2 minute read
MUSIC TO OUR EARS...
by AGSBGAW
Paintings
Chinese Workshop
The Music department has gone from strength to strength this year, starting the year with the news of a phenomenal set of GCSE and A-Level results achieved by our students over the summer.
September saw the department give the pupils in Y7 the opportunity to perform for the first time in a HUGE outdoor concert, in the Outdoor Music Showcase, and seeing well over 200 pupils performing outdoors was a total joy!
Creativity Week
Creativity Week
Chinese Workshop
Pupils coming back to the music department after the summer break were able to return to a newly kitted out Music ICT room, T4, which had a complete upgrade, featuring a Mac suite of computers. This has allowed a remodel of our KS3 curriculum, giving all pupils access to ICT equipment from Y7 – Y13.
There has also been a significant increase in equipment available to pupils, notably a grand piano in MU1, and two upright pianos being delivered to the practice spaces in the Music department, one of which, was a most gratefully received donation from the Hale Civic Society.
The music department has had one of its busiest years on record, with a vast number of concerts and events taking place. To name a few:
September’s Outdoor Music Concert – Which featured 54/88
Year 7 musicians performing to their parents.
The ‘House Shout’- an evening of music, with each house putting together a fantastic set of performances.
The Production of Les Misérables – A full scale musical production, with live student orchestra.
A wonderful Session Orchestra concert in January, which saw several old boys return to play and sing!
The Piano Recital Concert in February, which saw over 30 pupils perform solo piano to an audience.
The Spring Concert and Music Theatre Showcase, which saw a packed evening of Music to a massive audience.
Our inaugural Battle of the Bands, which took place in the Coleman Hall on the same afternoon as the AGSB Talent show – A superb event that displayed several of our talented bands.
Two performances at NCBF Regional heats at Warwick School, where our concert band were awarded a bronze award, the Big Band receiving a Gold Award.
The Big Band performing at the Royal Northern College of Music, in the NCBF National Final, where they achieved a superb Gold Award.
Six ensembles, taking part in two separate Music for Youth Regional festivals, including the Concert Band, Big Band, Intermediate Jazz Band, Ignition Choir, Odyssey Choir and the Sixth Form Jazz Combo.
Our String Orchestra winning an award at the Alderley Edge Music Festival.
The Big Band and Ignition Choir performing at Music for Youth National Festival in Birmingham this July.
There are also still, at the time of writing, several exciting events taking place at the end of the year, including a Key Stage 3 production of Joseph and the Technicolour dream coat, and a huge Summer outdoor concert!
In fact, it seems difficult to summarize all of what we have achieved this year, it might be easier for readers to have a look at our Music Department Twitter page and our Instagram. 55/88
Time to say goodbye...
It is hard to say goodbye, but this year sees the departure not only of an exceptional Y13 cohort of musicians, who have become the lifeblood of music at AGSB. This year’s cohort have done it all, and some have been involved in our ensembles and performances all the way from Y7. I would like to pay a huge thank you to all the Y13 pupils who have made the most incredible contribution to music at AGSB.
Kind wishes and have a superb summer!
M Monument
