Dear all

There is lots of important information in this blog. Please read carefully!

The start of this term has been fabulous for music in the Larch, with almost 50% of students in Years 2 - 5 learning an instrument. This is brilliant and well done to everyone.

Lockdown was hard for all, but very productive for our musicians. Teachers report that having the engagement of those supporting at home was brilliant and so much progress was made by so many. A couple of musicians even managed to take Music Medals when back in school. What we have learnt from lockdown is that parental engagement and routines of practice are everything.

Now we are back at school, we need to help everyone have those routines of practice. Our team work so hard in school to ensure fabulous progress is being made, so we ask that at home:

• Musicians can practice for 10 minutes or more, 3 times a week
• Practice is at regular times, not as and when
• Practice is supported with a music stand
• Your help with practice, ensuring the house is quiet and that you celebrate each time

It is so clear from research, as well as evidence that we have from our own families that support at home is crucial to help each musician progress, develop the good habits and enjoy what they are doing.

The Larch orchestra continues to make brilliant progress. This is an important part of learning an instrument, as it develops ensemble and teamworking skills. Playing with others is also what music is about - the fun, the listening to everyone, the concentration. We are aiming to have our brass players join later this year when they are more confident and know a few more notes.

30 or so musicians have joined the Strings Training Programme in Year 2. This is an important time on the path to musical success - creating and developing the routines, hearing the first notes, celebrating the first performances and practice at home. Similarly, a large number of musicians have started the flute or clarinet in Year 3.

Beyond the Larch Orchestra, we are working within guidelines to see how we can enable Year 5 to gradually join junior ensembles in the secondary phase. Some are almost ready, and the challenge with current guidelines might delay this slightly. However, patience will lead to musical progression soon! These next steps are a huge challenge as we work to get it right, so please bear with us. There are two recordings below from the rehearsals this week. They are so good.

The two Larch choirs are also very popular and make a great sound. Well done to all here!

We are also working to get our performances up and running, safely next half term. Again please bear with us as we work things out and plan, adhering to the guidelines.

What is brilliant is that music is alive in the Larch. All of us in Team Music - the musicians, you, us, are working together to achieve amazing musical things.

Let's stay in touch and let's keep supporting - all the time.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music