What a musical time!

Within Simon Balle Music, we try to continually celebrate each individual. With so many musicians performing and playing at the moment, this is quite hard. However, every musician and every family has a story and we are so proud that music is part of the lives of student after student at Simon Balle. I have said it before and I'll say it again, what we have is unique.
This newsletter is rammed with amazing examples of the work of Team Music - the musicians, those at home and our amazing team in school. It is a huge team effort, and I am so proud of what each and every musician achieves.
Details of our charges from 1st September 2023 can be found here. I am again proud of the value we provide and how our teachers go the extra mile for each student. It is so amazing that our musical community continues to grow and excel for each musician.
There is even more music coming up to celebrate before the end of term. We look forward to seeing you at the events!
Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Y8 Minimalism in Class

Y8 have been learning about Minimalism in Popular Culture. They have listened to a wide range of minimalist pieces, and have composed a piece for one of the following briefs:

1) Compose a minimalist piece as the opening credits for a Spy Thriller
2) Compose a minimalistĀ piece to be the Theme Music of a Wildlife Documentary
3) Compose a minimalistĀ piece for a MacDonald'sĀ advert.

Year 6 & 7 Piano Evening

On Tuesday, Mrs Iles' and Mr Lovell's Year 6 & 7 students came together to perform what they have been working on in their lessons.

It was an opportunity to move outside their comfort zone and perform to an audience of families and peers. All students performed brilliantly, and they should be very proud of themselves.

Watch the performances here:

Videos from the Evening- click the top right hand corner to see the whole playlist

Ms Fitch's Singing Evening

On Wednesday, we enjoyed performances from Ms Fitch's students. From Year 7 all the way to Year 12, it was wonderful to see so many students along with so many families to support. The students should be really proud, their performances were stunning!

Watch the videos here:

Videos from the Evening- click the top right hand corner to see the whole playlist

Year 4, 5 & 6 Strings Celebration

On Tuesday, we celebrated our Year 4, 5 & 6 String players. They performed solos or in small groups to a live audience filled with familiar faces.

Performing can be a really daunting experience, but the students did a fantastic job!

Audio from the Evening

Year 8 & 9 Piano Evening

On Tuesday, we enjoyed wonderful performances from our Year 8 & 9 Pianists.

There was a real variety of pieces, and it was a brilliant opportunity for students to be inspired by other students.

Performers should be very proud of themselves - well done to all!

Videos from the Evening- click the top right hand corner to see the whole playlist

Acoustic Guitar Platform

On Thursday, our Acoustic Guitar players performed to their families.

From solos, and duets to ensembles pieces. Really fantastic work, the students should be very proud - well done!

Videos from the Evening- click the top right hand corner to see the whole playlist

Rock Gig

On Tuesday, we had our final Rock Gig of the year, and it was nothing short of spectacular!

Performances from all of the bands were superb, and demonstrated a high level of musicianship.

Some of our regular attendees couldn't make it to the gig, however students from other bands stepped up and helped in place of these students. It illustrated the sense of team at Rock School, and it was really special to watch - thank you to those students!

Well done to all, it was a brilliant evening of performances, and you should all be very proud!

 

Rock School returns in September, on Wednesdays after school. If you haven't already signed up, please do so now via this form -Ā https://forms.gle/d66WERNkezBhFKNw7

Videos from the Evening- click the top right hand corner to see the whole playlist

Mr Stevenson's Drum Evening

On Wednesday, we enjoyed performances from Mr Stevenson's drummers!

Drummers typically tend to be sat at the back of bands, so we think it is important that they are also celebrated individually. It was a brilliant opportunity for students to be able to perform but also a chance for them to see and be inspired by other drummers.

Well done to all of the performers, it was a fabulous evening!

Videos from the Evening- click the top right hand corner to see the whole playlist

Year 2 & 3 Strings & Year 2/3 Choir Showcase

On Thursday, we celebrated our youngest musicians at Simon Balle All-through School. It was a great opportunity for families to see what our Year 2 & 3 Strings have been working on.

From Year 2 Strings playing 'Boogie Band', to Year 3 Strings performing solos and duets, to Year 2/3 Choir singing 'Summer Holiday', it was a fantastic evening. Well done to all of our performers!

Audio from the Evening

Our end of year celebration: Saffron Sounds is fast approaching, one week to go!

Information including the rehearsal schedule for the day and frequently asked questions have been posted to the event's page.

Please click the image below to see details.