Hello!
Thanks to everyone for a great week last week - productive lessons and rehearsals. Students are in the rhythm of things. Fab.
Don't forget the dates and disruption tab at the top right of this page. Sue has updated, and lists are on the kitchen board. Students should of course be informing you.
Lesson observations start this week. Now, this is nothing to worry about. Debbie will be popping in to see all or part of a lesson and will then arrange to catch up with you. Please remember the key points, as discussed and agreed last term (if you have forgotten...... kitchen board again, instrumental handbook etc etc). Instrumental lessons must be musical. How do you show progression over time? The form Debbie will be using is again in the instrumental handbook. So, don't be alarmed if she suddenly arrives!
An update on our primary work. Having met with various people from the Music Service, we now have a list of primary schools to target for woodwind and brass lessons. Al Nunn has already started work on a small trombone project at Abel Smith and have instruments in place for more. Our Autumn Concert will feature 'Funky Strings' again, following a workshop led by Liz and Jane on the Monday. If anyone else wants to get involved, please let me know.
Also at the concert, Joe has been set the task of organising the 'Donsemble', featuring all 47 of his guitarists. Chariots of Fire is a possibility.....
Numbers of students learning instruments continues to hover around the 30 - 33% of the school population. There has been a slight shift of focus (mostly to acoustic guitar!!) but despite everything going on in the world, students still love learning instruments. Our remission numbers are also good. Remission data (involvement in ensembles, lessons etc) is crucial now, as Mr Gove wants reports on how this money is spent. Sue does a lot of work nursing this funding, so we gain as much as we can.
Finally, please can everyone ensure that missed lesson details are put on the form to the right on this page. Some never use it, even though lessons are missed. Please - we must be consistent. Oh, and a reminder of the help videos page linked from the top.
Have a great week.
Mark
