Posted on: December 8th 2017
It has been a busy few weeks in the music department with the corridors echoing with seasonal songs all the way through the school, from the Nursery and Infant Community to Form 6. It has been fantastic getting to know our youngest musicians, hearing them sing and sharing the enthusiasm and good humour with which they are preparing for upcoming performances.
At the start of term we appointed two new piano teachers in order to keep up with the requests for lessons and now, over both sites, we have over 70 children learning instruments in school. Jennifer Carter and Maja Slatinsek have settled in quickly, and it is testament to the confidence and resilience that the school works hard to instil and music teachers are enthusiastic to support, that after half a term's lessons with their new teacher, four Year 1 pupils volunteered to play at the PrePrep production. We look forward to hearing Siyaani, Jovan, Alex and Eleanor on 15th December.
After one term of lessons with his new teacher Jennifer, Carter L S took his Grade 4 piano last week and bounced out with a characteristic broad grin. Sam A took his Grade 1 piano and also emerged smiling. Four singers took grades - Evie R and Amelie B Grade 1, Sophie A Grade 2 and Iris F-C Grade 3 - they all impressed me hugely as I accompanied them, with their ability to memorise four songs and sing their hearts out under stringent exam conditions. Harris T took guitar Prep Test and came out with a glowing report. Please let me know if your child has taken a music exam outside school and we can celebrate their achievement.
Other opportunities our pupils have enjoyed include Senior Choir being entered for Songs of Praise Choir of the Year, and a violin masterclass - our most advanced violinists were invited to Mount House School to play for Jeanine Thorpe and hear her give a professional recital. Max and Sasha G hugely enjoyed the experience.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our musical celebrations - the Nursery and Infant Community Sing-along at 10.30am on 15th December promises to be heart-warming and the PrePrep production which has been put together so thoughtfully by Mrs Jowett is also on 15th December at 2pm.
Carols by Churchlight will no doubt be a jubilant celebration, not just of this very special time of year, but also of all the talent, enthusiasm and hard work that the choirs and music groups in Forms 2 to 6 are so excited to share with you. All events will take place at Dukes Avenue Baptist Church. We hope to see you there!
Sara Regan
Head of Music
