Robert Smyth Academy Performing Arts Newsletter

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1 Robert Smyth Academy Performing Arts Newsletter Issue 13 February 2017 Performing Arts Newsletter Newsletter Date Contributors Mrs Petersen Mrs Routledge Mr Hughes Amirah Bobat Maddie Brooks Layout Mr Hughes Editors Mr Hughes Mrs Petersen Welcome to the thirteenth edition of our Performing Art Newsletter. This edition focusses on the autumn term activities within, and outside of the academy. The main event last term was our annual Arts Week which ran in the week before half term and left students and staff on a high going in to the October break. There is a full write up of the Arts Week in this edition of the newsletter. At the end of last term we said goodbye to our Performing Arts technician, Ed Hull. Ed secured a new job with Hawthorn Theatrical which sees him travelling the country installing new AV systems into theatres and conference centres. He will be sorely missed by students and staff and he has our best wishes as he takes the next step in his career. In his place we quickly welcomed Eve Spiller! Eve is helping us out for the next two terms as she looks to secure a teacher training placement for next year. Eve has worked in live events (corporate and TV) for three years since graduating and has so far settled in well. Massive congratulations must go to the Robert Smyth Dance Company and Mrs Routledge, who achieved a place performing at the prestigious Mass Movement show at the Curve Theatre in Leicester on Saturday 28th January. Their performance featured a piece of music written and performed live by one of our Year 11 music students, Charlie Hilton. The following week they also performed at the Curve again as part of New Creations 04. It was a busy week for the Dance Company! Our year 13 students have received many university offers in the arts, but special congratulations goes to Andrew Martin, Emily Newlyn and Jake Bentley who have secured prestigious places at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cambridge University and Royal Northern College of Music to study Music. The annual Christmas Concert was, as always, a huge success. This was the first year to involve students as young as 11 as our Year 7 students took to the stage to the first time. There were several notable performances, but our Bassoon Octet definitely stole the show having only had three lessons on the instrument! A massive thank you to Mrs Petersen, the peripatetic teaching staff, Ed Hull, 6th form photographers and the rest of the staff who helped out on the night. As always, there is a lot going on in the faculty this term including Momentum, the annual Dance show on Tuesday the 21st March and the Spring Concert on Thursday, 23rd March. This newsletter is intended to be informative both with details of past as well as future events, as well as a celebration of the achievements of RSA students within the performing arts disciplines. If you have any comments or suggestions, or any items you would like to be considered for inclusion, we would like to hear from you; please nhughes@rsacademy.co.uk ROBERT SMYTH ACADEMY Burnmill Road Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 7JG T: F: E: office@rsacademy.co.uk W: Mass Movement 2017 The RSA Dance Company were selected to perform in Mass Movement, a national youth dance platform organised by Udance and Dance4, at Curve Leicester on Saturday January 28th. The company of nine dancers were Abi Ruder, Helen Spacie, Lydia Smith, Alice Benstead, Lottie Edwards, Alice Shaw, Maddie Brooks, Ethan Bosworth and Evie Van Nierop who all shared their choreography ideas to create a piece called Introductions. The music was composed by Year 11 music student, Charlie Hilton, and was performed live with the dancers during the show.

2 Arts Week 2016 Our annual Arts Week took place in the week before the half term break and involved students from all key stages discovering something new in the Arts. Page 2 Arts Week is a joint venture between the Art and Design faculty and the Performing Arts faculty, where students from across the academy can sign up for up to two different workshops and are allowed out of their curriculum lessons to attend these. This year s workshops were all organised and ran by our own in-house specialist teachers, showcasing again why Robert Smyth is such a good option for teaching and learning in South Leicestershire, particularly in the Arts. Some of the workshops on offer this year were: Salsa Dancing, which was very popular particularly with 6th form students this year. Robert Smyth Bake Off which was won by Jazira Uddin and Mary Welton for their upside down Oreo cake. Runner up was Scarlett Godefroy with Grace Bolton coming third. Parsnips youth theatre came in and had Year 7 students creating a whole play in half a day! Origami had students calmly folding paper and creating flowers, frogs, dinosaurs and rabbits! The producing workshop pushed our Year 7 students to the limits as they balanced, panned and added reverb and delay onto an existing multi-track recording of Street Spirit by Radiohead. Iquan Silcott from Addict Dance came in to deliver a session on Commercial dance to GCSE Dance students. Mrs Petersen held a composing and arranging workshop using Sibelius notation software for Year 7 composers. Miss Syngajewski hosted a monologue workshop for our 6th form students who were going off for auditions. Paper Pokemon had Year 7 students folding and glueing their favourite Pokemon characters together. We need to say a massive thank you to Claire from Parsnips Youth Theatre for coming in and running a workshop completely free of charge. It was very generous and the students absolutely loved it! There were several other sessions running during the week as well, which culminated in the first concert of the year, the GCSE Music Concert in the Max, which was also fantastic and bursting with talent. A massive thank you to all Art and Design and Performing Arts staff who gave up their free time to organise and run the workshops in an already very busy half term. It was a huge success and there was an amazing buzz around the academy.

3 Page 3 Christmas Concert 2016 On 29th November we staged our annual RSA Christmas Concert in the Main Hall to a full house of 300 audience members. This year s concert was an extra special one for two reasons: It was the event where we said farewell to Max Corney who has been Chair of Governors at RSA for 28 years! Whilst the concert marked the end of an era in this respect it also marked the start of an era in another: we had welcomed Year 7 students to RSA for the first time in September 2016 and the Christmas Concert therefore saw Key Stage 3 students from Year 7 taking to the stage for the very first time at RSA. Back in September we had started up three Year 7 Ensembles: a jazz band, an orchestra and a choir (called Viva Voce). All three groups performed in the Christmas Concert which featured 26 Year 7 students out of 140 in the year group, an excellent percentage for a first concert. The concert featured a total of 90 performers from all year groups. In addition to the Year 7 ensembles there were performances from all the other RSA ensembles: string ensemble, saxophone ensemble, brass ensemble, percussion ensemble, flute choir, flute quartet, Versatile Voices, senior jazz band, and Soul Patrol. In addition the AS Music class performed one of their set analysis works Lady Day & John Coltrane by Gil Scott-Heron whilst a massed choir of over 40 GCSE and A level music students performed a Beatles medley as a tribute to Max Corney, who is a Beatles fan! There were two wonderful solo performances by two A level music students: a cello solo by Lachlan Lindsay in Year 12 and a vocal solo by Eleanor Boxall in Year 13. One of the most entertaining moments of the evening was the appearance of the saxophone ensemble, dressed in Santa costumes and with reindeer headgear! The real highlight of the evening for many audience members was the premier performance by our bassoon octet who performed two short items despite having only had 4 lessons ever on the bassoon! You can read more about the bassoon initiative at RSA elsewhere in this newsletter. Amirah wins Leicester s got talent! On the 26th November, I entered Leicester s got talent which is a talent show run annually in Leicester for all different talents and ages. It took place over the course of a day, from 12pm-4pm and had about 25 finalists ranging from hip-hop dancers to instrumentalists and singers. I was extremely nervous as I've never done anything like that before, especially getting feedback on stage. I sang A change is gonna come by Sam Cooke as it's one of my favourite songs which I really love singing. The comments from the judges were so surreal because they had such nice things to say. They set up the awards so there would be a winner from each category and then an overall winner. When the winner of the singing category got called out and it wasn't me, the nerves really began to kick in and I thought I hadn t won anything; although I was of course happy for the girl that did win because she was an amazing singer. However, when they called out my name saying I was the overall winner I was shocked but really happy as I had worked hard on my performance. I won an ipad, which was amazing, and I was interviewed by BBC Radio Leicester and Pukaar News, it all felt completely surreal. Overall I found the experience to be really fulfilling as I'd never entered a competition before, never mind won anything to do with music. I feel like it's taught me a lot and it's made me feel excited to do more gigs and performances in the future. By Amirah Bobat, Year 12

4 Cambridge University and Conservatoire Success Page 4 Every year since 2008, we have had a number of RSA A level musicians applying to study music at various Conservatoires around the UK. This year three RSA students applied for a Music Conservatoire course with the view to starting in September The application process is extremely competitive with a very high number of applicants competing and auditioning for just a very few places on each instrument. We are delighted and extremely proud to say that all three RSA students who applied this year have been successful in obtaining a Conservatoire place: Andrew Martin, who is currently in Year 13, has been offered a place to study classical piano at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff. Jake Bentley, who left RSA in July 2016, has accepted a place to study the bass guitar at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Emily Newlyn, who left RSA in July 2016, has been offered a place to study the violin at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff. In addition to this, Emily has also been offered a place to study Music at Christ College, Cambridge. Very well done to all three students. RSA Bands on Spanish TV! Last July 30 students from the RSA Senior Jazz Band, Big Band and Soul Patrol toured Barcelona for a week giving three concerts, including one in Premia de Dalt, a suburb of Barcelona, as part of their summer jazz festival. By chance we recently discovered on Youtube that we had appeared on Spanish TV in a broadcast interview about this concert. You can watch the broadcast at the link below and also read a translation of the Spanish commentary below, courtesy of some of our A level Spanish students. Broadcast link: Translation of the television interview Last Monday 4 th June in PlaÇa de la Fabrica (Factory Square) in Premia de Dalt, a suburb of Barcelona, a performance was given by bands from the Robert Smyth Academy. They opened the jazz festival which has been taking place for 21 years. The English groups come during different seasons of the year to participate; but this group s performance was part of the opening of the festival, with performances of popular songs like Tequila. The students of Robert Smyth Academy have the intention of performing music to a different audience here and in a different setting. Gemma Planas, Organiser of the Culture Festival, explains to us how the jazz festival, which opened today, works: Gemma Planas: The jazz festival that started this Friday has taken place for 21 years. The English groups come during different seasons and events but the current festival is specifically about jazz. It provides a positive influence and we encourage people to come along this Friday when the evening jazz performances commence at this venue. The spectators think that it s a good way to see different types of jazz genres in a live setting, and with performers of different origins, Oriol Ponce explains: Well, it s always more interesting, right? This kind of music is a bit different as are the kind of songs that they play, and it s interesting to experience the connection these bands have with cultures of other places. Concerts at PlaÇa de la Fabric motivate the inhabitants of Premia de Dal to attend to themusical events and embrace musical culture.

5 Studio 79 Performance for Year 7 Page 5 Year 7 students were invited to a dance performance by Studio 79 on Wednesday 22nd November which showcased the dance school s touring event. The students watched various pieces in differing styles from Jazz, Ballet to Commercial dance. The year 7 s were very enthusiastic about the show and had their photographs taken with the company. Maddie Brooks saw Studio 79 perform and wrote the following: I thought Studio 79 were good, they were great dancers. They inspired me by making me want to join in and sing along to all of the songs. I thought it was a very nice thing to do as all of the practicing they did is very hard work. When I found out they were coming, I was very excited as I love to dance myself and never want to stop. I was sad to see the show finish as I had enjoyed it so much but Phoebe Haggard and myself had our photo taken with the performers Lyle Burton reaches Young Drummer of the Year Finals GCSE Music student Lyle Burton in Year 11 entered for the Young Drummer of the Year competition back in the autumn term and reached finals, which was a fantastic achievement. Here is a bit of background to the competition: Going into its 14th year, the Young Drummer of the Year competition has proved to be as popular as ever. To enter the competition, drummers (up to the age of 16) from all over the UK have to submit a two-minute video of their playing. The entries then get narrowed down to a shortlist of 40 entries before an independent jury pick the ten finalists. Finalists have to perform a solo piece and two other pieces with a band on the day. The two-minute free drum solo provides the young drummers with space to express themselves as performers. The second part of the performance consists of playing to a backing track. The drummers are sent an original recording of a song which is missing the drum part, so it is the competitor s task to come up with their own part and perform it live. The third and final part of the performance is playing with a live band.

6 . Performing Arts Newsletter THIRTEENTH EDITION 2017 Bassoon Invasion Page 6 The bassoon is one of the orchestral endangered species instruments and it s been over six years since we last had a bassoon student at RSA. However, the bassoon is no longer a minority instrument at RSA as no less than 9 students (eight in year 7 and one in year 11) started learning the bassoon in October with Rebecca Wong from the Leicestershire Schools Music Service. Here are some photos from the first lesson where the very excited students had to learn first of all how to assemble the instrument quite a challenge in itself! Turntablism is here! Leicester-shire Schools Music Service (LSMS) have produced a pioneering project which builds on inspirational work from the BBC Ten Pieces initiative. Music consultant, Bradley Smith, was commissioned to write a 6 lesson unit of Turntablism (scratch DJ ing as it's known by some) to be offered to high schools around the county of Leicestershire. As part of the project, schools are given an entire classroom of professional DJ equipment, written lessons plans, PowerPoint slides and tutorial videos which include several features from the BBC Ten Piece award winning turntablist, Mr Switch. Robert Smyth have bought into the unit and currently have a room full of turntables and mixers. The unit is being taught to all Year 7 classes in curriculum time as well as being taught in extra-curricular sessions at lunchtime to Years and staff after school too! In the unit, students are introduced to the art of Turntablism and taught how to interact with the equipment safely, several basic scratch techniques and the concept of Turntablism Transcription Method, a method of scratch notation. The project, the first of its kind in this genre, is giving pupils in Leicestershire access to a musical art form which is exciting, culturally contextual and musically engaging whilst also giving teachers and educators a chance to broaden their curriculum by using specialist music technology and professional DJ ing equipment. VAT off Instruments Students who wish to purchase a new musical instrument for use with their musical studies in the academy can take advantage of the scheme offered where the cost of purchasing the instrument will not include VAT. Students have to purchase the instrument through the academy and a form must be completed and signed by authorised Academy staff before purchasing the instrument. No VAT refunds can be given retrospectively. Further details and an application form can be downloaded from the academy website under Parents -> Letters home or contact Mrs Petersen for more details.

7 Page 7 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Performing Arts Clubs - Spring Term 2017 RSA DANCE COMPANY The Max Mrs Routledge GRADE 5 MUSIC THEORY Room MU02 Emily Newlyn and Mrs Petersen GCSE MUSIC DROP-IN MU02 Mrs Petersen STRING ENSEMBLE Band Room Mike Shaw SAX ENSEMBLE Band Room Francine Warner VERSATILE VOICES (Y10-13) MU02 Debbie Smith BRONZE ARTS AWARD (Y7) CP05 Mrs Routledge SENIOR ORCHESTRA* (Yr 10-13) Band Room Mrs Petersen FLUTE ENSEMBLE Band Room Jo Conquest VIVA VOCE Band Room Debbie Smith FLUTE QUARTET Room MU02 Jo Conquest TURNTABLISM (Yr 10-13) MU01 Mr Hughes Thursday PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE Band Room Darron McHarg KS3 YOUTH THEATRE The Max 6th Form Led MUSIC DROP-IN Room MU01 Mr Hughes Friday JUNIOR JAZZ ORCHESTRA (Y7) Band Room Mrs Petersen SENIOR JAZZ BAND (Y10-13) Band Room Mrs Petersen BRASS ENSEMBLE Band Room Ben George JUNIOR JAZZ ORCHESTRA (Y7) Band Room Mrs Petersen COMEDY CLUB Hammond Studio 6th Form Led SOUL PATROL Band Room Mrs Petersen Audition/selection is only for Soul Patrol, and The Dance Company. To join any of the other groups simply turn up at the next rehearsal. * - Starts March 2017

8 Performing Arts Events Calendar 2017 SPRING AND SUMMER TERM Saturday 4th March 1pm-5pm Soul Patrol at the Music for Youth Regional Final Venue: MAC, Birmingham Sunday 19th March 9:15am-4:30pm Year 7 Jazz Orchestra, Senior Jazz band, Year 7 Choir, Senior Choir at Music for Youth regional round. Venue: Upper School, Bedford Tuesday 21st March 7pm Momentum Annual RSA Dance Show Venue: The Max, Robert Smyth Academy Thursday 23rd March 7pm Spring Concert Venue: Main Hall, Robert Smyth Academy Friday 19th May 7pm Year 13 Leaver s Concert Venue: The Max, Robert Smyth Academy RSA Spring Concert The annual RSA Spring Concert will take place on Thursday 23 rd March at 7 pm in the Main Hall and will feature A level soloists as well as all the RSA senior and junior ensembles: Year 7 Jazz Band/Orchestra, Year 7 Viva Voce Choir, Bassoon Group, String Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Flute Choir, Flute Quartet, Brass Ensemble, Senior Jazz Band, Versatile Voices, and Soul Patrol. Tickets will go on sale from after February half term from Student Services priced at 5 adults and 3 Under 19s. All money raised will go back into the music department to purchase new equipment and sheet music. Practical & Theory Grade Exam es Congratulations to the following students who passed their grade exams last term. This information has been provided by peripatetic teachers, parents and students. For inclusion in future newsletters details of exam passes can be ed to hpetersen@rsacademy.co.uk. Piano Violin Cornet French Horn Andrew Martin Grade 8 Distinction Kim Jeffs Grade 7 Distinction Molly Sykes Grade 8 Ana PilcherMay Grade 7 Euphonium Clarinet Anna Halberda Music Theory Georgie Dove Grade 6 Esme Butler Davies Grade 7 Saxophone Sejal Assan Distinction ROBERT SMYTH ACADEMY Burnmill Road Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 7JG T: F: E: office@rsacademy.co.uk W: David Shuttleworth Felicity Bohannon Trombone Singing Alice Riches Rosie Tremlett Scott Dean Rebecca Alder Charlie Hilton Flute Drum Kit Electric Guitar Holly Barnett Grade 3 Sam White Grade 3 James Stanley Grade 2 Grade 3 Visit us online: