MUSIC
Music continues to be one of the great strengths of Yarrells. From early in the morning until the end of the day, music making can be heard all around the School.
In this my 20th year as Director of Music at Yarrells, it never ceases to amaze me how the children, who lead such busy lives, manage to have time to attain such high standards in music. This summer, we have entered a record number of candidates for music grades (practical and theory) and this year sees one of our youngest entrants, Fergus Taylor, taking Grade 1 cornet. It is also lovely to see ex-pupils return to their old school. Laura Dann, who left over 6 years ago, returned last term to take her Grade 8 oboe and was awarded a distinction.
Every child has classroom music in the curriculum and the opportunity is provided for all to have individual tuition with instrumental or singing lessons or with speech and drama lessons. Currently over 120 pupils have such lessons and over 76% of children in Years 5-8 learn one or more instruments or have speech and drama lessons.
Almost every child who plays an orchestral instrument takes part in an ensemble and there are concerts throughout the year in which they can perform.
There are many musical activities taking place during the week from theory classes to flute group and from Yazz Jazz to the Year 7 Rock Band.
Amongst the many music clubs for pupils that flourish during the school week, Yarrells Singers continues to thrive. Every Tuesday morning between 8.00 and 8.40am a group of staff, current and ex-parents get together to sing. If you are free and would like to join us, we would love to see you. It is a very relaxed gathering and we give two or three informal concerts a year with money raised going to charity.
The music department is busy all year from the senior Satips orchestra course at Bryanston in September, through to the Leavers’ Service in July.
Highlights this year have included visiting Julia’s House to perform to the staff and children. The pupils found the experience very enriching and many felt humbled by the visit.
We had a visit to Canford School with other Prep Schools for a singing worksh
op. ‘It was great fun’ was the comment most heard from pupils.
This year, I have been helped by two excellent music monitors: Abi Heath and her deputy, Megan Emery-Taylor. My room has never been more organised. Thank you, girls!We also had the privilege of hearing Corporal Gregson, from The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, play and demonstrate the Saxophone.
‘Her playing was amazing.’Hannah Gibb Yr 8.
‘Her fingers went so fast!’ exclaimed many enthusiastic pupils.
I would also like to thank my wonderful team of visiting music staff, who continue to strive for excellence, and especially Mrs Snell, Mrs Newlin and Miss Clerici, who help me run this very busy, vibrant music department.
Felicity Goodman, Director of Music
YAZZ JAZZ
Yazz Jazz is the name of the school jazz band, which was founded by Mrs de Garis and Mrs Newlin 6 years ago. This year we reached the grand total of 13 playing members, 11 children and Miss Boothman and Mrs Newlin, both playing alto saxophone.
This has been the final year for Hannah, who has been in Yazz Jazz since she was in Year 4 and playing on a little plastic C clarinet. She is now our unofficial leader and main soloist!
“I’m really sad about leaving school for many reasons but one main thing is, because I’ve been there so long, I can’t imagine going to school without being part of Yazz Jazz.”
Hannah Gibb 8B
“When I was first in Yazz Jazz I played the tenor horn, but now I play the trombone. I’m definitely going to keep playing at my next school.”
Anna Bussell 7B
This year was our sixth year of attending Picnic in the Park, a local prep schools jazz festival. We were one of the founding members and this remains the most important date of our Yazz Jazz year.
“Being in Yazz Jazz at Picnic in the Park is really fun because I like playing our last song with the other schools!”
William Roxby 7B
“Yazz Jazz is great because it’s really fun (and loud) playing as a big group like we did at Picnic in the Park”
Richard Molyneux 7B
FLUTE CLUB
Flute club gives the opportunity for flute players to join together and prepare ensemble pieces for school events. It is fair to say that all members have considerably improved their rhythmic precision, their intonation and their listening skills. We presented The Holly and The Ivy for the school Carol Concert and Hansel and Gretel coupled with Colonel Bogey for the Spring Concert, also a good variety of pieces for Parents’ Day.
This year we welcomed new members Nicole Fry, Eloise Priestley and Isabelle Sargent who made a good start. Megan Emery-Taylor, Zoë Schneider and Aimée Parker provided a firm bass and melody parts, while Mia Ellis, Alison Parker and our flute captain Abigail Robson provided the main melody and the complicated counter-melodies.
Our thanks go to Georgina Hopkins and Hannah Gibb who have regularly provided the club with the essential percussion section.
Last, but by no means least, we mustn’t forget our team of wonderful whistlers for their splendid contribution to Colonel Bogey. What would we do without them?!
Miss B Clerici