Creating music, inspiring musicians. Type to enter text. The Simon Balle Music Department. Page 1

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1 Creating music, inspiring musicians Type to enter text The Simon Balle Music Department Page 1

2 Thank you for reading this information about our department. I hope it will tell you what you want to know. Our department is very well supported by the school s senior leadership team. We have a full mac network, together with laptops and 40 imacs. Here, Garageband and Logic are the programs we use. There are GCSE Music classes in each of Years 10 and 11. Years 12 and 13 each have a Music class, as well as a Music Technology class. Our KS3 curriculum is very practical. Motivation in lessons is high, and we make extensive use of ICT in all of our teaching. 1 in 3 students in school learn a musical instrument and 26% of the school is involved in our ensembles. Our Music Centre buzzes with musical activity throughout the day and evening. Instrumental students regularly achieve high marks in exams, and several each year are entered for diplomas or go on to Music College. In July 2013 and again in 2015 our saxophone ensemble performed at the Music for Youth National Festival, and are taking part in the regional festival this year. Our Concert Band consists of 68 musicians, our Big Band regularly performs in the community, we tour abroad every year with some ensembles. Our singing is fantastic. Musical Theatre results are fantastic. We have a Musician in Residence. Do look at the school website for more information of what we do. Come and visit, listen to our work, give us a ring. We would be delighted to hear from you. Mark Taylor Director of Music I think my child has been inspired by being taught by teachers who work as professional musicians. It has shown that you can make a living through music without being "famous". Page 2

3 This is our Music Department It is a privilege to have such a fantastic music department led with such enthusiasm... I feel that the children are extremely lucky to have so many musical opportunities. It is certainly a very important part of their education. The team work tirelessly on behalf of their students encouraging them to achieve beyond expectations and in return the students performances are outstanding. If we - students, parents and the Music Department - all work together, then we create the best possible chance for success. Mark Taylor, Director of Music We are proud of our music department and the musicians that we nurture. We aim to ensure that every student reaches their potential and enjoys what they do. Music is alive at Simon Balle School. 1 in 3 of all students learn an instrument. We have a committed team of expert musicians and teachers, all working to achieve the best for each student. 3

4 The benefits of being part of the (music) department go well beyond being able to play an instrument. There is a feeling of high energy and enthusiasm which is transmitted to the students. They feel encouraged and motivated. They all seem to be growing in confidence. Our two children get so much from the music department and have thrived in such an inclusive, enriching, environment. The work ethic, dedication and commitment that is instilled in them serves them well in all areas of their learning. 4

5 The Curriculum Our curriculum is skills based and is designed to help all students develop as musicians. During the 3 years, they build up a bank of performing, listening and composition skills that prepare them for GCSE. Year 7 Here, we focus very much on singing. National studies show that the very first lesson in music at the start of Year 7 is often the most important and will shape the student s entire experience of music. Thus, this lesson and the whole year is crucial to our work. Students learn the art of team work, how to share ideas and how to work independently. In this year, they are not only taught about music, but they are shown how to learn about music and to make the most of the opportunities that they have. All students use Audioboom as their online catalogue of performances and music. Year 8 continues with the development of musical skills. Year 8 also looks at the other main issue in music - technology. Students are shown how to use our Mac network, and are introduced to Garageband, where they can create, edit and manipulate their own work. Year 9 follows a practical approach, w h e r e s t u d e n t s d e v e l o p t h e i r understanding of performing and working in teams. 5

6 Keystages 4 and 5 GCSE We follow the AQA course, and over 40 students in each year study music. The course is very practical, and musicians have much individual support with their coursework. A level Here, musicians can select from Music and Music Technology. Both courses are very popular, and achievement rates are high, with many students continuing with their music at university or Music Conservatiore. Many students join us at Simon Balle each year for our music courses, and they quickly settle in to the life of our busy department. A strength of our teaching at A level is the quality and amount of individual mentoring. Performance musicians are given time with an accompanist, and technology students have allocated slots in our professional standard recording studio. The enjoyment and encouragement (my son) has received from the music Department has been the making of him and helped him to gain in confidence in all sorts of ways I believe that the standard of music at Simon Balle is quite outstanding and I am very grateful that my son has been able to take advantage of it. 6

7 Instrumental tuition We believe that our instrumental tuition is nothing short of outstanding. With the numbers of students who learn an instrument, who participate in our activities, who benefit from our department, we have some of the highest participation rates in the County. 300 students (30% of the school) currently have instrumental tuition at Simon Balle School. Of these 49% are boys and 51% are girls. 370 lessons are taken each week We also have supported over 100 primary school pupils who have started learning an instrument Our ensembles are fantastic, with our choirs involving over 100, a Concert Band of 68, Rock School, Orchestra, Big Band and much more. Our department is alive with music and all students, where possible, are expected to take part in at least one ensemble. Singing, at the heart of all that we do, is so popular. Oh, and we do go on tour abroad every year! Our website has much more about our work and what we achieve. 7

8 To find out more: Visit our website Give us a ring: us: music@simonballe.herts.sch.uk Come and visit Simon Balle School Music Department