• Musical News 3 – April 2025

    Welcome from the Director of Music

    Simon Balle Music is incredible. The performances and achievements over the past few weeks remind me why we do what we do. The individual stories, the triumph, the resilience, the success. 

    We work hard to celebrate each individual musician. The recent questionnaire showed what an impact we have, together with you, as part of Team Music. There will always be things that can be better, but now is the time to celebrate. We have so many incredible musicians creating music that is quite unique. The role of families is to help us celebrate everyone, not just our own! Younger musicians can see what they can aim for, older musicians can celebrate younger musicians, working together. We are one all-through Team Music.

    The recent performances showcased so well what your children are achieving. From rock to disco via Big Band and the Larch. Experiences, enrichment and memories. Older musicians with A level recitals, GCSE coursework and all those deadlines. Larch musicians with music medals and instrumental exams. What we have is unique and very, very musical. You don’t get this anywhere else!

    Mark Taylor, Director of Music

    Fortnightly Focus

    Continuing to celebrate, please could you take a moment to say WELL DONE to your musicians at home. So much has been achieved. This week alone, we have had some amazing achievement as a result of hard work.

     

     

    Well done to everyone. Good luck in preparation to the 130 musicians working for exams next term. To reassure, we work with events on the calendar to accommodate everyone and we make everyone aware in plenty of time of the day the exams are on. Year 6 musicians - music exams are well after the SATS!

    Well done. Fabulous. What a musical school we are! We are Team Music!

    Our Musical Curriculum

     

    Deer class enjoyed performing some pieces we have been learning on the glockenspiel in our Reception and KS1 Singing Assembly. They showed excellent listening skills, and played brilliantly as an ensemble. Now, Foxes will have their chance to perform.

    Celebrating Our Students

    Musical Exam Success

    Congratulations to our students for incredible exam results!

    Students from Year 4 to Year 13 have recently taken their Trinity Music Exams. This is an incredible achievement.

    Please click on the logos to see the wonderful results!

    Music Medal Success

    Students have been busy working towards and taking their ABRSM Music Medals.

    A massive congratulations to the following students!

    Bronze Medals

    • Evie
    • Beatrice

    What fantastic achievements! If you haven't already received your Certificate and Badge, please be assured it is on its way, but if you have concerns, please get in touch.

     

     

     

    Instrumental Lessons

    Great work from Heidi playing ‘Bobby Shafto’ as a duet with Mrs Johnson. 

    Heidi is preparing to take her Copper Music Medal. We do get all our Larch musicians to have their first exam as a music medal during their musical journey! They are a fabulous stepping stone to Grade 1!

    Well done to everyone, especially Heidi for this recording!

    The Guitar Ensembles have been busy rehearsing this term.

    Here is a taster of some of the music you can hear in our forthcoming concert on Thursday 1st May.

     

    Click the right corner for more videos

    Music Mondays

    Congratulations to the following who have all performed at a Music Monday this term;

    Ryan, Lucas, Lorcan, Lucy, Ziva,

    Lewis, Jamie, Ethan, Lucas.

    Assembly Performances

    Well done to Kiera, Alba, Noah, Juliette, Willow and Amelia who all performed violin pieces in the Celebration Assembly this week.

     

    The Grade 8 Club!

    Achieving Grade 8 is always an amazing feeling. As part of our celebrations, we are showcasing some of our musicians who have Grade 8. Today with Merry, Lucy and Kitty who all achieved Grade 8 this week. They are brilliant musicians and so committed.

    Celebrating our Performances

    Simon Balle Music Live!

    I really enjoyed the choir and strings concert! It was probably one of the best ones yet! I especially liked the big song at the end because everyone in the audience got to stand up to dance and sing! I also really enjoyed singing afterglow in the secondary choir. I just thought the harmonies worked perfectly and came out beautifully! Plus, I think the Wicked songs were such a good idea! Everyone knew them and they were really fun to do!

    Lucy

    Simon Balle Music Live!

    Larch Celebration of Music

    We continue to be proud of our Larch musicians - our musicians of the future. We have said it before and we will say it again. What our musicians in the Larch create is incredible. Such a high standard of musicality for one primary phase. Well done to everyone. Team work makes the dream work!

    Do have a listen to a recording from the recent celebration. It is utterly fabulous.

     

    Year 2 Strings Training Celebration

    Well done to our fabulous Year 2 musicians who have started this year on their instrumental learning journey. Once again, this is fabulous and an incredible achievement. So many Year 2 musicians performing so musically. Well done everyone! Do listen and celebrate!

    Rock Gig

    I think that it was a nice scene and it was good to see others play. I was scared at first but when I started playing, I got into it and lost my fear. I made one or two mistakes but I got back in time quickly. I did feel though it went well. My highlight was when I stood on stage and just breathed in, and played.

    Kieran

     

    Coming up!

    Click here to see all of our upcoming events - there is so much music to celebrate!

    What’s On

    Click the poster for event details!

  • Musical News 2 – March 2025

    Welcome from the Director of Music

    We are in the middle of our performance season. So much music, so much celebration and enjoyment. It is an amazing, if busy, time of year. Times like this remind everyone why we do what we do. Your part in that, supporting our musicians is essential. Do take time to read here and celebrate what everyone is doing, not just those that you know.

    We are a Team, everyone. One third of the school. You might be surprised with what goes on, some of which you had no idea!

    Mark Taylor, Director of Music

    Fortnightly Focus

    Simon Balle is a musical school. We are proud that we are a musical school. Sometimes, we have to remind everyone in Team Music what this actually means!

    • Pride and celebration. When we work hard, amazing musical things happen. Just look at our website!
    • Practice. Music takes practice, at least 3 times a week. In the Larch, families must supervise practice. Secondary musicians should be practising at least 4 times per week. We are all busy, but when practice is completed, the lessons are amazing!
    • Commitment. Ensembles take commitment. Music is commitment. Missing a rehearsal lets the team down. We are all busy, but we choose to be musicians and we have to commit! 
    • Working together. The team work. We are all part of the team. 

    It is good to remind everyone of our values and ethos. Sometimes, we forget - life takes over. By building routines for practice and commitment at home, every week, you are helping create amazing Simon Balle Musicians.

    Our Musical Curriculum

    In Year 2, students have been working hard at playing the song ‘Naughty Pussycat’ on the glockenspiel. They have also been working on recognising the note middle C when written in music notation. I hope you enjoy these recordings!

    Deer Class:

    Foxes Class:

    Celebrating Our Students

    Musical Exam Success

    Congratulations to David who recently passed his Grade 1 Piano with Merit.

    After he worked really hard towards his exam, we are delighted for David with this well-deserved result.

    Music Medal Success

    Larch Students have been busy working towards and taking their ABRSM Music Medals.

    A massive congratulations to the following students!

    Copper Medals:

    • Šimon
    • George
    • Roux
    • Ethan
    • Amelia

    Silver Medals:

    • Iris
    • Lucas
    • Zak

    What fantastic achievements! If you haven't already received your Certificate and Badge, please be assured it is on its way, but if you have concerns, please get in touch.

     

     

     

    KS1 Singing Assemblies

    Each week KS1 comes together on Tuesday morning for a Singing Assembly.

    Singing is a great way to be creative and have fun! It is also an important tool in many ways helping with language development and memory.

    Songs are learnt over a number of weeks with a lot of repetition allowing the children to have a sense of achievement when they manage to sing more the following week. 

    Please enjoy this snippet!

    Instrumental Lessons

    Year 6 Flautists working together to develop so many musical skills. 

    Well done Gemma, Valentina & Florrie!

    It is great to hear a snippet from music lessons. Here is a recording from Sofia's guitar lesson with Mr Niesyto.

    All is Found from Frozen 2, Sofia has been working on in her lesson. Well done on a fantastic recording!

    Celebrating our Performances

    An Evening with the Simon Balle Big Band

    A fantastic evening with so much support from families and students! Read what musicians had to say about it and enjoy the videos!

    "Big Band evening this year was extraordinary. The feeling of playing with a band that is like a family is unmatched. Getting to see all of the parents let loose in the audience and dance to music we are performing feels like such an amazing achievement. This year was extra special to me as I got to play my first solos at a Big Band evening, and I got to sing a song! When we are performing we do really feel a part of the community and the happiness it brings is something I hope everyone watching can feel."

    Merry, Big Band

    "I played tenor saxophone in Big Band 2 which was such an incredible experience! We played multiple pieces which I think went really well and it was so fun to play in front of an audience with the lights. My highlight of the night was either doing a solo, which was nerve-racking but also such an amazing memory, or dancing and singing with my friends. The whole evening had such a wonderful atmosphere and it was so nice to see the audience of all ages singing along!"

    Holly, Big Band 2

    An Evening with the Simon Balle Big Band

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    An All-through Celebration of Brass

    An evening filled with a fantastic programme of music performed by a talented group of musicians from Year 4 to Year 13. 

    "My favourite piece to play was “The Final Countdown” because it is dramatic, I know the piece very well and the Tenor Horn (the instrument I play) got to play the main tune. I also enjoyed the opportunity to play a short solo in “The Second Line”. It was fun but nerve-wracking as I had to improvise which I have never done before in front of an audience. My favourite piece played by the secondary brass Ensemble was called “Resolution”. The main lead in this piece was done by the percussion which I am also a big fan of, so it was really nice to see them be the stars of this piece! I really enjoyed playing with the secondary brass and I would love to do it again."

    Charlie, Tenor Horn

    "On Thursday I played in the All-through Brass Celebration along with a group of other brass players from year 4-13.  Although a lot of the pieces were quite hard to begin with, we practiced hard at our Monday lunchtime rehearsals and by the time the evening came they all sounded brilliant. We played a range pieces such as Resolution, O Magnum Mysterium and a Selection from the Secret Garden. It was a fun evening which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. My highlight was being able to perform the pieces we’ve practiced in front of our parents and my favourite piece was Selections from the Secret Garden."

    Lilia, Trumpet

    An All-through Celebration of Brass

     

    Piano Recital

    There was much to be enjoyed at our most recent Piano Recital where our March Exam Candidates took the opportunity to prepare by performing some of their pieces to an appreciative audience of family and friends.
    It was great to see such a range of years (7-11) and Grades (1-6), so that parents could see the range of musical progression and I'm sure our less experienced players were inspired by the performances of others.
    Well done to everyone and good luck with your Exam later this month!

    "I recently attended and performed at the piano evening in the music department—my first recital here. The atmosphere was warm and supportive, with encouraging family members and teachers, making it enjoyable for both performers and the audience. I loved the variety of pieces, from Ed Sheeran to grade pieces and even an old Hindi song—a nice surprise as it was one I knew. My own performance went well, and I was happy with how it turned out, despite feeling a little nervous at first. Having attended quite a few school music events, this was one of the most comfortable and pleasant, with performers of all ages giving their best and an appreciative audience."

    Nitika, Year 10

    Coming up!

    Click here to see all of our upcoming events - there is so much music to celebrate!

    What’s On

    Click the poster for event details!

  • Musical News – February 2025

    Welcome from the Director of Music

    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

    Fortnightly Focus

    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!

    Our Musical Curriculum

    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.

    Celebrating Our Students

    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!

    Music Medal Success

    Larch Students have been busy working towards and taking their ABRSM Music Medals.

    A massive congratulations to the following students!

    Copper Medals:

    • Olivia

    Bronze Medals:

    • Emilia
    • Rihansh
    • Roux
    • Ethan
    • Finlay
    • Alexa
    • Chloe

    What fantastic achievements! If you haven't already received your Certificate and Badge, please be assured it is on its way, but if you have concerns, please get in touch.

    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!

    Celebrating our Performances

    Big Band Soundbites Concert

    The Simon Balle Big Band performed as part of a Soundbites Concert at All Saints’ Church. 

    This was a brilliant community event, and the audience loved what they heard, and ended up dancing in the aisles to the big band favourites!

     

    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

    Coming up!

    Click on the posters for more details!

  • Musical News – January 2025

    From the Director of Music

    We love performing. Making music with others is the reason we do what we do.

    In order to be ready to perform, we have to practice - for our lessons and for the rehearsals. This term we will be focusing on practice across both phases so all our musicians are the best they can be.

    Do have a look at the Whats On page for details of our upcoming concerts and performances. These include the Big Band evening, as well as a 'Live in Concert' event that features our new Simon Balle Concert Orchestra performing 4 disco arrangements from the BBC Proms last year.

    Simon Balle Music is something very special. When we practice and work together, amazing things happen.

     

    Mark Taylor, Director of Music.

    Music Medal Success!

    Larch Students have been busy working towards and taking their ABRSM Music Medals.

    A massive congratulations to the following students!

    Copper Medals:

    • Edward
    • Juliette
    • Willow
    • Jacqui
    • Isabelle
    • Maggie
    • Emmie
    • James
    • Jacob
    • Intil
    • Ariana
    • Kiera
    • Noah
    • Alba

    Bronze Medals:

    • Iris
    • Zak
    • Lucas

    What fantastic achievements! If you haven't already received your Certificate and Badge, please be assured it is on its way, but if you have concerns, please get in touch.

    Woodwind Starters' Celebration

    Our Woodwind Starters’ Celebration showcased all of our Larch students who started learning the Flute or Clarinet in September.

    32 musicians tonight astounded their families with their first performance on the clarinet and flute after 4 months of learning. The performance was the epitome of our unique and special all-through ethos.
    Please do congratulate the musicians, they have worked so hard to get to this point!
    Musical. Reading notation, in time. A huge sense of community. Confident. An inspiration.
    Please click on the picture to hear the audio!

    Year 8, 9 & 10 Piano Recital

    The Piano Recital allowed exam candidates a chance to perform in front of an audience ahead of their upcoming music exams.

    We welcomed family and friends of some of our talented players for an Evening of Piano Music.

    We were lucky to have performers from Years 8-11 playing a variety of styles. There was plenty of Rock and Pop on display with Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars amongst the artists featured, whilst, in contrast, the audience were also treated to music by Claude Debussy, Richard Rodgers and Joe Hisaishi.

    Well played everyone, it was all thoroughly enjoyed!

    Save the Date!

    We're excited to announce that the Singing and Strings Concert is taking a new direction this year.

    This concert will feature Secondary Choir, Chamber Choir, Senior Strings and we will be launching our Simon Balle Concert Orchestra.

    The date is Saturday 15th March, 7pm - please make sure it is in your diaries!

     

     

    All of our upcoming events!

    With so many events coming up in March, the What's On page is the best place to keep an eye on!

    What’s On

  • Musical News 2 – November 2024

    Wow! What a month!

    We have had 25% of our school community performing in concerts and gigs - it has been an incredible week of celebration.

    Six performances in 5 days this week. Concert Band, Junior Wind Band, Brass, Saxidentals, Rock Bands, guitars, all our Larch choirs and ensembles, our senior choirs and singers.

    The quality has once again been outstanding, and the stories of nerves, inclusion, smiles, opportunity, team work, joy, community and incredible music has been a joy to be part of.
    Few schools in the country have this number of students involved performing to such a high standard. What students get from being part of this cannot easily be described.

    A school is built on a community. What an amazing all-through musical community we are.

    We are really proud of what our students achieve!

    Mark Taylor

    Director of Music

    Our Simon Balle Music Podcast 

    We have recently launched our new Simon Balle Music podcast!
    Our first episode - 'All things Simon Balle Music' is out now! Please have a listen, follow us on Spotify, and watch this space! New episodes are coming soon!

    The Celebration of Wind and Brass Concert showcased our wonderful Brass Ensemble, Saxidentals, Junior Wind and Concert Band!

    It was a delightful evening with an array of music!

    Please enjoy videos from last night's concert:

    The Rock Gig was a fantastic evening down at the Southern Maltings in Ware.

    Lots of fantastic performances from Year 7 to Year 13 - incredible!

    The Larch Celebration of Music showcased our amazing Larch Musicians!

    • The Larch Wind & Brass Band (Year 4, 5 & 6)
    • The Larch String Orchestra (Years 4, 5 & 6)
    • Year 2 & 3 Choir
    • Year 4, 5 & 6 Choir

    Well done to everyone! Over 140 musicians performing - 45% of Years 2 - 6. 180+ in the audience!

    So many smiles, so many proud families, an amazing musical community. We are one musical all-through school!

     

    Our Guitar Recital showcased Mr Niesyto's fantastic students!

    It was a brilliant evening for both solo and ensemble performances - please enjoy the videos here!

    Our Celebration of Singing Concert showcased our incredible singers!

    From Chamber Choir, and Secondary Choir to a selection of groups and solo performances from a selection of Year 8s, Year 9s and Year 12s.

    We are really proud of what was achieved and we hope that you are too!

    Please watch videos here:

    Our Celebration of Strings Concert showcased:

    • Senior Strings (including Year 6),
    • Our Chamber Group,
    • Solos
    • Music featuring some of our Acoustic Guitarists.

    It was fantastic to see how our String Orchestra has built over the years - a real epitome of our all-through community. As Mr Dear said, it is a really exciting time to be a strings player as the growth and development is so exciting.

    Please enjoy the videos here:

    The Hertford Christmas Gala was a real community event!

    The Simon Balle Big Band performed brilliantly on Friday in Hertford Town. It was brilliant to see so many in the crowd supporting our students - from families, alumni to members of the public.

    The students really showcased the school to the community!

     

    The Power of an All-through School

    Three Year 9 students, our first year group all those years ago in the Larch. Performing to a standard and with such confidence way beyond their age.

    Only at Simon Balle. I have the privilege in my role to see and work with students as they grow through our all-through school.

    Music Enrichment

    A shining example of what some of our most able musicians in the Sixth Form are achieving as part of our Enrichment Programme!

    Please read all about Music in Simon Balle Sixth Form here: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/sixth-form/

    We are one all-through musical school - enjoy!

    Year 4 Curriculum

    As part of their music curriculum, Year 4 have started a new musical theatre unit, which they are loving.
    Here is a snippet of Kingfishers singing 'Consider Yourself' from their lesson last week! Mrs Iles is really impressed, well done to all!

    Our Upcoming Events

    Simon Balle’s Adult Community Choir - ‘Take Note’ - have their Winter Celebration Concert on Saturday 7th December, 7.30pm at St Andrews’ Church.

     

     

    Our Carol Services are on the last week of term - please click the images below for more details.

  • Musical News – November 2024

    Let's get performing!

    We are now in concert season. Concerts, gigs, performances, celebrations. Hundreds of musicians, thousands in the audience. All celebrating our musicians and Simon Balle Music.

    Do come and hear what our musicians achieve. Details are below. Being a musicians is about working together, being a team, creating music for others to hear and celebrate. All that work comes together in a beautiful performance.

    We must not forget our Carol Services. Amazing community events. Do put the dates in your diaries - once again All Saints' Church will be hosting us.

    Stay in touch, help us continue to work together and I hope to see you very soon. Remember, you are part of Team Music as well!

    Mark Taylor, Director of Music.

    Piano Recital

    Our Piano Recital featuring Year 11, 12 and 13 students was a fantastic evening of performances!

    Please see all videos from the evening here. Well done to the incredible soloists.

    Click the top right corner for more videos!

    Music Medal Success!

    Some of our Larch Musicians have recently taken a Music Medal exam, we want to say Congratulations to:

    • Edward for passing his Copper Music Medal
    • Zak for passing his Bronze Music Medal
    • Iris for passing her Bronze Music Medal
    • Lucas for passing his Bronze Music Medal

    We are really proud of you! Please say well done at home!

    Larch Piano Success

    Our Larch Pianists have been working hard with Mrs Johnson.

    Well done to Alba, Alexa, Alec and Valentina all for excellent work in your lessons and for practice at home!

    Upcoming Events

    We have so many Concerts and Recitals happening in November.

    Please make sure you have bought your tickets via the Parent Portal.

    Go to Make a Booking > Music Events > Select the Correct one!

    Click on the posters for all event information.

     

     

  • Musical News – October 2024

    Team Music!

    Music is certainly alive at Simon Balle - creating lifelong musicians!

    We are so proud of all our musicians - those that joined us this term and those who are working so hard, continuing on their musical journey with us. Our ethos is clear - the more you put in the more you can get out. With practice, with support from home, with a mindset to 'do your best', we can achieve brilliant things, together.

    I've been at Simon Balle a long time. This triangle of support and working together is so important and has never changed. Our youngest musicians cannot make progress without support and expectations to practice at home, every week, celebrating every achievement. Our older musicians need nagging, need the support and need to understand their musical pathway so they continue to succeed in music within their busy lives. All students need support and for us to work together. We can't do this for you at home!

    Next half term is another time to celebrate our musicians through so many performances. Please have a look at our What's On page and ensure you are ready and have the dates in your diary. We celebrate together - as Team Music. Well, are we not all a musical team and community?

    Keep enjoying the music!

    Mark Taylor, Director of Music

    Piano Recital -

    A brilliant way to start the year with a piano recitals featuring some of Mr Lovell's students!

    Click the top right corner for more videos

    Royal Northern College of Music Workshop

    A large part of our Sixth Form musical experience is our Advanced Musician’s Programme.

    AMP is all about high expectations, excellent support and great opportunities in every aspect of our musical learning.

    Musicians are expected to embrace the opportunities we offer, including:
    ◾ Masterclasses
    ◾ Workshops
    ◾ Weekly ensembles
    ◾ Concerts and recitals
    ◾ Performances out of school
    ◾ Working with younger musicians
    ◾ Having opportunities to experience the Guildhall Young Musicians in London (part of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama)
    ◾Working with the Royal Northern College of Music

    This month, our Sixth Form Advanced Musician's had the opportunity to work with Professor Andy Stott, the Head of Popular Music at the Royal Northern College of Music @rncmlive and a group of Year 2 musicians.

    During this incredible experience, our students enjoyed live performances, heard about life at a Conservatoire before engaging in song writing workshop.

    Our students also had the opportunity to perform and gain feedback to support their own development.

    Larch Brass Ensemble Performance

    In the KS2 Celebration Assembly this week, we were treated to a brass ensemble performance, organised by Mr Peach featuring our Year 5 & 6 Musicians.

    It was fantastic to see such a variety of brass instrument being used by our young musicians, and we're really proud of what they have achieved!

    Watch a snippet here, and watch out for more on our Instagram @simonballemusic

    Music in the Sixth Form

    New applicants interested in being part of Team Music at Simon Balle All-through School, are recommended to Register their interest in joining the Sixth Form. You will be invited to join our rehearsals and concerts to experience first hand how amazing our music is. Changing schools can be daunting, so supporting you to already be part of @simonballemusic is very important to us. We will meet with you as part of the interview process and ensure that we can support your individual musical pathway.

    Staying connected throughout is vital for musical progression and to start feeling part of Team Music. Click the banner below to read more about Music in the Sixth Form at SBAS - including our Advanced Musicians Programme.

     

     

    What's On

    Please see our big events coming up, but there is always more listed on our What's On page! https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/whats-on/

    Click on the images to see the event details!

  • Musical News – June 2024

    Musical June!!

    It is always amazing to be part of performances and celebration at this time of year, showcasing what our musicians are achieving. Saffron Hall is next weekend, along with a Yr 2/3 showcase on Tuesday. Oh, and then 120 exams, and a tour. Our team most certainly go above and beyond to create outstanding opportunities for our musicians. If you see one of us asleep in the corner, don't disturb!!

    I have one favour to ask everyone. Each time you are proud, tell them! Listen to exam pieces, take a moment. We are all very busy in life, but we should not be too busy to support our young musicians and have a listen to celebrate!

    Keep enjoying the music!

    Mark Taylor, Director of Music

    Take Note Gospel Workshop

    On Saturday, Take Note hosted a Gospel Workshop for the very first time.

    Kathy McLeish from the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir, and her accompanist, Peter, came along and taught Take Note a different way of learning, singing and performing.
    "The experience was brilliant, and just so joyful, I'd love to do it again."

    Click the top right corner for more videos

    Larch Piano Evening

    What a fantastic evening of performances from Mrs Johnson's pianists!

    Each performance was fantastic and students should be so proud of themselves! Performing in front of an audience can be daunting, however, these students made it seem to easy! A massive well done!

    Please watch the videos here -

    Click the top right corner for more videos

    Mrs Iles' Piano Evening

    It was a fantastic evening watching and listening to Mrs Iles' students perform to a small, but supportive audience.

    All performers did brilliantly and have demonstrated how hard they work on their instrument.

    Well done to all.

    Watch the videos here:

    Click the top right corner for more videos

    Guitar Platform Evening

    It was a fantastic evening celebrating Mr Niesyto's students. Each performed brilliantly whether that was in a small group, a duet or a solo. Well done to all!

    Watch the videos here:

    Click the top right corner for more videos

    Rock Gig

    To finish the year of Rock School, we had our summer gig at the Southern Maltings!

    Students performed and played brilliantly, despite the heat! It's really incredible to watch the bands grow in confidence as the year progresses, so we are really excited to see what September holds!

    Please see the full set of dates, including the Rock Gigs for next year here: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/rock-school/

    It has been an amazing year of Rock School, thank you to the staff who dedicate their time to supporting students and bands, and thank you to the students who are committed to rehearsals! All of your hard work pays off!

    Click the top right corner for more videos

    Diploma Performance & Exams

    On Wednesday, 3 Year 13 musicians performed at All Saints' Soundbites. It was an incredible performance and the audience were in awe of what they heard. An incredible professional standard.

    Watch the videos here:

    On Thursday, 4 candidates took their Diploma exams. Diplomas are Conservatoire standard performances that require maturity and outstanding musicianship. We await the results!

     

     

    On the Mic - Episode 2

    On the Mic | Episode 2: Lily

    We sat down with Lily to chat about her journey at Simon Balle Music.

    Enjoy!

     

  • Musical News – May 2024

    Our incredible musicians

    What is incredible about music at Simon Balle is the enthusiasm and musicality of our students. We have so many musicians wanting to be part of Team Music. Hard work, practice and support from home will ensure that students thrive and achieve their potential. I realise I might have said this many times in the past, but with our busy lives, we need more reminding of this than we used to have.

    Our musicians are at the heart of what we achieve, with your support. We are a team. We need to constantly communicate and ensure each musician is inspired, knowing what their long term musical aims are.

    With so many performances and a tour to come, I know we will have so many more amazing memories that will be made. Together, we can make them incredible memories for life.

    Mark Taylor, Director of Music.

    Trinity Rock & Pop Results - March 2024

    Click the image to see the fantastic Rock & Pop exam results! Congratulations to all students!

     

    Trinity Classical Exam Results - March 2024

    Click the image to see our brilliant Trinity Classical results! Congratulations to all students!

     

    Larch Celebration of Music!

    A brilliant evening of Larch Music!

    The students demonstrated such high enthusiasm across the evening, and the standard of music they demonstrated was enjoyable to watch!

    From Katy Perry, to Fleetwood Mac to The Sound of Music, there was so much variety to cater to all!

    We are very proud of our students!

    Click the top right hand corner for more videos.

    Rock Gig!

    An incredible Rock Gig last night. Over 200 in attendance, including around 65 performers, the gig is a wonderful example of our amazing school community, From Year 7 to Yr 13, the quality of music and performance on display was an inspiration. Everyone supporting everyone else. The confidence, the inclusiveness, the wow moments, the team work. So much on display from our wonderful musicians.

    We are so proud of the students involved!

    Click the top right hand corner for more videos.

    Wind & Brass: Pop Hits Edition

    An incredible evening with fantastic music from very talented individuals! There was such a variety, including Madness, Taylor Swift, Elton John, The Beatles, and so much more - there really is something for everyone!

    The children were amazing, again, you all work so hard and it really pays off, blown away, again.
    Thank you, having a reason to play your instrument and not just at lesson times makes it so worthwhile.
    Many people around us were also saying how much they enjoy the concert.
    Favourite piece was Candyman, love the jazziness of it.

    Click the top right hand corner for more videos.

    Singing Evening with Ms Kemp

    Another brilliant singing evening with Ms Kemp's students! From musical theatre, to pop, there was something for everyone.

    Students performed brilliantly, with such confidence! Certainly an evening of inspiration.

    Singing in front of an audience is a wildly different to singing in front of one singing teacher, each student did a fantastic job at making it seem so easy and the end result was fantastic! Well done to all!

    The videos can be found here:

    Click the top right hand corner for more videos.

    On the Mic

    Over the next few months, we will be sitting down with students and talking about their musical journey during their time at Simon Balle. It’s an exciting opportunity to get to know more students, while also inspiring others!

    We are calling this little segment 'On the Mic' - make sure you are following us on Instagram to ensure you don't miss any episodes!

    Episode 1

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Simon Balle Music (@simonballemusic)

    What's Coming up?

    Check out our What's On page for the summer term events!

    From piano recitals across the school, to the final Rock Gig!

    What’s On

    Tickets are now on sale, and selling fast! The rehearsal schedule has also been published.

    Click the image for more details and access to tickets!

  • Musical News – March 2024

    Welcome back!

    Being proud of our musicians is a daily occurrence at Simon Balle. Every day they never fail to amaze. Surprises, musical achievements, laughs, great music, amazing stories.

    This is purely as a result of our ethos and hard work. Hard work from the musicians and you at home. Without your help at home, our musicians would achieve nothing. Without you listening to practice, celebrating, coming to performances and taking an interest, the musicians would be nothing.

    Music is a team effort. In every way. When one member lets the team down, the team is affected. It is, above all though, something that requires very hard work. Commitment.

    We live in an age where almost everything is instant, achievable, and gratifying, and if it isn't, there's almost always an easy fix. Not so with learning music. It isn't easy, you have to persevere, and you have many ups and downs along the way. But, it's oh so worth it.

    Enjoy the music. That your children create. With your support.

    Mark Taylor

    Director of Music

    Music Exam Success

    In February, students from Year 4 to Year 12 sat their Trinity Classical exams.

    Preparing for and sitting the exam can be a daunting experience, but students rose to the challenge and their results reflect this!

    87% achieved Merit or Distinction, which is incredible!

    Click the Trinity logo for the results.

     

    A Celebration of Brass

    On Thursday, Brass players from across both the Primary and Secondary phase came together to showcase what they have been working on!

    It was a brilliant evening with opportunity for inspiration! You can watch it here!

     

    Last Thursday I performed at the Brass celebration evening in the Brass ensemble. I feel that it came together really well and everyone worked together very hard to produce lots of good music. My highlight of the evening is when I played a solo piece called Lucky to be me. It was such a confidence boosting experience and I am much more comfortable playing on my own in front of an audience.  

    Millie, Year 10

    Click in the top corner for more videos!

    An Evening with the Simon Balle Big Band

    Big Band Evening 2024 was absolutely amazing! To have each and every musician perform at the standard they achieved was incredible.

    The team work, the musicianship, the sense of community, your enjoyment, people coming from far and wide and so much more. Younger musicians watching the older musicians, new musicians joining the experience. These are amazing students performing at such an incredible standard, working so, so hard. Everyone made a huge step up and grew that little bit more.
    It was an utterly brilliant evening, and everyone should be so proud! Please enjoy the videos!

    I played saxophone in Big Band 2 and violin in Senior Strings, accompanying the Big Band. This was my first Big Band Night, and the atmosphere was unlike any concert I'd been in before! The strings contributed to the sound and tone of the more jazzier Big Band pieces so much, I think the strings should do more with the Big Band. With barely any rehearsals, BB2 went smoothly, offering younger musicians a chance to perform in the Big Band Nights. I loved being part of some ensembles and listening to all of the Big Band songs - I can't pick a favorite! The night never seemed to end!

    Holly, Year 8

    Click in the top corner for more videos!

    Year 2 Strings Training Celebration

    Congratulations to our Year 2 String players who have completed their Strings Training Programme!

    On Tuesday evening, our Year 2 String players showcased their achievement to parents, families and their peers with the support from Mrs Johnson and Mrs Nunn.

    Strings is the very beginning of the musical journey in the Larch. Students pick to learn the Cello or the Violin, and begin working towards their Strings Training Programme!

    All Year 2 players have been awarded their certificates, what an incredible achievement! We are really proud of our students!

    You can watch the full celebration evening here:

    Click in the top corner for more videos!

    A Celebration of Singing & Secondary Strings

    A wonderful evening full of music from a variety of ensembles!

    Find our videos here:

     

    Click in the top corner for more videos!

    A Piano Evening

    Another brilliant evening of music!

    Mr Lovell's students came together for a recital evening in preparation for their upcoming exams.

     

    Click in the top corner for more videos!

    Our Instagram!

    We are continuously posting updates over on our Instagram - from exam success to concert videos, to photos - follow us for all things Simon Balle Music here!

    We are on Instagram
    Get your tickets now!

Our Wind and Brass Concert is on Saturday 26th April at 6.30!

Postcards Travels from around the world!

A spectacular celebration with some musical surprises!

#music #simonballemusic #simonballeallthroughschool #teammusic
    Year 2 Students have been working hard at playing the song ‘Naughty Pussycat’ on the glockenspiel. 

They have also been working on recognising the note ‘Middle C’ when written in music notation. 

Great work Year 2, well done!

#music #simonballemusic #simonballeallthroughschool #hertfordshire #mudiceducation #teammusic #primaryeducation
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    What's Coming Up?

    We have so many upcoming events, including our spring term Rock Gig and a Celebration of Wind and Brass.

    All information can be found on our What's On page!

    Save the date! Our end of year celebration at Saffron is Saturday 6th July, keep an eye out for more details on the Saffron page (click the picture).

    Many other events can be found on our What's on page: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/whats-on/