Every musician who is eligible is expected to be in an ensemble or choir.

Our aim is a joined up musical pathway for all.

Playing and performing with others is an essential part of being a musician.

That is who we are.

Autumn Term: 

Week beginning Monday 7th September 2026 to Monday 7th December 2026

Spring Term: 

Week beginning Monday 4th January 2027 to week beginning Monday 22nd March 2027

Summer Term: 

Week beginning Monday 12th April 2027 to week beginning Monday 12th July 2027

Rock School Dates from September 2026 to June 2027.

Autumn Term:

Wednesday 16th September to the Wednesday 25th November 2026

Spring Term:

Wednesday 13th January 2027 to the Wednesday 24th March 2027

Summer Term:

Wednesday 21st April 2027 to the Wednesday 23rd June 2027

Primary Teaching Weeks 2026-2027 (Simon Balle & Mill Mead)

Autumn Term:

Week beginning Monday 14th September to week beginning Monday 7th December 

• Year 2 Strings Training & Y3 Wacky Woodwinds start week beginning Monday 21st September

12 weeks, 11 lessons. 

Spring Term: 

Week beginning Monday 4th January 2027 to week beginning Monday 22nd March 2027

11 weeks, 10 lessons.

Summer Term: 

Week beginning Monday 12th April 2027 to week beginning Monday 5th July 2027

12 weeks, 9 lessons or make-up lessons.

Larch String Orchestra, Larch Wind & Brass & Simon Balle and Mill Mead Choir Weeks 2024-2025:

Autumn Term:

Week beginning Monday 21st September 2026 to week beginning Monday 7th December (week before Carol Concert)

• Larch Celebration of Music: Wednesday 18th November, 6pm
• Carol Services – Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th December

Spring Term:

Week beginning Monday 11th January 2027 to week beginning Monday 15th March 2027 (Concert is this week)

• Larch Celebration of Music: Wednesday 17th March, 6pm
• LET Singing Celebration

Summer Term:

Week beginning Monday 19th April 2027 to week beginning Monday 5th July 2027 (Concert this week)

• Year 4, 5 & 6 Students at Saffron Hall: Sunday 11th July, 5pm
• Junior Choir at the Year 2/3 Showcase

Progression between ensembles is by ability, so that students are confident and can feel part of the group. Regular practice and commitment will ensure progression. Our ensembles are all year round and are not enrichment opportunities to ‘come and go’. High expectations lead to fantastic performances in concerts.

Monday:

Brass Ensemble – 1.15 – 2.05pm

Grade 1/2 onwards

Junior Wind Band – 3.15 – 4pm

Wind and Brass players from Year 6, approx Grade 1 standards to Grade 3 / 4.

Concert Band – 4 – 5pm

Grade 3 approx onwards

Tuesday:

Simon Balle Chorus – 1.25 – 2.10pm

Open to Years 7-11, all welcome

Saxidentals – 3.15 – 3.45pm

Grade 3/4 onwards

Senior Strings – 4 – 4.30pm (Larch Hall)

Grade 1/2 onwards, from Year 6

Wednesday:

Vox – 4 – 5pm

Years 10 – 13 – audition

Rock School – Sessions from 3.15 – 6pm

Grade 1 onwards

Thursday:

Big Band – 3.15 – 5pm

Grade 4/5 onwards, in addition to other ensembles

Friday:

Guitar Platform – 3.15 – 3.45 

Grade 1 onwards.

Guitar Ensemble – 3.45 – 4.15

Invitation only

Tuesday:

Larch Strings – 3.25 – 4pm

String players when invited.

Wednesday:

Larch Wind & Brass – 3.25 – 4pm

Wind and Brass players when invited.

Thursday:

Year 2 & 3 Choir – 3.30 – 4pm (Larch Music Room)

Year 4, 5 & 6 – 3.30 – 4pm (Secondary Music Centre)

Mill Mead Choir – 3.20 – 4pm.