For the last term we have had BANES staff have been providing our Year 7 students with sample lessons in orchestral instruments: Brass, Woodwind and Strings.

Students have been learning about the Orchestra and it was thought that seeing and hearing the instruments in a practical capacity would be really beneficial. They have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, learning pieces as a whole class on their instrument in just an hour’s lesson whilst sampling an array of new instruments and playing as an ensemble.

For more information on starting an instrument, please contact Miss Townsend at townsendh@st-gregorys.org.uk

Mid-Somerset Festival Results

It’s been a busy two weeks for the music department as five groups entered Mid-Somerset Festival. Following the success of Brass Group winning their class, the Orchestra’s debut was equally successful and they received a distinction with brilliant feedback from the adjudicators. In a non-competitive class the string group really shone and executed their pieces flawlessly, impressing the judges.

Last Wednesday both Year 7 & 8 Choir and Senior Choir performed against high quality choirs in the area and certainly rose to the challenge. The choirs were on par with their competitors and received joint third and joint second respectively after a very close marking by the adjudicators. It’s been wonderful to work with these musicians ranging from Years 7-13 in collaborative music making.

A special thank you to all the peripatetic teachers who helped make this possible. We are very proud of all the performers.

We look ahead now to preparing for the Summer Concert on Friday 21 June, a collaborative performance with BSYM as part of National Festival in Birmingham, and finally preparing a tour program for a concert tour in Paris next year.

Please could students involved in music groups register their interest with Miss Townsend if they are interested in attending.

Music exam results

A special mention to the following students who have recently taken their graded exams, it is a really impressive set of results from all.

Sarah P – Diploma in Piano
Joey H – Grade 7 distinction in piano
Joni B – Grade 6 Merit in Singing
Jessica C – Grade 6 Distinction in Clarinet
Jessica S – Grade 6 Distinction in Singing
Joseph C – Grade 6 Distinction in Cornet
Louis S – Grade 6 Distinction in Cornet
Amelie K-S – Grade 4 Merit in Piano

We are waiting for a few more results and a few have yet to sit their exam. We wish them luck.

Finally, a special ‘Good Luck’ to Sarah P who is competing in the final of the Rotary Avon Young Musician.

Miss H Townsend
Head of Music