Well, what an end to the term. The big occasion was of course, the production of Les Miserables.
Here are some of the emails that have come in.
All I can say is WOW!!!!!! AMAZING!!!!! EMOTIONAL!!!! PROFESSIONAL!!! Best 'school' production of any kind that I have ever seen!
Many many congratulations to everyone involved in Les Miserables.
I have seen it in the West End 6 times! - Simon Balle's Production, in my eyes matched it!
The sheer talent on stage was ore inspiring! The hard work, commitment, blood sweat and tears that went into this from students and teaching staff alike, was worth it!
Simon Balle has so many talented and wonderful students, but this would not happen without the back up, support and hard work from the teaching staff. A big thank you to you!
Most of the audience were in tears (in fact I am still an emotional wreak!), and from the standing ovation you received at the end , I think we can safetly say that everyone enjoyed it!
What a fantastic show! It is a triumph! I loved every minute of it. The students were absolutely amazing. The singing was superb, as was the acting, the movement about the stage (I am sure there is a technical term for that), the scenery and the wardrobe. Some of the singing moved me, and several people around me, to tears. The maturity of the students to carry out such heavy roles is a credit to them. I remember Josh in Nursery at Mill Mead and to see him now is a true pleasure. I can only imagine the blood, sweat and tears it has taken to produce this show, but believe me, it has all been worth it.
Last night I was privileged to see the first performance of the Les Miserables at Simon Balle School.
I can honestly say that this was the most fantastic school performance I have ever seen - shut your eyes and you would believe you were in the West End.
Please pass our congratulations to all departments concerned with the production of Les Mis. There are really not enough superlatives to describe it. Last time I saw it in the West End I was a little disappointed - it didn\'t have the same impact on me as it once had - and I thought perhaps I had seen it too often but tonight\'s performance moved me to tears several times and I loved everything about it - the set, the orchestra and the wonderfully sensitive character portrayals. Well done to one and all!!
Comments about the West End can be quickly made. However, in this case, they are quite true. Quality beyond any expectation. An audience in awe.
Huge congratulations to everyone involved. It was a production that inspired everyone who watched. Debbie has worked so hard for the past 10 months on this, and all the effort was clearly evident. When you see her in January, do congratulate. If you missed it, you missed something special.
We also had some excellent exam results with Trinity and Rock School. Some outstandingly high marks as well and many distinctions. Well done and thank you to all who helped support the musicians. Music was also provided for the Christmas lunch - thanks again to all. The Rock School gig was amazing, and we had a wonderful clarinet recital. Such diversity in our department!
Next term, the first 4 days are a catch up week, to ensure that everyone by then is at lesson 12. Please could you complete the form below to say when you are starting, and when your ensemble starts. The easier week is to also allow for reports to be written. the same format as last year, and in by Monday 9th January please. Email to music@simonballe.herts.sch.uk. If you have any questions about these, do email me.
Team meetings are hard to arrange, so I have some times for you to sign up for please. We all have to be aware of the developments in music education, funding and school priorities. I would be grateful if you could sign up to one of the meetings below that will take place in the first couple of weeks. Oh, and December claim forms need to be in by Weds 4th January.
Alex Forryan leaves us this term (he will be in on the first Thursday back) to work full time at Play something. Alex has worked so hard for the department and the musicians, and achieved stunning results. Thank you Alex and stay in touch! Pete Hedley will be joining us in January on a Thursday.
At the end of a long term, we can reflect on the outstanding events that have taken place this term - concerts, Les Miserables, Open Evenings and more. Thank you to everyone for the hard work that is put in. Challenges still await us, but in the mean time, have a restful and peaceful break. See you in January!
Mark
