also over the moon with how everyone is embracing Practice Pal Music. Over time, this will make life so much easier for all, bringing together information and learning for our instrumental and vocal lessons. It is early days, but the feedback has been brilliant. Thank you. We will be using more features in the coming weeks.
I am also working on new projects and musical opportunities across our work. Details to come as I work them out with the team!
Please have a read of the rest of this newsletter and put the relevant calendar concert dates in your diaries. There is so much going on, so don't miss out!
Mark Taylor,
Director of MusicGhent 2023
An incredible time was had by all in Ghent last July, with amazing concerts, amazing team work, an amazing Hertford and international audience and inspirational performances and music. We are booking for next year. I'll leave the pictures to do the talking. What an experience. (the last picture is of the crowd. 90 minutes before, the square was empty due to torrential rain that interrupted our concert.....)
Celebrating our Musicians!
In June and July, Team Music enjoyed 6 days of musical exams for students throughout the All-through community, from Year 2 - Year 13 with Trinity Classical, Trinity Rock & Pop and Musical Theatre exams. Well over 200 exams in 6 days.
Further to this, 8 Year 12 & Year 13 students achieved diplomas:
DipLCM - Gabriel and Ciara (piano), Sam Portas (drums), Ada (popular vocals), Patrick and Jacob (classical saxophone), - Daniil, (Jazz saxophone).
ALCM - Luke. Saxophone - the music of Charlie Parker. The hardest diploma we have ever had at Simon Balle. We’ve had a few! Luke’s level of musicianship was off the scale.
As part of these diplomas, our musicians have performed at the most challenging standard for their age. Charlie Parker, Bebop, Dave Weckl, Beethoven, Bach, Debussy, Philip Glass, french saxophone repertoire and much more. Eight Simon Balle musicians performing at an incredible professional standard.
It is such an achievement taking a Music Exam, and every student rose to the challenge. We are so proud of them, for some it is the beginning of the musical journey, and for others it is a fantastic way to complete their Simon Balle All-Through Journey. Well done to all.
Click the image below to see the results!
Learning a second instrument
We are putting together a project for students to pick up a second instrument - one that might fill in a gap in our ensembles. In return for an instrument and some lessons getting going, musicians commit to getting involved, weekly. Particularly for pianists, drummers and so on. Music is so much about being with others, taking part. If you are interested, get in touch.
- Musical News – July 2023
Our Magnificent Musical Community!
The past few weeks have shown how amazing our musical community is. Musicians, staff and families. It is unique, it is special, it is humbling, it is amazing. The images below, one from Saffron Hall, one from Ghent, are examples. In Ghent, thousands enjoyed and celebrated our music, your musicians.
When you are part of it, you put your heart in it.
How true.
Enjoy your summer and 'thank you for the music'.
Mark Taylor,
Director of MusicSaffron Hall 2023
A unique, special moment in the history of our school that concluded with a standing ovation for Alison. Pictures will be added shortly and one is attached here.250 musicians. 500 in the audience. A concert hall literally bouncing with the amazing music that our musicians - students at Simon Balle from Years 2 - 13, plus our adult choir - created.At Saffron Hall, I sang three songs with Chamber Choir, which I really enjoyed. Tides was my favourite song to sing; I loved how upbeat and positive it was, and the buzzing atmosphere at Saffron under the stage lights elevated the piece even more. As a whole, I thought the Chamber Choir pieces went really well. Ave Maria was particularly tricky, but singing at Saffron made me feel more confident and excited to sing such fantastic pieces. The highlight of the evening for me has to be singing a solo in When I Grow Up with all the choirs and the Larch orchestra. Especially as I was so nervous, looking behind me to see such a wonderful group of performers made me feel confident and proud to be there. It was an incredibly special moment to sing in front of so many people as part of such an amazing musical community.Sophie, Year 12Listen to Saffron here!
I enjoyed performing in both the Senior Choir and Strings Ensemble for the Simon Balle musical Summer Showcase at Saffron Hall.The atmosphere was incredible and seeing the audience enjoy the performances really made the months of practice worth it.Performing When I Grow Up was very special because I first sang this piece when I was in Year 2. It was one of the first times the choirs sang as an all-through. This time at Saffron Hall, I was able to perform as a secondary student alongside Larch.I especially liked the end of the showcase when Mrs Saunders danced bare foot on the stage!Everyone was up on their feet joining in.I can’t wait to do it all again!Summer, Year 78 Diplomas - University Level recitals
I am delighted and proud to announce that eight Year 12/13 musicians have achieved a diploma in music.
DipLCM - Gabriel and Ciara (piano), Sam Portas (drums), Ada (popular vocals), Patrick and Jacob (classical saxophone), - Daniil, (Jazz saxophone).
ALCM - Luke. Saxophone - the music of Charlie Parker. The hardest diploma we have ever had at Simon Balle. We’ve had a few! Luke’s level of musicianship was off the scale.
As part of these diplomas, our musicians have performed at the most challenging standard for their age. Charlie Parker, Bebop, Dave Weckl, Beethoven, Bach, Debussy, Philip Glass, french saxophone repertoire and much more. Eight Simon Balle musicians performing at an incredible professional standard. I can't state enough the level of achievement for these musicians. What I do know is that they could only have achieved this at Simon Balle - the distinct ethos, the time provided for us to get it right and the inspiration created throughout our work. This is something to shout from the rooftops.
Music Tour to Ghent
Our Concert Band, Saxidentals and Big Band have been away on Music Tour! They have performed in a variety of places. from Dunkirk to Ostend to Ghent's main stage!
This was our first return to Ghent since 2019, so it was brilliant to be back! Please enjoy the videos of our performances:
A Celebration of Alison Saunders
On Wednesday, staff gathered to celebrate Mrs Saunders' time at Simon Balle.
Big Band provided musical entertainment - please see the images >
It was a lovely way to finish the term and celebrate Alison.
Goodbye to our Year 13 Ambassadors!
It is time to say goodbye to our Year 13 Music Ambassadors; Jacob, Luke & Patrick.
Over the last couple of years, they have assisted many supervised practices, supported numerous Larch musicians in ensembles and set up for countless events.
They have played a crucial part in Team Music, and we couldn't have done it without them. We are very proud of them!
We wish them the best of luck in September!
A Reminder for Larch families!
Use this link to see our Teaching & Ensemble weeks for next year - https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/in-the-larch/
Please keep a note of these dates. See you in September!
Thank you for your support this year, we will see you again in September!