Category

Music in the Larch

Musical News – 01.04.2022

1st April 2022Heather Morgan

It does not matter which part of the school you are part of, music has been alive every day in the past few weeks. There have been so many concerts, events, exams and other musical successes that I have lost count! It could be early morning practice, after school rehearsals, an extra band practice, completing coursework, celebrating someone’s achievements. Music continues every day, all day!

In the past couple of weeks, we have had an amazing Larch concert with over 100 musicians performing. We have had so many exams, from individual music exams to the long awaited A level recitals. Visitors always comment on how professional our musicians are and how well prepared they are. Support at home is part of that - the practice, the celebration, the support. Your support at home is crucial to the success of the musician you nurture. Never underestimate the power of taking an interest and celebrating the work, creating a positive atmosphere! Every performance is an individual achievement and we have had so many of these recently. 49 amazing exam results in the past two weeks, including so many distinctions. Our team is so proud of each result.

Something else I am so proud of is that Team Music is a team. Coming back after the pandemic, we are working so hard to remind each other that we are a team and everyone in that team is vital. We have published our concert dates, including Saffron Hall and I do now ask that everyone required is at the concerts and rehearsals when we ask. Older students with jobs will need to plan ahead as well. If just one musician says ‘I can’t be at that rehearsal or concert’, they sometimes forget that a whole team is affected. The balance of sound in a section can change. Someone else will miss that person not there. Please check and double check dates via the link below. Rehearsals are also so important. If a musician misses some, they have not learnt the music enough and could let the performance down with wrong notes! Our team ethos stretches to everyone!

Thank you to everyone in our team - the staff, the students, the families who support and those who come and celebrate our musicians. We have so much to celebrate every day and that is truly unique and wonderful.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

As well as all our performance work, students have been working hard in their curriculum music lessons. GCSE and A level students are finishing compositions and preparing them for marking and submission. We had the amazing A Level Music recitals last week and Jack in Year 13 is preparing for his diploma that is being performed this week. Otherwise, exam students in Years 13 and 11 are busy revising for the listening and written papers.

If you take a snapshot of the different units currently being learnt in KS2-3 you can see how varied the curriculum is with everything from Reggae (Y6) to Classical Theme and Variations (Y5), and 20th C Minimalism (Y8) to Musical Theatre (Y4).

In Reception and Year 1, we have been learning lots of songs with actions and developing our sense of pulse. We have also started to learn about rhythm and copying rhythms that we hear. We listen to music every week, and are starting to talk about how music makes us feel.

In Year 2, we have been learning to interpret graphic scores and learning to read actual notation. We have learnt to play several songs from notation on the glockenspiel including Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Hot Cross Buns. Again, we listen to music each week and are starting to recognise the instruments and playing techniques we can hear. With so many of the Year 2 children in the Choir or taking part in the String Training Programme, it has been a very busy term, full of music!

Mr Lovell's Piano Evening

On Tuesday, we had an evening of piano! It was a great opportunity for students of all ages to come together and see others perform - it's always inspiring.

Mr Lovell is very impressed, and we are all so proud of what they have achieved! Well done to all!

Big Band Interviews...

We sat down with a couple of members of Big Band, to see what their take on the last couple of weeks was. Please read what they had to say below...

Aimee B, Year 13, Singer

I love performing, it’s such an adrenaline rush. Singing in front of a crowd - there is no feeling like it, it’s brilliant. Big Band evening was amazing, it had a brilliant atmosphere, it really helps having a supportive audience full of familiar faces. Performing has massively helped me with my confidence. I did a gig in August which showed me I could do it, and I felt like I really proved that to myself at Big Band evening. I love how the band comes together, Mr Taylor makes it work very well, and what we achieve is amazing.

Once you’re up there, in front of a live audience, you just have to get on with it, it’s like fight or flight kicks in, you just enjoy it. Even if you mess up, you carry on smiling, you can’t run away, it’s not like the audience will know. You feel so proud of yourself afterwards, like you watch someone else do it, and you think ‘I did that’.

I think Big Band itself is fantastic, even the rehearsals are fun, it doesn’t matter if you’re going over the same thing over and over, the group of people make it fun. We hear the pieces over and over again, but I still think they are magical, and I’m sure others would agree. Big Band Evening for me, and I’m sure for other people, was like the light of the end of the tunnel after the last couple of years.

Gabriel D, Year 12, Trumpet 1

I loved Big Band evenings, this was my 5th one overall. I was really pleased to see so many ex-students coming back to support us. Big Band is such an encouraging community, everyone performs together, you all support each other, and you become friends with people you may not have met otherwise.

When I first joined Big Band, I was on Trumpet 3, then I moved up to Trumpet 2, and this year is the first time I’ve played Trumpet 1, which is a milestone for me! I finally got to experience what I looked up to in Year 7, it was a full-circle moment!

My favourite piece is YMCA, it’s a crowd pleaser, everyone gets to dance, even the instrumentalists get to move - it’s so entertaining. I think as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate the music more, all of the pieces are fantastic.

The Big Band community is such a special aspect. Everyone is friendly, you all have something in common, and you realise you are all quite similar people, so age doesn't make a difference.

You never really miss something until it’s gone. In the last couple of years, we’ve all missed Big Band. I think if anything, it’s to enjoy it while it lasts, and live in the moment. You can appreciate the 105 minute long rehearsals, when you see the results at a Gig. I look back at younger years now, and I’m jealous that they still have so much time left! I want to make the most of it.

Poppy N, Year 13, Singer

It was so nice to be performing again after COVID, it feels like we’ve waited forever! Getting to sing with a live band again is just amazing. Big Band gives such a supportive atmosphere, it’s a good vibe. I think everyone knows in the moment that it is important to support each other, even if you are nervous yourself.

My favourite instrumental piece has got to be ‘In the Stone’, it’s a great intro to the evening, really setting the tone. My favourite trio song is ‘Blame it on the Boogie’, it’s so feel good, everyone knows it and can join in with the dancing! My favourite solo is ‘I Will Survive’, it’s so funky, there’s such a good build up, from the piano introduction to the whole band by the end. The audience always joins in, you’re all performing together!

I enjoy being in Big Band, you are creating the music that everyone enjoys - it’s a rewarding feeling. The rehearsals are something to look forward to in the week, everyone is in a good mood for it - you can bounce off of everyone’s energy. Big Band also creates a supportive community; you become friends with people across many different year groups, people you wouldn't have known before. There can sometimes be hierarchies in musical productions, but in Big Band, everyone is equal - I really like that.

Performing is what I want to do, Big Band is a great opportunity to practise this. Having this responsibility is good preparation for my career.

Larch Stars

Our Larch Stars are musicians who have been nominated by their instrumental teachers for something really good that week. Their certificate is presented in assembly. Well done to..

Rachel L (Year 4) for showing real perseverance and working so hard towards her music medal.
Daniel W (Year 4) for great work in lessons and for memorising all his scales
Isaac B (Year 4) for working hard on his Grade 1 pieces and note reading
Loris U (Year 3) for going above and beyond with excellent work at home
Francis B (Year 3) for really trying hard with his sound on his flute this week
Heidi N (Year 6) for excellent work in preparation for sitting her Grade 2 cello exam
William H (Year 3) for your determination and perseverance in preparation for sitting your copper music medal
Sam W (Year 6) for some fantastic piano practice and playing over the last few weeks
Sophie L (Year 5) for great progress being made in your Grade 1 pieces
Hayden B (Year 6) for a great start to Tuba playing and determination to 'get it right' with practice
Ava P (Year 2) for making excellent progress with the bow
Cara M (Year 4) for showing such motivation and dedication to practising for her Bronze medal

Larch Celebration Concert

On Wednesday, over 100 students came together to perform, in ensembles and choirs, including; Strings, Woodwind & Brass, Junior and Senior Choir. It was a brilliant evening, where audience members were able to see what they had been working so hard on.

Holly W, Year 6, Music Ambassador:

The ensembles that played were: The Larch Wind Band, The Larch Strings Orchestra, The Senior Choir, and The Junior Choir. I really enjoyed playing in three out of four of the ensembles, especially with the Larch Wind Band. My favourite piece that I played was probably Ghostbusters in the Larch Wind Band. I think this was a concert as good as all of the previous ones, so we are all proud of what we achieved. The highlight was probably the finale - Ghostbusters. We all got really involved in it, like shouting GHOSTBUSTERS! I also really liked the Junior Choir because the songs they sang were brilliant, and their voices were really cute!

Henry C, Year 6, Music Ambassador

In the concert, the brass and wind played together and the strings played. I enjoyed listening to the brass and woodwind songs that had people playing at different times. My favourite piece I played was 'Spy Movie'. Everyone cheered when Mr Taylor said spy movie but said 'awww' when it was 'Sad Movie'. My highlight was when a group of us had a solo in 'Something Inside So Strong'.

Please click on the image/link below of everyone who performed to listen to the audio!

Musical News – 18.03.2022

18th March 2022Heather Morgan

It has been an amazing couple of weeks with so many performances and so much music being created across our all-through school. Every musician has achieved something and has a story of triumph to tell! The Big Band evening, vocal showcase, Year 2 Strings celebration, performance assemblies, Big Band gigs, a guitar evening, Larch orchestra and choir rehearsals for the concert next Wednesday, A level recital rehearsals, preparation for the exams this week and next. So much is happening and it is fabulous that our musicians are embracing all that we have to offer. We are working hard to also ensure our musicians are involved in the decisions being made, in our new ideas and in feedback from what we have achieved. Well done to everyone.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Big Band..

Over the last couple of weeks, Big Band have performed here, there and everywhere!

Starting, of course, with our Big Band Evening. On Saturday 5th March, we were fortunate to have Big Band perform for a live audience full of friendly faces for the first time this year!

Next, Big Band entertained the Herts for Learning Headteachers' Conference, a very fun evening had by all!

Finally, they performed at the Mayor's Civic Dinner.

We are so proud of how they all embraced the challenge, and adapted to the different occasions! Well done to all!

Vocal Showcase - Saturday 12th March

On Saturday, we had our first singing concert in 3 years! It was fantastic to see so many students involved and performing a variety of genres and pieces! From Chamber Choir, to Musical Theatre, Duets to All Choirs!

Kitty in Year 9, who performed in multiple ensembles, said:

I really enjoyed how every student and audience member was very supportive, I also liked how there was a variety of different songs, especially musical theatre, in the vocal showcase. I have always listened to music and sung around my house from a young age. I find it rewarding when I can master songs I have been working on or hit a note that I couldn't before. Accents help me get into character as they don't sound like me but the role I am playing. Attending acting clubs and knowing what message the song portrays helps me understand my character.

We are so proud of all of our performers, here is all of our choirs performing 'Fix You'.

A Celebration of Brass

Our wonderful Brass musicians throughout the school came together to perform last week. It was a great to see so many students of various ages take part in the evening. Listen to our Secondary Brass students with 'Highlights from La La Land'!

Guitar Platform Evening

On Thursday, Mr Niesyto's students came together to showcase a wonderful array of acoustic guitar pieces.

Students from Year 7 to Year 13 performing solo numbers, our Guitar Workshop did their first performance, and the evening finished with our Guitar Ensemble.

It was a brilliant evening!

Larch Stars

Our Larch Stars are musicians who have been nominated by their instrumental teachers for something really good that week. Their certificate is presented in assembly. Well done to..

Ayla B (Year 3) for great progress in the last few weeks.
Mason Y (Year 3) for great performance in his lesson.
Pearl C (Year 4) for superb effort in lessons.
Florrie C (Year 3) for excellent work on her low note production.
Eloise S (Year 5) for working hard at her note reading.

Assembly Performances

In the Larch Celebration Assemblies, we have had wonderful performances from:

Isabel H in Year 6 playing 'Stealth Mode' in piano.

Ava C & Isaac B in Year 4 playing 'Shepherd Hey' on clarinet.

A Celebration of Brass

Our wonderful Brass musicians throughout the school came together to perform last week. It was a great opportunity for the younger students to see our older students perform, and understand where their brass journey can take them!

Our Larch Brass musicians performed brilliantly! Please have a listen to 500 Miles!

Year 2 Strings Training Programme Evening

On Tuesday, our Year 2 Violinists and Cellists showcased their hard work to a live audience of their parents and carers.

Mrs Johnson and Mrs Nunn are happy to announce they have all successfully completed their Strings Training Programme!

Do see below a little snippet from Tuesday.

Music Medals

Lots of Larch Musicians across many instruments are completing their Bronze Music Medals currently.

Singing once again!

3rd November 2021Mark Taylor

Last year, singing was often the hardest hit, with the restrictions. Choir numbers were limited and singing was a challenge. It is therefore brilliant that our choirs are back in full force.

We have so many amazing singers. We believe that everyone can sing, and it is great that our musicians agree! The Chamber Choir, consisting of our senior singers and musicians has regrouped and is busy working for the many school events this term, including the Remembrance service and the carol services. The senior choir is now a Vocal Showcase. The aim is that all KS4 and 5 singers can come, enjoy singing and showcase what they can achieve. All styles of songs are covered and whilst still in the first few rehearsals, there is so much talent at the rehearsals on a Wednesday. The Junior Choir also rehearses on a Wednesday and consists of so many singers in Years 7 – 9. Having this choir return with so many singers is amazing and we look forward to hearing them perform later in the term. Throughout the curriculum, throughout the school, singing is an everyday part of our music. Whether in a band, as a soloist or just for fun, singing is something that can bring joy to everyone.

In the primary phase, we have two fabulous choirs. The Years 2- 3 choir and the Years 4 – 6 choir both sang so beautifully at the Harvest Festival at All Saints’ Church. Singing is so popular in the Larch, and Mrs Johnson’s KS1 singing assembly on a Tuesday is a delight to listen to.

Elsewhere, singing lessons are very popular. Some of our most advanced singers in the sixth form also performed at the Harvest Festival this week and created a beautiful atmosphere with their captivating performances. We have singers with the Big Band and in Rock School and we are planning a return to singing evenings where families can celebrate in person what the musicians can achieve.

What is lovely is the confidence that we see grow in our singers as they learn to perform, learn how to command a room and learn about connecting to the music. Performing in front of others as a soloist is, for some, a challenge. Actually doing it, standing tall and standing proud can be a huge achievement. The pride seen when they finish and take in the applause is wonderful to see.

The return to live performances is our aim for the year in all of our work, but especially our choirs. It will take a little time, but with perseverance and commitment, I am sure we will not be disappointed with what will be achieved.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Happy New Term in the Larch!!

4th September 2021Mark Taylor

Dear all.

As we welcome the new term, we are preparing for much more exciting music making this year and the opportunity to see our musicians develop.

Our Larch instrumental lessons start from Monday 13th September. We will email you full details later next week, of days and what and when things are happening. Year 6 will have lessons in the music centre and will be supported to walk over in time. We are finalising the huge logistical puzzle of our teaching! It is also on Monday 13th that Year 6 woodwind and brass musicians will join Junior Wind Band in the music centre after school. Again, full details will be emailed next week. Year 3 string players will join the Larch Orchestra in January.

The Larch Orchestra and choirs start from Monday 20th September (ie, that week). This gives the students time to get back into routine and play their instruments again! It is the week of the 20th September that the Year 2 Strings Training Programme starts - the musical journey for these students begins! Cello will be on Thursday, Violin on Friday.

As an overview:

Junior Wind Band (Yr 6 wind and brass musicians) - Monday after school until 3.55pm starting on Monday 13th September

Larch orchestra - Wednesday after school until 4pm starting on Wednesday 22nd September

Larch choirs - Thursday after school until 4pm starting on Thursday 23rd September

In advance of lessons starting, please can everyone go over a couple of pieces from last term if they have not done so already. Check everything in the instrument case is there and perform at home. We will be working hard this term to support you to support each musician - how to practice at home, what to do if there are challenges, how to celebrate progress. It is time to get back even more to the joy of learning and performing. We even hope to have several live concerts this term!

https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/in-the-larch/

Please do take a moment to look at the Larch music section of the website. It has the dates, resources, support and information. It will also have the timetables ready for lessons to start. A Year 6 page will be published next week.

Celebration of our music is on twitter - https://twitter.com/simonballemusic and the main school media channels.

Please bear with us if there are teething issues. Just get in touch - direct all queries to music@simonballe.herts.sch.uk rather than the Larch reception.

Learning an instrument is great fun. Yes, practice is essential, but if you build in the routines, ask for help when needed and celebrate success, amazing things will happen.

Have a great musical year!

Mark Taylor, Director of Music.

And so the end of term…

17th July 2021Mark Taylor

Congratulations to all musicians for their achievements this year. We have held over 240 individual music exams. This is an amazing achievement, showing perseverance and hard work through all the challenges. As part of this, seven Year 13 musicians have achieved a diploma at a standard of first or second year music college.To have this number of students taking these very challenging exams is unique in any school and we cannot underestimate the enormity of what has been achieved. Our senior musicians have also achieved 29 Grade 8s between them, most with a merit or distinction. In the Larch, 53 musicians took a music medal this year and several have achieved Grade 1 or 2. This again is a phenomenal achievement. Every exam result at every level is something to be so proud of and the numbers involved make us unique as a school.

Last weekend we were fortunate to have two outdoor concerts to celebrate what some of our musicians have achieved. Enabling the Concert Band and Big Band to perform allowed our brilliant Year 13 musicians to celebrate their achievements and say goodbye. Having this ‘final moment’ for them was so important and it was wonderful to see everyone there enjoying the amazing music. The recordings and pictures will be on the school website early next week for all to enjoy. The evenings were very emotional for so many, both musicians and families. All our musicians throughout the school are amazing, and it was wonderful to hear about how music is such an important part of their lives.

Team Music has triumphed this year and it has been wonderful to see and hear how families, musicians and the team in school have worked together, in person and online. The musical achievements that we have had have been wonderful to see and hear. Across all phases, music has kept going and we are so grateful for all the support. It is by working together that we have achieved what we have.

Looking forward, we continue to adapt and ensure that our musical opportunities continue to grow. I am delighted that so many young people are learning an instrument in the Larch, and that we have so many musicians across the school who want to be part of Team Music. Thank you to everyone in Team Music for coming together to create incredible music and wonderful memories. To those with us next year - concerts, performances and experiences will be back. Keep practising and see you then. To those leaving - thank you. Thank you for your support, thank you for your musicianship and thank you for the memories.

https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/

https://twitter.com/simonballemusic

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

What a musical year!

2nd July 2021Mark Taylor

Dear families.

It is that time of the year when we look forward to celebrating what our Larch musicians have achieved as well as looking forward to September.

Despite the lockdown earlier this year, our musicians have been amazing. It is fabulous to see and hear what they continue to achieve week after week. The rehearsals are going so well and it is lovely to hear about all the successes with exams and music medals. Some have been taking exams this week!

Year 2 has done so well with the Strings Training Programme. Hearing some of them last week I was reminded how much progress they have made. We will be recording their celebration in a couple of weeks and sharing this with families. This work is the foundation of instrumental learning, preparing students to continue with the violin and cello or move on and take up a different instrument. Hearing all the instrumentalists in the other years has been a joy, both in small groups and in the orchestra. The choirs too are singing so well and with such enthusiasm.

Looking to next year, we will shortly be reminding year groups of which instruments they can learn at Simon Balle. The current Year 2 will be introduced to the flute and clarinet and the current Years 3, 4 and 5 to other wind instruments as well as brass. We have not been able to do this live for a while, so we are excited to let pupils hear everything in person. I really hope that pupils will continue on their musical journey as so much has already been achieved. Also looking to September, Year 6 wind and brass musicians will progress to be part of Junior Wind Band on a Monday after school until 4pm. They have been so important in the orchestra and they will now be working with older musicians, taking their music to the next level. Year 6 string players will continue in the Larch Orchestra on a Wednesday for now, so that they can support the younger musicians and help create that rich string sound.

To summarise:

In September, the Larch Orchestra will consist of:

Years 4, 5 and 6 string players
Years 4 and 5 woodwind players
Year 5 brass players

Year 6 woodwind and brass players will be part of the Junior Wind Band on a Monday until 4pm. If it clashes with team sports in the Autumn term they will do each activity on alternate weeks!

Year 3 Strings will join the orchestra later in the year.

Well done to everyone for their hard work and perseverance this year. We have an amazing musical future ahead of us. As Team music develops and more opportunities are created, the sky really is the limit on what can be achieved.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Getting back to our music!

15th April 2021Mark Taylor

Dear all.

As our ensembles return and we safely come back to creating music together, we are looking to have a term of celebration for our Larch musicians.

As part of this, many will be either taking music exams (Music medals or Grade 1), or celebrating their achievements if they are still in the early phases of learning. Therefore, we are focusing for the next few weeks on how to practise at home. As families at home, you are vital to the success of learning an instrument.

Every pupil requires a music stand at home (unless piano students with a real piano at home!). Here is one example.
A regular time and quiet space should be organised at home, so that pupils get quickly into the routine of practice and respect how important it is. This should happen for 15 minutes three times a week. You should supervise until you are happy that they can work on their own. When listening, give plenty of praise and reassurance.
Celebrate their playing at home – hold a living room concert or performance! The small steps of encouragement are vital, along with those routines of practice.

So, we are pushing on practice please, making it even more of a priority now we are back at school. If we are concerned that there is not enough practice, or it is not as successful as it could be, we will let you know. I am so pleased with how our musicians have been resilient during the past few months, so bringing this all together and reminding everyone of the most important part of their work – the practice at home – is needed.

I look forward to sharing successes with you in future weeks!

Kind regards and do stay in touch.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Larch music news – 8th March

6th March 2021Mark Taylor

Dear all.

Everyone in Team Music hopes you are well!

It has been a long time without live music in the Larch. I am so pleased that our young musicians will be coming back to school and that all our instrumental lessons will resume in school from Monday. It is superb to be having that face to face interaction once again, getting back into the routines we need so much! Our Year 2 musicians will again pick up their string instruments and rekindle their love of music!

Lessons are on the same days that they were in the Autumn Term. Mrs Pearson will continue to send reminders the night before, so please look out for them. Please do help ensure that the instrument is ready with the required music to take in on the correct day. Musicians should once again take the instruments to the Larch music room first thing in the morning. Do have the routine as well to take the instrument home! Practice once again will have to be scheduled for after school times at home and your support with this is so important – praise, reminders, the regular time to practice each day when home is a little quieter. It might only be 15 minutes that is needed every day, but it is vital!

Unfortunately our orchestra and choirs will not be able to rehearse this term as we cannot mix the smaller bubbles. We are though planning for what we hope is a start back next term, fingers crossed. With the 4 stages out of the pandemic, we are very hopeful that we will be able to have concerts later next term. Making live music together is such an important part of why we learn and do what we do.

During the latest lockdown, it has been wonderful to hear how those at home have been supporting the young musicians, being part of the lessons and chatting to the teachers. Thank you for your amazing support, helping the musicians through these times, ensuring they remain as motivated as they can. We are planning to celebrate what has been achieved by each musician as soon as we can through exams and live music. It is so exciting to believe that this will soon be possible again!

If you don’t have a music stand at home, do please see if you can get one to support excellent posture and practice habits. A link is here to one.

We have an amazing musical community at Simon Balle. You are very much part of that and as we return gradually to making all that music again together, we will once again be able to celebrate what our amazing musicians achieve day after day. Thank you for your part in that.

Do stay in touch.

Kind regards

Mark Taylor, Director of Music.

Larch Musicians

23rd October 2020Rachel Kirk

Developing our instrumental offering in the Larch, including the piano

18th October 2020Mark Taylor

We recently introduced piano lessons as part of our music offering in the Larch and as we thought this was met with an overwhelming response. Knowing that we could not offer everyone who wanted piano lessons the opportunity to learn, it made us consider how to take this forward.

Our musical ethos at Simon Balle is of creating lifelong musicians - musicians who want to take their passion for music with them for the rest of their lives. As part of this it is about learning how to work together, with others, in ensembles and teams. How to practice, how to read music, how to listen, how to celebrate music. We have prioritised orchestral instruments for these very reasons, so that more students can benefit from the joy and excitement of making music with others for years to come both in our orchestra, and group lessons. Some might pause and return on this journey, others will continue and excel to the highest standards. We also insist that students can practice, at least 3 times a week.

Piano is different. It is not an ensemble instrument to start with for quite a while. Not everyone has a piano at home either. This made us question what our ethos is with learning the piano.

Piano is an instrument to develop coordination skills and how to read treble and bass clef. It is an instrument that someone learns on their own for such a long time before being able to work with others. We have taken the decision after many discussions that for us piano should be an instrument that someone learns as well as learning an orchestral instrument, so that they are developing their whole musicianship. Piano lessons include music theory work as well, again working more on musicianship. What is so important is that our pianists feel part of team music and what we offer - working together with others, not in isolation. Therefore, we chose musicians who already learnt an instrument to start working with us as we introduced the piano to our work.

Of course we want pianists - pianists who love music music and are a massive part of Team Music. However, at the moment we simply cannot accommodate everyone to do everything - especially on the piano. Space and teacher availability also come into the mix. When all these competing challenges come together, we have to have reasons for our decisions.

We have a waiting list for piano lessons and of course that is not ideal. As I said at the start, our ethos is based on team working, ensembles and not working in isolation. There are many ways to get involved in Team Music and we will work to develop our piano offering as fast as we can, ensuring is accompanies learning an orchestral instrument.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Music in the Larch

Welcome to our Music!

Curriculum - All-Through

Exam Results

Our Secondary Phase...

Mr Lovell's Piano Evening

Big Band Interviews...

Aimee B, Year 13, Singer

Gabriel D, Year 12, Trumpet 1

Poppy N, Year 13, Singer

Our Primary Phase...

Larch Stars

Assembly Performances

Larch Celebration Concert

Holly W, Year 6, Music Ambassador:

Henry C, Year 6, Music Ambassador

Coming Up...

Welcome to our Music!

Big Band

Senior Choir

Our Secondary Phase...

Big Band..

Vocal Showcase - Saturday 12th March

A Celebration of Brass

Guitar Platform Evening

Our Primary Phase...

Larch Stars

Assembly Performances

A Celebration of Brass

Year 2 Strings Training Programme Evening

Music Medals

Coming Up...

Happy New Term in the Larch!

What a musical year! Looking forward to the next one....

We recently introduced piano lessons as part of our music offering in the Larch and as we thought this was met with an overwhelming response. Knowing that we could not offer everyone who wanted piano lessons the opportunity to learn, it made us consider how to take this forward.