Chorale and Encore will be rehearsing together on Wednesday Lunchtimes until the end of term in order to prepare for joint performances. There will be no chorale rehearsals after school for now.

Music forms a major part of our lives. We define ourselves through the kind of music we listen to and constantly discover new artists and styles as we journey through life while continuing to enjoy our favourites.

The music curriculum is diverse and covers many areas of learning.

It is important that young people are taught the technical aspects of music and understand how it has developed through time

and place. But part of my job is also to expose pupils to a wide variety of music which they may not be aware of and show that musicians two centuries ago were very similar to the pop stars of today.

Performance forms a major part of the music curriculum and pupils regularly show their talents to an audience. In order for anyone to perform to a high standard they need to be well rehearsed and confident. All our children perform to a consistently high standard and care is taken to provide performance opportunities for all pupils as well as challenging the musically talented.

The introduction of whole school performances has given all the children such a buzz and brings the school together in one celebratory singing-fest!

I am very fortunate to have come from a musical family and have benefitted from an enormous range of opportunities. Music has taken me to places I would not ordinarily have gone to and given me enormous pleasure through friendships and opportunities.

My aim is to provide similar, appropriate opportunities for all pupils at BJS: opportunities that will challenge and nurture a love

of music that will stay with them throughout their school days and beyond.

I look forward to another very musical year at BJS and to seeing and meeting you at future events.

Mrs. B Allison

B. Mus.

Here is a picture of Bethan in 3JB playing her pocket cornet. She has been learning this term as part of the Governments Wider Opportunities programme. Let's hope she continues to learn next year because she is VERY good at it!!!!!