Spring Issue 2018 Saddleworth School Music Magazine

SADDLEWORTH SCHOOL vivo

Primary school Musicians Saddleworth School sharing their artistic and creative vision with local primary schools. (see pages 7-9) Music Department # STAFF FEATURE Christmas Concert 2017 By Mrs Pickett The concert again was given to a packed audience of families and friends, Governors and some staff. Mr Beckwith was the compere for the evening sharing his cracker jokes with everyone.

We had a festive opening with the Brass Band led by Mr Beckwith It was a busy time for the 10 piece Brass Xplosion. They played performing Wizzard’s ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day’ and ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ in the an equally festive one at the start of second half after the popular concert and then the week after they played for the Christmas raffle playing ‘Don’t Stop the Cavalry’ by Jona Lewie. This featured assemblies and in village on the last day of term outside Java and Jeremy Knight playing the famous opening on his cornet. in the Civic Hall for a charity lunch. Helena Drumm The Woodwind Group led by Mrs Pickett consisting of flutes and Our talented Year 10 GCSE musicians, Chloe Whatmough, kit player featured 3 Year 7 oboists for the first time and played a Leah Tissington and Ella Bruce performed their own beautiful Cello/Bass teacher Christmas Medley of Carols. arrangement of ‘Titanium’ by Sia. Chloe played the piano and sang whilst the other 2 sang. The harmonies were stunning! Chloe Our talented Year 11 BTEC and GCSE Music students, Eve Matley later performed her own composition, a beautiful song called, (vocals) and Rowan Heywood (bass guitar) along with equally ‘Young’. Chloe’s proud family were there supporting her within talented Year 9 Tom Mitchell (guitar) performed ‘Somewhere Only the stunned audience. We Know’ by Keane. Both Eve and Rowan are continuing their Musical studies after Saddleworth at BIMM. Maddison Potter – Farrants showed off her amazing voice by giving a beautiful and emotional performance of ‘O Holy Night’ The Guitar Ensemble consisting of around 40 students, led by Mr Who taught you how to play your instrument? What 3 things could you not live without? by Adolph Adam. Housley performed ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by Slade and ‘Last My first was a lovely old lady called Marjorie Tate. I thought 1. My sons Christmas’ by Wham which Mr Housley announced was a tribute The Concert Band led by Mrs Pickett ended a fantastic first half she was about 100 years old but she was probably only 2. Kindness to George Michael. The audience were encouraged to sing along. with 2 lively swing numbers, ‘Rockin’Around the Christmas Tree’ about 60! My favourite teacher was a pretty famous cellist 3. Laughter by Johny Marks and ‘Swing Santa Swing’ by Michael Story. called Amaryllis Fleming who’d had lessons from Casals, had a The Pop Choir sang a variety of pieces led by Luke Mather. These What 3 CD’s or albums would you take to a desert island? wicked sense of humour and drove like a maniac. were ‘Africa’ by Toto, ‘Carol of the Bells’ by Leontovich which Deal With It comprising of Talented Year 9s, Ryan Connor (lead 1. Brahms’ Piano Concertos they also performed in an episode of Coronation Street, ‘I Can vocals), Oliver Bates (Drums) and Oliver Vance (Guitar) performed If applicable where did you study Music? 2. Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis See Clearly Now the Rain has Gone’ by Jonny Nash and ‘Deck the Shakin Stevens classic hit, ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’. I went to London University to do a music degree then went to 3. Nina Simone -Baltimore Halls’. They were busy around this time performing here, in the the Royal College of Music to do a postgrad in performance. For the first time we had the Year 7 Band performing conducted Favourite Holiday destination? Christmas Assemblies and in Uppermill for the community on the by Year 10 student, Jeremy Knight. He has been rehearsing the Which musical ensembles have you performed with? The Lake District. Stunning scenery. The Isle of Skye is also last day. band every Tuesday lunchtime and this was his first time at Northern Sinfonia, Welsh Chamber Orchestra, various quartets amazing. The String Ensemble is led by members of the group and conducting a group in a school concert. Jeremy brought out of and backing track ensembles and a piano trio that toured Favourite Concert venue? also consists of our Science teacher, Mr Wadsworth and was them a fun, exciting, energetic performance of, ‘March: Christmas mostly in Japan. The picture gallery at my university. It was small and fairly supported on the night by Mrs Knight. They performed 3 pieces, Carols’ and ‘Misirlou’ by Mendez. What is your favourite food? intimate and if the concert was boring, you could always look ‘Go Tell it on the Mountain’ and ‘Dulci Jubilo’ followed by the The concert ended with the Brass Quintet performing ‘Pastime Greek mezze. New York style cheesecake too- a bit of a kick in at the paintings! popular ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay. This group has of recent weeks with Good Company’ by Henry VIII and ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ by the teeth when you’ve just turned vegan! increased in number with the welcome addition of 2 new cellists, Tea or Coffee? Handel, Mr Beckwith leading a fun audience participation of Joshua Bruton and Naomi Knight. Two of the members, Lucy Who are your favourite bands or artists? Tea ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ before everyone sang, ‘O Come All ye Beaumont and Imogen Cox later gave an excellent performance • I love Nina Simone Faithful’ putting everyone in the mood for Christmas. Interesting fact about yourself? of a duet by Shostakovich, ‘Prelude and Gavotte’ accompanied by • Oscar Peterson It’s really hard thinking of something interesting about myself their teacher, Mr Lord. • Tom Waits but one of my ancestors was in the Hanover band that came • Bob Dylan • Newton Faulkner over with the composer Handel in the 1700s. • lots of folk bands

One of my ancestors was in the Hanover band that came over with the composer Handel in the 1700s.

2 3 The Saddleworth school music department were very proud to once again host our annual concert with our very good friends from the University of Salford.

Three pieces for smaller groups were next on the programme featuring the Brass Ensemble and Brass Xplosion. The Brass Ensemble displayed real skill in playing without a conductor as they presented their version of Gershwin’s ever popular ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ – some beautiful lyrical playing from all the members of the group BRASSAMATAZZ 2018 with a special mention to first trumpet player year 11 student Bridget Atkin. Following a quick seating change the Brass Xplosion performed Saddleworth school Brass Musicians, University of two new arrangements, firstly ‘I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to Free’ (many recognised this as the theme tune to popular Film review Salford Symphonic Wind Ensemble directed by Brett programme hosted by Barry Norman some years ago) combining a quartet introduction of ‘Amazing Grace’ and the more upbeat gospel Baker and guest Euphonium soloist Glenn Van Looy. main theme, this was followed by a new arrangement of ‘ALRIGHT’ by 90’s indie pop / rock band Supergrass – three fun pieces that demonstrated the talented brass ensembles we have at the school. The finale of the first half was music from the big screen, film music by Klaus Badelt as the brass band brought the first half to a close with their performance of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. A performance that had all the “YO-HO!” and swagger typical of the famous Disney franchise with some lovely individual contributions from Jeremy Knight, Daniel Smithies, Ben Hill-Wilson, Ella Bruce, Connie Gutridge, The solo contribution from our guest soloist Glenn Van Looy was Alex Dickinson, the fab percussionists Oliver Bates and Oliver simply breath taking! The entire audience sat open mouthed as Sowden, with some stonking bass trombone playing from year 7 Glenn performed his version of the classic theme and variations solo student Matthew Gutridge! ALL the brass students at Saddleworth ‘Believe Me if all those Endearing Young Charms’. Flawless technique, school should be very proud of their achievements so far this year – beautifully lyrical euphonium playing, stratospheric high notes, they are really working hard to produce quality performances. fruity pedal tones and incredibly accurate fast playing followed in The second half opened with the University of Salford Symphonic a true master class in solo performance. As an audience we were Wind Ensemble in full throttle performing FANFARE by Joe truly fortunate to witness such a virtuosic performance live in our Stephenson, the ensemble produced a wonderfully warm sound very own school hall – another inspiring performance for our young that demonstrated the quality of the ensemble throughout. musicians to aspire to in their own musical performances. Under the direction of Mr Baker the ensemble produced a really To close the evening the audience were treated to a beautiful entertaining programme of different music to the audience – performance of the majestic wind band classic ‘Canterbury different in a good way! Chorale’ by Dutch composer Jan Van Der Roost and more upbeat Original and descriptive music for Wind Orchestra followed directed film music from the pen of American film and TV composer, by two Masters students at the University, Ryan Coates and Adam Michael Giachinno – the wind orchestra version of the theme music Finch. Both student conductors displayed wonderful musicianship from ‘The Incredibles’ brought the 2018 Brassamatazz concert to as they directed the ensemble performances of new repertoire an exciting close. The final offering and encore for the evening including ‘Melodious Thunk’ by David Biedenbender, ‘With Each was ‘Strike Hard - Strike Sure’ by University of Salford lecturer and Sunset’ by Saucedo, ‘The Inferno’ by Robert Smith and music with conductor Tom Davoran – a fitting end to a brilliant evening of Latin American Flair in ‘ Malaguena’ arranged by Sammy Nesico. music making. BRAVO to everyone involved! The day featured an afternoon workshop with senior students from quality learning opportunities that will hopefully inspire their musical Wonderful music presented brilliantly. the University as well as welcoming two very famous names from the futures. Performance techniques and the all-important basics of A massive thankyou to Brett Baker and the University of Salford world of brass playing to Saddleworth; Brett Baker – internationally trombone playing were the focus of the session. Mr Baker is also the Music Department team for having the vision and dedication to bring renowned trombone soloist and principal trombonist with the Black trombone tutor of the Yorkshire Youth Brass band who are based at such inspiring performance opportunities to the young musicians of Dyke Band, and world famous, Belgian, Euphonium soloist Glenn Van Saddleworth School – young brass players in the Saddleworth area Saddleworth School, also a HUGE thank you to Mr Glenn van Looy for Looy all the way from his home in the Valais region in Switzerland. should definitely try to access the opportunities this fantastic youth bringing his fantastic, inspirational performing skills to Saddleworth band and the tutors from the Black Dyke Band provide on a regular school – I hope we are able to welcome you to the Saddleworth area During the afternoon session our young brass musicians were basis at the school. again in the future. able to pick up playing tips and performance techniques from the senior students from the University of Salford, this is a wonderful Following a wonderful meal provided by the catering team at The music department at Saddleworth School are very proud to opportunity for these professionals of the future to hone their tuition Saddleworth School it was time for our evening performance – the continue to develop the strong professional links that allow our skills and pass on the expert tuition they have received during their first half featured the young brass musicians from Saddleworth young musicians the opportunity to work with such outstanding time at the University studying with some of the finest names in the School and the second half the inspiring University of Salford musicians. We are already looking forward to the concert in 2019 – world of brass and wind playing. This is such a wonderful opportunity Symphonic Wind Ensemble directed by Brett Baker with guest soloist watch this space for details! for our young musicians to pick up skills that they can adapt and Glenn Van Looy. incorporate into their own playing looking ahead to the future. The idea behind these annual concerts is to give our musicians Our year 11 GCSE brass musicians worked closely with Mr Van Looy a platform to perform alongside other great musicians to who put students through their paces in a workshop performing demonstrate their skills and develop their performing techniques. some of their final GCSE exam repertoire. Being able to work with The Saddleworth School brass band got the evening off to a rousing such a world class musician in close proximity was a real privilege start with an arrangement of Henry Purcell’s ‘Rondeau’, the music and it was wonderful to see our fantastic young students engage and was composed in 1695 (the year of Purcell’s death) and has since thrive in this master class style environment. Lucy Haddock-Williams, been used as the main theme for Benjamin Britten’s ‘Young Persons George Sleight, Ben Hill-Wilson, Spike Knight, Luke Taylor and Sam Guide to the Orchestra and is currently one of the BBC Ten Pieces, Smithies all benefitted from Mr Van Looy’s expert guidance as he a scheme which helps to engage and introduce young musicians to offered tips and technical approaches to their examination repertoire. classical music. The Kingdom of Asturias is a new piece for the school I am sure our students will remember the session for many years to brass band and offered music that had Moorish and eastern themes come. incorporating smooth, flowing melody lines and pointed rhythmic drive. This was the first time the band had performed the piece in The trombone department of the school benefitted from a workshop public and their performance was met with approval from the warm on playing techniques from Brett Baker who as well as being a Saddleworth audience – a special mention must go to soloists Daniel phenomenal, world class trombonist is also the head of music Smithies (Cornet), Chiara Eckersley (Flugel horn) and Sam Smithies performance studies at the University of Salford. Another example (Euphoinum) who all played with real maturity and musicality, of the young musicians of Saddleworth School accessing truly high BRAVO! 4 5 Ramsbottom Primary school Music Festival Musicians Greenmount Primary School By Mr Beckwith (Curriculum Leader for Music) By William Reece (7D) The formation of the Dovestone Learning Partnership has I attended the Ramsbottom Music Festival presented Saddleworth School with a wonderful opportunity to on Saturday, 10th March to take part in the work with our partner primary schools in a closer capacity. When competition as part of an ensemble, duet the news broke about the new partnership I felt it was hugely and soloist playing my guitar. important that the music department at Saddleworth School shared our artistic and creative vision with our young primary I have been playing the guitar for 3 years and this is my third time at Ramsbottom. I arrived very early in the morning at 8.30am in school musicians. order to practice with my ensemble group. The ensemble played two pieces, the first one was an arrangement of the ‘Lantern Dance’ and the second was the ‘Drunken Sailor.’ I played the melody part in the ‘Drunken Sailor’ as first guitar this was out of four parts. Also in the ‘Lantern Dance’ I played first guitar. There are 10 players in the ensemble which included four students from Saddleworth School (me William Reece, James Lord, Millie Mumford-Lloyd and Joseph White). Once we finished playing we waited for the adjudicator James Girling, who is completing his Masters studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and tutored by Craig Ogden, to make his decision and then we were awarded 1st prize and given The Evelyn Waite Trophy. I then went on to play my solo piece ‘The Danse’ by Florian Lambert as part of the Grade 2 class. I was quite nervous having to play and announce my piece in front of an audience, but I was able to play my piece all the way through to the end. In the solos I was placed 3rd and awarded with a certificate. The final part of the competition was the duets. In this I played the Green Holm Jig which is a traditional Scottish jig. I was really pleased Joseph White 7L won first prize William Reece (right) with the when the adjudicator after marking the entrants stood up and in the Guitar Solo class at the The Evelyn Waite Trophy. announced that me and my partner (Oliver Patrick) were placed in 1st Ramsbottom Music Festival on position and won The Latimer Lee Solicitors Trophy and a medal each. the 10th March.

By Millie Mumford-Lloyd (7T) The Royal Northern On Saturday the 10th of March I attended College of Music Strings my first ever music competition at Ramsbottom Music Festival. Festival 2018 I was really excited but nervous at the same time. First I played By Millie Mumford-Lloyd (7T) in an ensemble with my friends from guitar group and we came first! I also took part in the Guitar Grade 2 soloist. At this point I On Saturday the 13th January I went was very nervous especially because I was first up. The piece I played was ‘Have a Habanera’ by David Cottam. Whilst playing to The Royal Northern College of Music I felt a little bit nervous but apart from that I was really excited and when they announced the awards it was 3rd place William Strings Festival 2018. Reece, 2nd place Millie Mumford Lloyd (me) and first place I met two professional guitarists, Craig Ogden and Rory Russell. Joseph White. That meant that Saddleworth school pupils came I took part in an ensemble workshop were there were lots of 1st 2nd and 3rd. I was really happy with what I had achieved and other brilliant guitar players who were much better than me. I was honoured to play in front of the judges. William Reece and I were the youngest people to attend. I really enjoyed the experience of being there and being able to play with Craig whilst Rory was conducting us. The pieces we played were quite difficult for me there were too may sharps at once Music is the strongest in my opinion. The other players were extremely good at the pieces but this has inspired me to want to be like them and be form of magic able to play as brilliantly as they can. Marilyn Manson

6 7 The idea of the DLP music project is to share musical experiences and It has long been my passion and my intention to bring LIVE music Music and I hope this hugely worthwhile musical project continues create performing projects with our partner primary schools to allow to the masses. I enjoy creating musical and entertaining concert to flourish as we strive to engage and inspire the young Saddleworth the younger students in our care the opportunity to work closely with programmes as part of a team at Saddleworth School where we are musicians of the future. visiting professional musicians and music staff from Saddleworth able to celebrate the wonderfully talented musicians we work with Each school is working towards a performance of their own version School to broaden their musical skills and knowledge looking on a daily basis – this is truly the best part of my job, celebrating the of a classical piece of music – not recreating or performing the ahead to when these wonderful young students arrive at secondary successes and performing skills of the young musicians in the music composer’s works, but being inspired to create their own whole class school. This year I have been very fortunate to work with many department’s care. performances of music based on famous pieces of classical music. young musicians from Christchurch Denshaw, Diggle Primary School, DLP music extends this musical celebration and hopefully allows Greenfield St Mary’s Primary School, Knowsley Primary School, St Currently the 2017-2018 (first ever!) DLP Music project we are our younger primary school musicians the opportunity to access working on interpretations of the following pieces of classical music: Thomas Leesfield Primary, Friezland Primary, St Agnes CofE Primary musical opportunities that they will remember in the future and more and my own alma mater – Delph Primary School. ‘The Ride of the Valkyries’ by Wagner, ‘A Short Ride in a Fast Machine’ importantly, make them feel like they are part of the Saddleworth by John Adams, ‘The Haunted House’ – original composition, the The discussions around the Dovestone Learning Partnership really School musical family. I dearly hope we can help continue to develop ‘Water Goblin’ by Dvorak, the ‘Firebird’ by Stravinsky, ‘the Nutcracker’ got me thinking about my experiences of music as a child at primary the fantastically rich musical traditions we have in the Saddleworth by Tchaikovsky, ‘Storm’ by Britten and ‘In the Hall of the Mountain school. I was instantly transported back to my time at Delph Primary area – brass music, folk music, rock bands, classical music / soloists,, King’ by Edvard Grieg…. Quite a list of serious and wonderful classical school, being handed a bass trombone by Mr Gordon Cutt and choirs, the list carries on to encompass every musical genre and level music. attending a concert given at Uppermill Civic Hall featuring the world of musical success. Music is for all and Marilyn Manson is absolutely famous percussion soloist Dame Evelyn Glennie. So many powerful correct… “MUSIC IS THE STRONGEST FORM OF MAGIC!” – this quote Our young primary musicians are full of musicality and are creating memories came flooding back to me – not just the fact that my entire has long stuck in my kind, it is absolutely true – music is powerful and superb compositions based on the original works by these master primary school class were in a hall full of young children listening everyone finds different emotions and feelings in different styles of composers. It has been a real privilege to work in our partner primary to a musician who is profoundly deaf (!), but the whole experience music. Music can be magical! schools and I look forward to enabling schools to further participate in our plans looking ahead to the future – DLP Music STORYTELLING of listening to a wonderful musician performing beautiful and Music is for everyone and I hope we can continue to develop the exciting music LIVE! I can safely say that single performance, along concerts will hopefully become an annual fixture as relationships love of music in every student who passes through the gates of flourish and continue to grow. I look forward to sharing more with marching behind the bands on Whit Friday (sat on my father’s Saddleworth School, whether they be a performer on the stage or shoulders), and seeing the famous Black Dyke Mills Band LIVE in the information about our project successes in the future – the future is an avid listener of their own kind of music on their daily commute to VERY bright. Saddleworth area changed my life. Saddleworth School at this time and long into the future. I was hooked, I wanted to be a musician. The BBC Ten Pieces play an important part in the delivery of DLP

Music is for everyone and I hope we can continue to develop the love of music in every student who passes through the gates of Saddleworth School.

8 9 On the 6th December, 30 pupils in Year 8 and 9 went to see Elf the musical at the Lowy in Manchester. We left for school at 12:00 and got there in plenty of time. We had 45 minutes before the show started. Then it was show time!

When we were seated, there was a magnificent view of the stage. We were seated right at the top so we could see everything. Then the lights dimmed and the actors came on. It started with Father Christmas, Louis Emerick, coming on to stage and starting the story. Then Buddy the Elf, Ben Forster, came on and did an amazing show and dance. He soon met Jovie, Liz McClarnon, in the department store when he was looking for his human father. Since he grew up at the north he never knew his parents. In New York he found his father Walter Hobbs, Joe McGann, his new Elf Trip wife, Jessica Martin, and their son Michael Hobbs, Riley White. In the end they all lived happily ever after, well after Buddy fixed By Lola and Eleanor Santa’s sleigh.

By Melissa Demsteader (9G)

Christmas special on Coronation Street On Friday the 20th October 2017, a coach full of around 40 ecstatic students all part of Saddleworth School Choir, departed off to go appear and take part in the Christmas special on Coronation Street. I’m sure everyone can agree that it was an amazing feeling to be waiting around as other shots were being taken but once you were on the way to where they were shooting the Christmas scene. For up in front of everyone singing it was an amazing feeling. We even me the best thing was going into the unknown... I and many kids tried lip syncing! on the trip had never been behind-the-scenes of a set before. We Overall it was a great experience and not one to soon forget. knew what we were going in there to do but had no idea what Everyone sang their hearts out and when watching the episode it was actually going to be like! We were all marvelling at the with us all on it it was very rewarding in the end. I’d like to thank organisation and sheer awesomeness of it all. Saddleworth and the Music Department for giving the choir such a I loved how we could talk to the actors, actresses, and spokes-people great opportunity. dotted around; and we were made to feel welcome. There was some

We arrived at lunch time and were guided through the college to A trip to Greenhead the music department. We then met the music tutors, Simon and James who, after introducing themselves, went through some future destinations that their former students have arrived at. Such include Music Department the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music and the Birmingham Conservatoire. After watching a short music clip about the courses By Ben Hill-Wilson (11) we could take with the music department showcasing incredible recording studios and composition software’s we were told about the fantastic opportunities that awaited us at Greenhead College On 12th January a small group of music such as amazing trips to Europe. After that we set to work. We went Over all we think it was an GCSE students departed from Saddleworth through a contemporary piece of music listing all the techniques we could hear whilst also learning about four other techniques that we outstanding show and we really School for a taster day at Greenhead could use in our own compositions. After our listening session we enjoyed it. We thought the actor’s College Music Department. then went onto the computers to create our own compositions using a software like garage band, but much more advanced. We spent vocals were amazing and our an hour layering samples into our composition ad trying to make it sound good. We then listened to some of them which sounded favourite song was ‘Buddy the Elf’, incredible. After our fantastic time on the computers we thanked one of the last songs performed. the tutors and headed off back home thoroughly impressed by the opportunities available for us at Greenhead.

10 11 Our programme: It was also my birthday whilst we were there which was made a Shostakovich: Festive Overture special occasion by the members of the orchestra, playing ‘Happy Ellin: River Cities Birthday’ to me before rehearsal in the style of Schoenberg, Bizet: Toreador’s Song presenting me with 2 huge strawberry gateau cakes and singing in Elgar: Nimrod harmony to a host of us going out for a meal after the concert. One I Beethoven: Violin Romance No 1 will never forget! Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen This was definitely a trip of a lifetime and an experience both Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra Walton: Spitfire Prelude and Fugue musically and culturally. Becoming involved with music presents Zheng Lu Mahong: Great News from Beijing many opportunities and experiences in life as well as bringing people Strauss: Thunder and Lightning Polka together to form friendships and this tour provided all of those. Tour of China By Mrs Pickett Verdi: The Force of Destiny Overture Trad., arr Percy Grainger: Danny Boy You may want to read about my trip in detail and see more photos in Rossini: Cavatina Figaro, Largo al Factotum from The Barber of Seville my blog on: www.chinatour985.wordpress.com. Mussorgsky: A Night on the Bare Mountain After playing with the orchestra since 1993, last year included some of the Mascagni: Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana most memorable moments with a 4 day trip to France at Spring Bank followed Strauss: Auf der Jagd Polka Trad. arr Cheng Yuan: Velvet Blossom by our 12 tour of China at Christmas and the New Year. Strauss: Radetzky March Information about forthcoming concerts When we weren’t rehearsing, giving concerts or travelling we had given by Slaithwaite Philharmonic can On December 26th 2017, after months of planning and beautiful 4 & 5* hotels with a new concert venue in a different time to explore the cities. We saw real China with the hustle and be found at: www.spo.org.uk. You are all rehearsing I finally set off at 11am on a snowy Boxing Day city every evening which covered various provinces and varying bustle of the markets, the madness of cars and trucks everywhere welcome to come along and support myself in the roads (the white lines may as well not be there), hundreds of morning to Manchester Airport. After two flights amounting to 14 climates. Our concert schedule: and the orchestra. hours, many films and endless food and drinks with the excellent high rise tower blocks to stunning countryside and also the beautiful 28/12/17 Shanghai Symphony Hall Turkish airlines we finally landed in Shanghai at 5pm the gardens and towers. I went to the Yueyang gardens and tower, following day where we met up with our soloists, Russian violinist 29/12 Dushu Lake Theatre, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province Liang Yuan Gardens (belonging to the family of one of our student Artem Kotov and baritone Terence den Dulk from Australia. 30/12 Yueyuang Culture and Artistic Convention and violinists) and the Sun and Moon towers. Exhibition Centre, Hunan Province Arriving at the Rayfont Downtown Hotel, we had barely half an hour to freshen up before the coach took us to the Cheers Café, 31/12 Pingxiang Grand Theatre, Jiangxi Province which had given over the upstairs room to our group and put on a 1/1/18 Jiangxi Artistic Centre, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province special Slaithwaite Philharmonic welcome meal for us. 2/1 Xingyan Hall, Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province After a lie in and an interesting breakfast the following morning 3/1 Foshan Nanhai Cinema Theatre, Foshan, of dumplings, a porridge-style rice concoction, little bread buns Guangdong Province with an interesting sweet filling, and an array of noodle and meat 4/1 Guilin Grand Theatre, Guilin, Guangxi Province dishes that I would not normally associate with breakfast-time, 5/1 Beihai People’s Theatre, Beihai, Guangxi Province we had free time to explore the local area or Shanghai before our afternoon rehearsal in the world famous Shanghai Symphony We received a warm welcome everywhere. The audiences, unlike Hall, home of the Shanghai Symphony orchestra and various ours tended to be noisy but extremely appreciative and included international orchestras. This was the first of 9 consecutive large numbers of children who enjoyed coming to the front concerts, in 9 different cities with up to around 1000 in the of the auditorium and pretending to conduct. The audiences audience each time. loved the solos: Artem’s stylish interpretation of Sarasate’s ‘Zigeunerweisen’, and Terry’s beautiful rendition of’ Danny Boy’ Our first rehearsal was quite long because we had so many new, and ‘Cavatina Figaro’ by Rossini. Our encores were a Chinese film unfamiliar items to prepare. (Subsequent rehearsals were much song, translated as ‘Velvet Blossom’ and the famous ‘ Radetsky shorter.) As this was our first concert, with a new programme March’ by Strauss which when we played it on New Year’s Day in a high-profile venue we were eager to play our best and the felt very special as I had grown up watching the New Year’s Day audience seemed to appreciate it. It was a real privilege to play concert on TV played by the Vienna Philharmonic who always at that venue and we were fortunate to get that opportunity played this. It was rousing finish each night to some spectacular because of our orchestra’s long history. concerts. The following day we began the actual touring, with a long journey every day (sometimes up to 2 bullet trains, 2 coaches and towards the end of the tour a coach and aeroplane), sleeping in 12 13 Spring Awards

Spring Term Progress & Eff ort 100 % Awards Congratulations to the following students for being Attendance nominated in their instrumental lessons in the 2018 Spring Term.

Progress Eff ort Daniel Mortin Hope Moynihan Congratulations to the following students Joshua Bruton Naomi Knight for 100% attendance at Instrumental Imogen Cox Lucy Beaumont lesson list for the Spring term 2018. Jack Attwater Hannah Smith Annalise Kingston-Taylor Grace Woodcock Katie Lee Holly Taylor Rachel Williams Mathew Guttridge Percussion Brass George Kay Alex McGuinness Oliver Bates Oliver Bates Hope Moynihan Louis Barrass James Divett Joshua Curtis Reuben Sangster Max Donnelly Oliver Sowden Alex Dickinson Chiara Eckersley Lower Strings Instrumental Sally Gibson Delphine Alsopp-Parsons Connie Guttridge Lewis Fowden Lucy Haddock-Williams Exam Successes Naomi Knight Ben Hill-Wilson Joshua Bruton Spike Knight Kalle Breitholtz Isabelle Kowalczyk Upper Strings George Sleight Piano Grade 4 Distinction Flute Grade 5. 128 Merit Lucy Beaumont Oliver Sleight Imogen Cox Daniel Smithies Naomi Knight Lola Gladwin Varich Oakes-Garnett Sam Smithies Cello Grade 1 Highly Flute Grade 5. 122 Merit Rachel Williams Commended Voice Tabitha Davies William Yarwood Megan Bruton Oliver Bates Flute Grade 5. 135 Distinction Eb Horn Grade 5 Distinction Melissa Demsteader Keyboard Millie Mumford-Lloyd Annalise Kingston-Taylor Joseph White William Yarwood Music Theory Grade 1. Maddison Potter-Farrants George Kay Cornet Grade 5 Distinction 93/100 Distinction Grace Thackeray Alex McGuinness Guitar Grade 1. 133 Grace Woodcock Oliver Sleight Guitar Distinction Pheobe Fletcher Euphonium Grade 5 Hollie Bamford Distinction Bridget Atkin Woodwind Elliot Batters Cornet Grade 8. Distinction New evening show dates will be the following: Charlotte Clasby Grace Challis Daniel Smithies Distinction Cornet Grade 5 Distinction Charlie Cook Jack Collinge Piano Grade 7. Distinction Wednesday 11th July Keelan Corrigan Finn Gladwell Louis Barrass Chiara Eckersley Amelie Dunning Martin Johnson Eb Bass Grade 5 Distinction Thursday 12th July Music Theory Grade 5. 84 Millie Hampson Scott Kingston-Taylor Merit Friday 13th July Isabelle Kowalczyk Michael Long Joseph White Erin Pereira Eve Moynihan Theory Exam Grade 1 Alex McGuiness Mia Pereira Connor Robinson Eleanor Whitehead Piano Grade 1. Merit TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON Leah Tissington Sophie Southern Flute Grade 5. 120 Merit Rebecca Woolfenden Erin Pereira Ben Wylie Flute Grade 5. 117 Pass

14 15 Music Extra Curricular Activities 2018 Day Ensemble Time Staff Room

Monday KS4 Support Session 3.30pm - 4.30pm Mrs Pickett A6

Year 7 Brass Group 1.00pm - 1.40pm Mr Beckwith A5 Tuesday Percussion Ensemble 12.45pm - 1.40pm Mr Smith Instrumental Room Brass Xplosion 3.30pm - 4.30pm Mr Beckwith Hall Wednesday Pop Choir 1.15pm - 2.15pm Mrs Radcliffe A6 Concert Band 8.00am - 8.40am Mrs Pickett Hall Thursday Woodwind Ensemble 12.45pm - 1.20pm Mrs Pickett A6 Y11 GCSE Music Listening 1.00pm - 1.40pm Mr Beckwith A5 Brass Band 8.00am - 8.40am Mr Beckwith Hall String Group 8.00am - 8.40am Mrs Pickett A6 Friday Brass Ensemble 12.45pm - 1.20pm Mrs Pickett A6 GCSE Brass Group 1.00pm - 1.40pm Mr Beckwith A5 Show Orchestra 3.30pm - 4.30 Mr Beckwith A5

PLEASE CHECK INSTRUMENTAL LESSON TIMES ON THE NOTICEBOARD AND THE WEBSITE BRASS ENSEMBLE Ensemble audition CONCERT notices Auditions / 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 Monday 2nd July 2018 • Yorkshire Youth Brass Band Saddleworth Church • Hallé Youth Choir starting at 7.00pm prompt • Hallé Youth Orchestra If you would like more information and application Tickets on sale soon. packs please see Mr Beckwith in the Music Office.

SADDLEWORTH SCHOOL High Street, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6BU T: 01457 872072 E: [email protected] W: saddleworth.oldham.sch.uk