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:

Simon Balle All-through School

Creating tomorrow’s citizens today

Musical News 5 – December 2025

Welcome from the Director of Music

Fortnightly Focus: Get Involved!!

How much are you part of Simon Balle Music?