Front Cover and back cover 2010 christmas - Stanwell School

Music
Mrs J Richards
Following excellent summer results both at
GCSE and A Level, we were soon steeped
in serious auditioning when we decided to
present the hot West End musical ‘Grease’.
We obtained the rights to perform the
show, and have been extremely busy in
rehearsals ever since! The performances
have been scheduled to take part Dec 13 th
-16 th inclusive in the school auditorium -
and at the time of writing, students are
really looking forward to the performances.
The production offers opportunity for creative
staging, exciting solo, ensemble and
chorus pieces– not to forget our talented
musicians, always accompanying the
singing and dancing so professionally.
Taite Drew in Year 11 has been cast as Dann
and Emma Campbell in Year 13 as Sandy.
Other senior groups and Key Stage Three
extra curricular music groups have also
been working hard this term and have enjoyed
building up repertoire and skills in
weekly after-school rehearsals. The senior
jazz group and senior choir began learning
their new repertoire in earnest at the start
of term, and all Key Stage 3 music clubs
such as Outsiders, Junior Jazz and Girl’s
Choir have been preparing for a concert,
which they hope to perform in the New
Year. Girl’s Choir are singing songs such
as ‘Put Your Records On’ and ‘What If’.
Junior Jazz have been playing ‘I Feel
Good’ and ‘Rock Around the Clock’. Outsiders
(KS3 boys choir) have been performing
songs such as ‘Dreaming of You’
and ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’.
It is always such a pleasure to rehearse
with our pupils as their hard work, obvious
talent and dedication brings superb rewards.....all
these groups will have an opportunity
to perform publicly next term – so watch
this space!
Many pupils in Stanwell have peripatetic instrumental
or vocal lessons and the numbers
this year are again high. It should be noted
that the department has a selection of instruments
available for pupils to learn, (these include
an oboe, bassoon and some cellos). If
anybody is interested in learning, please see a
member of the music department to find out
more details, as pupils can sign up for lessons
after Christmas.
Many pupils have again attended Music Technology
workshops, which are held regularly
after school and appeal to many pupils. Mr
Reid, the music technician, has prepared
courses which so many pupils really enjoy.
The computer suites and the recording studio
have been updated to include the latest versions
of Sibelius, Cubase and Reason - and
this has been most beneficial, not only to Key
Stage three classes , but especially to our current
examination students who are working
hard to produce compositions for their GCSE
and AS / A Level coursework portfolios.
Many pupils have been busily preparing themselves
for music practical examinations at the
end of this term. We hope all your hard work
has been worthwhile...and that you pass with
flying colours.
In addition, Stanwell is always well represented
in County Music concerts at the end of
term, and all those involved deserve praise
and recognition for their contribution. During
the last week of term, many of our pupils will
have performed in City Hall, St Davids Hall
and Cardiff County Hall, in senior County
groups such as Jazz News, the County Youth
Choir and the County Youth Brass Band. Well
done everybody.
Have a Happy Christmas!
“pleasure to rehearse with our pupils”