So, nearly there. Just a tour to go......
Here is the contents of an email sent to all the school staff:
Over the past week weeks, we
have had many events going on in the music department.
'4th July saw our
Summer Concert where over 200 students and adults performed music from
classical to jazz, popular to shows. Izzy Mclean, Emily Judd, Tom Hutchison and
Ben Gould all performed movements from various concertos to a standard that was
so high. It was a truly wonderful evening and one that was so inclusive of all
our musical community. They mayor of Hertford has written:
This
evening I have been to Hertford’s Simon Balle School’s very
enjoyable Summer Concert, which took place at Broxbourne Civic Hall. There was
a huge variety of music performed, and a very large number of pupils taking
part. Groups performing included a Cello Ensemble, Wind Band, Guitar
Ensemble and a saxophone group, ‘Saxidentals’, to name just four of the twelve.
In addition, there was a performance of ‘We Will Rock You’ by a trombone
group, made up of teachers who had received a single lesson on some basic,
brightly coloured plastic versions of the instrument recently bought by the
school to encourage greater take-up of it!As well as the groups for pupils, the
school has established a community choir, Take Note,
enabling people of every age to sing and
perform together. They performed four songs this evening. My own
memories of taking part in musical activities at school are very positive ones
– I played the clarinet (very poorly), and was a member of the choir.
Whilst at school, pupils even in the year immediately above or below you
can seem a world apart, but music is a great leveller in terms of bringing
together people of different ages who just enjoy it, and that community feel
was very evident this evening.'
Last week was also busy - many of our team were working for at least 2 evenings.
Last week we also had two singing
evenings. One on Tuesday and the other on Thursday. Thanks to Debbie and Elaine for organsing their evenings. Superb quality, inspiring performances.
Last Thursday was the Rock School
gig at the Corn Exchange, where 9 bands were performing. They ranged from Year
8 musicians to the Year 13 band. More than 150 students and parents were there
– a fantastic evening. Well done to Natalie and Keeling for this.
The recent Trinity and Rock School results have been outstanding. Many thanks to all who have helped prepare students. AB results are awaited.
This week we say goodbye to Elaine who is leaving. Elaine has been a huge source of inspiration to her students who have loved being taught by her. She has always had a broad smile and has worked on many occasions with our classes and Take Note. She will be missed, especially for her laugh! Good luck Elaine and stay in touch!
As the year draws to a close, we must celebrate what has been achieved. The results, the enthusiasm, the hard work, the continual drive to improve teaching and never accept second best. There are still challenges and many of them. Our aim is clear - to consistently teach high quality musical lessons to everyone, day after day. It is a period of adjustment for some, as we all seek to understand what this means. However, I am totally focused in ensuring that everyone in our team achieves and understands this. There are no exceptions.
Thank you to everyone for the hard work and dedication shown this year. I hope that the GCSE and A level results are evidence of the work and success that everyone has shown.
I will email this week when details of our inset is known. It may now well be in the form of meetings rather than a whole day.
Enjoy your summer.
Mark
