Junior School

Ms Peoples

It is with great pride that we finish our school year on another high note having achieved many musical accomplishments this year. Our Music Department has gone from strength to strength each year and that is because of you, the students. Record numbers of students have performed in various capacities showcasing the multitude of talent we possess at NLCS Dubai.

One of our most significant achievements this year was the launch of our Beginner Band programme for grades 4 and 5 in September. Places were in huge demand with priority placed on grade 5 students. It has been wonderful to see so many students expressing an interest in playing an instrument and participating in the school band. The band has been a huge success, with many students now proficiently playing their chosen instrument and performing in front of their peers and families.

We have also seen a great deal of progress in our choir. Record numbers have attended; 65 students enjoyed Wednesday lunchtime rehearsals and performed at both the Winter and Summer Concerts. Students have been working hard to improve their skills and build their confidence and we have seen a marked improvement in their performances. We are particularly proud of our Winter Concert, where we had over 100 Junior School students perform. In an era where grade level exams are dominating solo instrument focus, it is imperative that students experience both the art of performance and working as part of an ensemble. This is the first year Junior School Music provided two independent concerts in the school year, Winter Concert and our Summer Soiree. This is testament to the growth of our department and performers in the Junior School.

Junior Orchestra have spent their year focusing on working as an ensemble, building confidence, developing teamwork and collaboration skills, and deepening their appreciation for music. We are very proud of their hard work and determination which was conveyed in their Summer Soiree performance.

Music Morning Series has highlighted the talent of our students offering them the chance to perform in front of a live and supporting audience in the form of their peers and parents. House Music Finalists performed to an extremely high standard, attending rehearsals and finals oozing both class and professionalism.

“Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance; that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.” Robert Schumann advising his young musicians. Those of you who have attended a Music Morning Series Concert will know I end every concert with the same short speech, encouraging students to rehearse regularly and work on their performance skills. Junior School is oozing with performers from Pre-Kg all the way to Grade 5. We have placed a huge emphasis on being performance ready this year and what this means to our students. This summer, continue to rehearse, work on the art of mastery and play to an audience; music needs to be live and performed.