Winter Issue 2015 Saddleworth School Music Magazine

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Saddleworth School

Christmas Carol Service

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Unfurl 2015 A Little Bite of MusicBy Tessa King (11A)

The carol service has been planned over a number of months with the support and help of school governor and church warden Pam Byrne, with the intention of providing the Saddleworth community with a festive Carol service the community can be really proud of for many many years to come - it is hoped that this event will become an annual fixture in the traditional Saddleworth build up to Christmas.

The service featured the traditional 9 lessons telling the story of the birth of Christ expertly delivered by Saddleworth School students: Alana Rudd, Rachel Williams, Hannah-Louise Siddiqui, Tom Mitchell, Erin Pereira, Isabelle Kowalczyk, as well as Saddleworth schools very own Mr Watson, Mrs Byrne and Mr Milburn.

Musical items were provided by the Brass Xplosion 10 piece Brass group, Brass Ensemble (brass quintet) and school choir directed by Mr Beckwith and Mrs Pickett. Each ensemble delivered wonderful performances that really suited the atmosphere of the evening including an a capella performance of ‘Carol of the Bells’ by

Leontovych, the sixteenth century ‘Coventry Carol’, ‘Canzona per Sonore’ by Giovanni Gabrielli and a feast of popular Christmas carols including the challenging and rousing fanfare arrangements of ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ by the late Sir David Willcocks bringing a touch of ‘Carols from Kings’ to the gorgeous acoustic at St. Chad’s Church. Our talented young musicians were joined by St Chads organist and former Director of Music for the Oldham area Dr Eileen Bentley - the addition of the church organ to massed ensemble of brass and voices really raised the roof!

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported this years Saddleworth School Christmas Carol service. A wonderful evening was had by all and the Music Department are very much looking forward to hosting the event and welcoming the wider Saddleworth Community to celebrate with us again next year and for many years to come.

Thursday 10th December saw the music department embark on their first Christmas Carol Service at St. Chad’s Church (Saddleworth Church) in Uppermill.

Saddleworth School

Christmas Carol Service

On Friday the 11th September, the GCSE music class visited the Bridgewater Hall, in Manchester home to the world famous Halle Orchestra, to watch the world music inspired group ‘UNFURL’ perform to a crowd of regular lunch time concert goers. The quintet has expanded over the past 10 years and is now an ensemble of Violin, Guitar, Darbouka, Double Bass and Voice.

On Friday the 11th September, the GCSE music class visited the Bridgewater Hall, in Manchester home to the world famous Halle Orchestra, to watch the world music inspired group ‘UNFURL’ perform to a crowd of regular lunch time concert goers. The quintet has expanded over the past 10 years and is now an ensemble of Violin, Guitar, Darbouka, Double Bass and Voice.

The event allowed us an insight on how modern day instruments could incorporate Indian ragas, contemporary Jazz, Flamenco and Arabic rhythms to create an uplifting fusion and an original sound. This also gave examples of how we too, could incorporate these musical techniques into our GCSE coursework. As young musicians, we are currently in the process of composing our own music with

the given stand of ‘World Music’ and we feel that this trip has inspired us to create pieces following this diverse genre.

Many of the pupils studying GCSE music, found the 2 hour long event very enjoyable and left with a greater understanding of how world music can be performed on and written for a variety of traditional instruments. We were very impressed with the performance and since, have thoroughly enjoyed composing our own music. Without the trip, we feel the overall work we have produced wouldn’t be at the standard it is currently reaching, as the experience of watching and listening to these unique instruments and compositions live, has particularly helped us understand the characteristics and originality, featured within world music.

ShrekBy Rebecca Bartley and Megan Bruton (9L)

The performance of ‘Shrek The Musical’ which we watched, was truly brilliant! We arrived at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford, which was a great building in itself and really stood out to us (so much that Megan returned there to watch Annie: The musical in October!) for its size, facility and grandness. There were many facilities at the theatre in which were available to us, including amazing programs with information and puzzles within. The play itself was hilarious, there was not one bit that any of us could fault.

We were sat in the stalls, near the front, at the centre: we could see all the action. The makeup worn by the cast member stood out. Parts of the show had us in stitches – namely the actor who portrayed Lord Farquard, we admired the way he moved about the stage upon his knees throughout the whole show and his character was very funny!

For quite a while afterwards, the show had us all singing ‘I’m a Believer’ (its title song) and were were all really glad to have gone to see it.

Saddleworth String Group at the George Lawton HallBy Hannah-Louise Siddiqui (10V)

On Friday 11th December, Saddleworth String Group directed by Mr Wadsworth participated in the Abney Orchestra annual Christmas concert at the George Lawton Hall, Mossley. They performed pieces with varying styles, from Vivaldi to John Williams and were joined by a Saddleworth School Governor, Donald Clarke. Their whole performance was enjoyable and pleasant to listen to. Libby Collard and Delphine Alsop-Parsons (members of the String Group) and Kirsten Fletcher, all Year 9 students played with the Abney Orchestra and it was a delight to watch them participate in both these music groups. Other groups performing in the concert were Waterhead Community Choir and Mossley School Brass Band.

“It was an amazing experience as a performer and I would gladly be involved again next year,” says Hannah-Louise Siddiqui, a member of Saddleworth String Group.

We thank the support of all parents and staff who came to support the String Group in Mossley, and hope that the String Group’s fantastic performance will encourage others to take up a string instrument and appreciate music even more.

Yorkshire Youth Brass Band met at Saddleworth School on Sunday 1st November, after our last concert at Leeds Town Hall. The band is made up of around forty members, from amazing youth brass bands all over Yorkshire, plus fabulous Black Dyke players who play along with and tutor each sectional.

We were conducted by Richard Marshall, Black Dyke’s principal cornet and world famous player, who has won many solo awards and is now in a position which is regarded as ‘the highest prized seat in banding’. Richard Marshall is also described as “the most outstanding cornet player that this country has ever had”, so we were in good hands!

First we sight read three challenging pieces that allowed us to work on our technical skills, working on different styles of music (and not your typical Whit Friday Brass Band tune!): ‘Concert Prelude’ (by Philip Sparke), ‘Lake of the Moon’ (by Kevin Houben), and The Council of the Gods (by Jonathan Bates). Jonathan Bates was also playing with us on Sunday, being part of the Black Dyke Band, and conducted us in this final piece. This was a newly composed piece, and we were one of the first bands to have ever played this!

We then split into our separate sectionals (cornets, horns, trombones, basses, percussion etc.), and got a chance to work on technical skills that are needed to accomplish these pieces with our Black Dyke tutors. We improved significantlyand were able to master these pieces by the end of the day, thanks to the close watch of these fabulous players.

Lunch was closely followed by a chance to ask the Black Dyke members any top tips on how to do a certain technique, however, unlike the previous rehearsals, this time was dedicated to music careers. We got first hand advice about what options to take, which college to go to and the paths you could choose is you are interested in a certain element in music, by the people who have been there! This was very helpful, as many of the players there on the day were interested in doing music as a career, and some (like me), are taking their options for our GCSEs this year.

After more sectional and full band rehearsals, we performed a mini concert to parents so they could see the accomplishments we had made in a band. The day was an all-round great experience. Not only did we improve our playing and enjoy ourselves, but we had the chance to play with professional musicians who are world famous!

Yorkshire Youth Brass Band

By Bridget Atkin (Y9)

Christmas Concert

The Concert Band started by playing an arrangement of ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’. The packed audience of family and friends were then introduced to the school choir performing their take on ‘Let it Snow’ and an a capella version of a traditional piece ‘Carol of the Bells’. The night comprised many brave solo artists, the first being Sinéad Simpson, a Year 11 pupil singing ‘Mary, Did You Know?’ briefly followed by Hannah-Louise Siddiqui performing her own song and then by Jack Dunning and Tessa King performing ‘The Fairytale of Christmas’, a medley which they arranged themselves.

Throughout the night, a wide range of ensembles, such as the Strings, Woodwind, Guitars and Percussion involved the audience, allowing them to sing along, spreading the festive spirit. Brass Xplosion – a 10 piece brass ensemble, closed the first half with ‘Sleighride’, where parents and students were led into the school cafeteria to enjoy a 15 minute interval with mince pies and drinks.

During the second half, pupils surprised the audience by wearing their most festive Christmas jumpers! Many of the solo performances, allowed parents to witness what those students have

produced and practised individually, during music lessons. The Key Stage 3 Music Theatre Group performed ‘School Song’ from Matilda and Year 9 students Eve Mately and Rowan Heywood, undertook ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ with Rowan accompanying Eve’s vocals on piano. This was then followed by ‘Petty Theft’ a rock trio of Year 11 students, covering Oasis’s ‘Champagne Supernova’.

After a mixture of modern song classics, the Brass Band accompanied William Bartley, who performed his solo of ‘O Holy Night’. The Brass Ensemble then played the one and only ‘12 Days of Christmas’ involving the audience once more. Finally, Brass Xplosion was joined by the choir, in one final carol ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’. The night was a success and parents and pupils left the event in the Christmas spirit and very proud of what the Music Department helped produce.

Many thanks to the staff and musical teachers who organised and conducted each act, all pupils that were brave enough to perform and everyone who donated mince pies. Your support is always appreciated and helps young individuals express who they are, through their love of music.

On Monday 14th December, Saddleworth School pupils took to the stage in front of a packed audience performing in a variety of ensembles at the annual Christmas Concert.

Halle For Youth Music project

On Monday 30th November 7T and 7E took part in the launch of the Halle for Youth project at the Museum of Science and Industry. Saddleworth School had been selected to represent Greater Manchester and the whole of the North West.

By Victoria McWhirter and Ella Dibden (7E)

We learnt about how Manchester grew and watched a presentation. Ella was used as a volunteer during one of the demonstrations. The show was packed with exciting explosions, interesting facts and laughs. The presentation only lasted 15 minutes but was still a good experience. Next we went into the perfume bar and tried perfumes made by Cussons (the makers of Imperial Leather) professional perfumers. In the perfume bar we had to guess all the different smells and in the last task we had to try and mask our emotions whilst we smelt different things. Most of the smells were good however one of them was bad. Ella had the bad smell

twice! (it smelt like rotten eggs). Next we went into the music section where we composed pieces based upon Symphony no.10 by Shostakovich (7E) and Ride of the Valkyries by Richard Wagner (7T). Victoria and Ella both played the xylophone. Victoria played the tune whilst Ella played the chords. After the music we had lunch and a break before continuing to learn.

We then went into the main department to get creative and explore the discovery section for 25 minutes. Later on we learnt about cravings and why we have cravings. In this room there was a smelling board where you had to guess all the different smells. In our opinion, we thought they all

The show was packed with exciting explosions, interesting facts and laughs.

smelt horrible apart from the vimto one. After that we played a game where you had to accept or discard all the different rules about healthy eating. Unfortunately after that it was time to leave!

This music trip was amazing and has been one the best trips so far! We hope to learn as much as we did this time when we go back again after Christmas. Thank you for letting us visit!

Congratulations to the following students for 100% attendance at Instrumental lesson list for the Autumn term 2015.

PercussionHollie ApplebyOliver BatesZach EckersleyLucy Haddock-WilliamsHarrison HughesBradley JohnDaiel LaingLewis LeighNiamh SimpsonCatherine StottErin TolsonJonathan WaltonOliver Vance

Lower StringsDelphine Alsop–ParsonsLewis Fowden

Upper StringsLibby Collard

VoiceAnnalise Kingston TaylorSinead SimpsonEllie BrennanMadison HoltEve MatleyHazel GibsonLewis Fowden

WoodwindElle WhatmoughLucy ChapmanKirsten FletcherLola GladwinTed HailwoodIsabelle Kowalczyk

BrassImmogen Adams-GibbKatie AtkinsAlice Griffiths

Connie GuttridgeLucy Haddock-WilliamsBen Hill WilsonNina JonesJack KenyonJeremy KnightMegan LoughlinAlanna RuddGeorge SleightSam SmithiesSpike KnightOliver BatesRachel Williams

GuitarJoe AtkinLiam BadbyDenzil BrownGrace ChallisMolly DugdaleHarry FoxHarrison HamerLucas HammondLusindy LiangKeegan McGuinessZarron Mercer-BarlowKeely MillerSantino PetrilloLouis SangsterHannah SheehySophie SouthernHannah SmithJack SykesBrandon TaylorIsabelle weedonBen Wylie

KeyboardCerys GillJoseph Taylor

100%Attendance

Lucy Johnson Level 2 Flute (Commended)

Olivia Pate Level 3 Flute (Highly Commended)

Charlotte Scott Level 3 Flute (Commended)

Ellie Whatmough Grade 5 Flute (Distinction)

Kirsten Fletcher Grade 3 Oboe (Distinction)

Beth Gillard Grade 5 Saxophone (Distinction)

Ted Hailwood Grade 5 Saxophone (Distinction)

Lusindy Liang Grade 2 Piano (Merit)

Bridget Atkin Grade 4 Piano (Merit)

Elise Siddiqui Grade 2 Piano (Distinction)

Instrumental Exam SuccessesThe following students passed their instrumental exams:

AwardsSection

EffortEllie Brennan Lusindy LiangTed HailwoodOliver BatesKeely MillerNiamh Simpson Delphine Alsop- ParsonsLucy Dwight Beaumont

ProgressEve MatleyPoppy Stafford Caoime Preshur Chiara EckersleyGrace Challis Harvey Napier

Progress & Effort AwardsCongratulations to the following students for being nominated in their instrumental lessons in the 2015 Autumn Term.

Ensemble audition noticesAuditions / applications for membership to the following ensembles will shortly be taking place:• National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain • National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain • National Children’s Wind Band of Great Britain • National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain• Yorkshire Youth Brass Band• Hallé Youth Choir• Hallé Youth Orchestra

If you would like more information and application packs please see Mr Beckwith in the Music Office.

SaddleworthSchool

High Street, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6BUT: 01457 872072 E: music@saddleworthschool.org W: saddleworth.oldham.sch.uk

Thank you to Mr Davies and Louis Milburn 9V for taking photos at the various events.

On the 16th of November, Class 7A of Saddleworth school took part in a once in a lifetime opportunity. We were asked if we wanted to take part in the chance to record a song for the Charity of Rotary International. As it was a very exciting offer, of course we said yes! So, on the day, we were given the lyrics to practise. We did this with the help of Michael Dalby and Mr Danby. We were very honoured to do this with Michael: he is a very talented composer and has worked with many people to produce amazing compositions. We sounded like a proper choir! The song was about making you stand out as one and making you want to SHINE! We did a few takes, and eventually got it perfect! Then it came to the final take… It was awesome! We were ready to be broadcast around the world. We listened to it afterwards and it made us come together close as a form. If you want to listen to it or want any further information, visit the following website: www.rotary1285.org!

Rotary InternationalBy Yasmin Osborne and Olivia Blundell (7A)

Thank you to all instrumental staff, school staff and students for their

support and hard work.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone from

Mr Beckwith and Mrs Pickett