Simon Balle All-through School

Our spring concert season is upon us with so many events showcasing our amazing musicians. Music is all about celebration - of hard work, of commitment, of what our musicians achieve. We continue to evolve, we continue to listen, but most importantly, we work every day to inspire the musicians we work with. Families at home are so much part of our ethos - if we all work together, brilliant things happen and superb music is created. Do have a read here of what is going on and do come and watch a performance.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Making sure we have routines for practice and reading lesson notes on Involve. https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/practice/ - our page on advice for practice. Older students might need reminders. Larch musicians will require supervising, 3 times per week. Lesson notes give advice on what is needed to prepare for the next lesson. Do contact the teacher if you would like more information or advice regarding what and how to practice. Practice really does make progress and being a musician is a long term commitment!

Year 4 have been impressing us with their fantastic singing in a very enjoyable musical theatre unit that we studied last half term and they will be performing to their peers in assembly this week.

In Years 7 and 8, students have been developing their composition skills inspired by the compositions of Beethoven and Grieg respectively. Have a listen to this fantastic composition by two Y8 students based on the programme of In The Hall of The Mountain King.

Musical Exam Success

Between January and February, students from Year 6 to Year 13 took their Trinity Exams.

There was a selection of Trinity Rock & Pop Exams, and Trinity Classical/Jazz Exams.

It is incredible to see so much confidence in students to take these exams, please see the fantastic results by clicking on the images.

In keeping with our Fortnightly Focus, it is brilliant to see how much hard work pays off in ability but also confidence.

Congratulations to all those who have achieved their Grade!

Larch Assembly Performances

Every Thursday in the KS2 celebration assembly some of our musicians have the opportunity to perform. Since September there have been over 40 students performing and earning themselves a Larch Music Star certificate.

Each week a group of students either perform as a soloist or in small groups. This is a fantastic chance to showcase all the hard work that goes on to learn a piece of music to performance standard. There have been a large variety of instruments played, from the violin to trumpet, piano to clarinet.

Well done to everyone who has played and keep up the good work!

Singing Recital

Last week I performed in a singing recital at school which is where any student with singing lessons can take part and sing a song in front of their family and some other parents. I believe this is mainly a practice for confidence and to build up skills of performing. There were lots of other students there who also participated and I enjoyed watching them perform their chosen song in front of everyone. I feel for me, it went very well. I always have fun at the singing recitals and love taking part. My highlight of the evening was probably watching everyone else perform. It’s so interesting to see year 7 to sixth form performing in the same art. I had a really fun time and can’t wait for the next one!

Maya, Year 8