Music Department Newsletter 2024

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

HELEN NAOMI KERR

Our Music Department is not only the heartbeat of BSAK with music prevailing the building on a daily basis, but a thriving hive of activity, friendship and community.

WELCOME

A warm welcome to our first newsletter of the Academic Year. To say I’m thankful to be part of the best Music Department in the UAE, if not the world, would be an understatement.

We are proud to be one of the only schools to have such a large department of exceptional professional musicians, which form our team of 14 full time instrumental teachers, as well as four Music curriculum specialists

INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

We now provide in excess of 550 bespoke instrumental lessons per week, as well as almost 70 co-curricular activities. In addition, we have consistently achieved outstanding results at GCSE and A level with the results at the end of last year were no exception. Our belief is, “Music for All” and that is why my colleagues and I work tirelessly to stretch our musically talented students, as well as seeking opportunities for beginners and aspiring musicians to access Music.

WIDER OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAMME - PRIMARY

This academic year has seen the start of the wider opportunities programme for our Primary students and has enabled students from Years 2 – 6 to experience a wide variety of instruments. This programme has now been embedded into our Primary curriculum and will provide experience for students on a variety of orchestral instruments throughout their learning journey at BSAK.

Helen Naomi Kerr

YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE GULF

YMOG 2024 BAHRAIN

In January, we took 28 students to Bahrain to compete in the Young Musician of the Year Competition. This prestigious competition sees the most exceptional musicians from across the Gulf competing for the title of best Musician in the region.

Last year, BSAK musicians secured five awards, which is the most our school has ever won! However, this year, our students won 9 categories and came home with 12 trophies!

Four of the awards were for our ensembles, which demonstrates our exceptional level of musicianship, camaraderie and fantastic students and teachers.

Throughout the week, we received many comments about our students character and musicality. This is testimony to our work on not only students’ musical ability, but the idea that character and growth of core values count.

BSAK WINNERS

Large Ensemble - BSAK Strings

Jiaming, Miled, Clement, Marc, Ben, Munachi, Kenodh, Hanlei, Emma, Millie

Small Vocal Ensemble - BSAK Divas

Maya, Trishna, and Sara

Small Ensemble - BSAK Boyz

Munachi, Kenodh and Hanlei

COMPETITION

Our students played absolutely brilliantly, moving the adjudicators to tears several times. They each gave their all and we are extremely proud to share their phenomenal achievements! To put the results into perspective, there were 216 entries, 108 soloists and 37 ensembles from 16 of the top British Schools from across the Gulf. All students were performing at Grade 8 ABRSM level and above, which meant that it was a fierce competition.

Award - Plucked Strings

Kenodh Award - Female Vocal

Maya Award -Brass

Emma Award- Woodwind

Kirstie

OVERALL WINNERS

Overall Ensemble Winner - BSAK Boyz

Munachi, Kenodh, and Hanlei

Overall Competition Runner Up Winner - Kenodh

YMOG WINNER - Large Ensemble -BSAK Strings

COMPETITION

This week-long competition aims to promote and celebrate talented musicians; enrolled as full time school age students throughout Abu Dhabi.

Throughout the week, our students also have the opportunity to take part in exceptional CPD training and workshops delivered by the panel of distinguished judges.

JUDGES

The competition is judged by a panel of esteemed musicians from around the globe, who provide valuable feedback to help our students progress in their musical journey.

BSAK WINNERS

Large Ensemble - BSAK Strings

Jiaming, Miled, Clement, Marc, Ben, Munachi, Kenodh, Hanlei, Emma, Millie, Heidi, Yi Nuo, Sura

Large Vocal Ensemble - BSAK Elite Singers

Small Ensemble - BSAK Boyz

Munachi, Kenodh and Hanlei

Overall Winner ADYM 2024 Competition -

Abu Dhabi Young Musician

ADVANCED GUITAR WINNER

LARGE ENSEMBLE BSAK STRINGS

CENTRE STAGE

Community Concert

Congratulations to BSAK scholar; Murray, for delivering a truly remarkable performance at the Steinway Hall Dubai in February.

Murray’s captivating performance resonated with the audience, as he skillfully navigated through a diverse repertoire, leaving an incredible impression with his expressive interpretations and virtuosic command of the piano.

20TH EMIRATES PEACE MUSIC COMPETITION - DUBAI

Ben, Yr 10 placed 3rd in the Emirates Peace Music Competition with a ranking of 88 points.

This incredible concert was held in Dubai at the Mohammed Bin Rashed Library, in February.

REPERTOIRE

Murray’s hour-long program, featuring works by eminent composers such as Scarlatti, Mozart, Liszt, and more, showcased his exceptional talent, dedications, and artistry.

CENTRE STAGE

JIAMING

These exams offer a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s musical abilities, covering areas such as performance, aural skills, and music theory. As an internationally recognised standard, ABRSM exams provide students with a valuable opportunity to showcase their musical aptitude and receive formal recognition.

a distinguished level of musical achievement and dedication, earning well deserved recognition for their exceptional skills in performance.

Well done to Mia Davies and Nuoze (Rice) Han.

CONGRATULATIONS

GRADE 8 ABRSM & TRINITY EXAM STUDENTS

CONGRATULATIONS

Emma Trumpet

Kenodh Cello

Afran Piano

Zoya

TANSIE JADEN

A huge congratulations to all students who have taken a face to face or online ABRSM or Trinity instrumental examination. We have had in excess of 150 students taking exams since September and would like to particularly recognise the following students for achieving the highest levels of Grade 8.

Tansie

Zain

Viraj Clarinet

Viraj

HIGHLIGHT ON PRIMARY MUSICIANS

CONGRATULATIONS

To all the following Primary students:

INSTRUMENTAL RECOGNITION

Musician of the Month is based on criteria that ensures recognition is given to instrumental students to celebrate their musical achievements and contributions.

SCHOLAR PROGRAMME

HIGHLIGHTS ON SCHOLARS

SECONDARY SCHOLAR PROGRAMME

The Secondary Music Scholar programme provides an enriching platform for our students to develop their musical talents and deepen their appreciation.

This programme fosters a supportive community of passionate students who are dedicated to collaborating with their peers.

These passionate students receive a dynamic and immersive learning experience designed to identify and support them as musicians whom are showing exceptional promise and dedication to their musical craft.

Auditions for the Scholar Programme are posted at the beginning of the year for all interested students.

INTRODUCING PRIMARY SCHOLARS

SCHOLAR PROGRAMME

The new scholar programme introduced for primary music students is an initiative aimed at nurturing and developing young musical talent from an early age.

The scholar programme aims to foster a passion for music and provide a supportive platform for students to sharpen their skills and flourish as musicians. Scholars will have the chance to engage with a diverse range of musical genres and styles, laying the foundation for a lifetime of musical achievement and creativity. Students will also assume leadership roles within the department.

SCHOLAR

SCHOOL PRODUCTION OLIVER!

The Music and Drama departments are still buzzing from the success of our recent secondary school production of Oliver!

SUPPORT

It was a truly spectacular show and students were lucky enough to perform to sell out audiences for five shows, which is a true testament to all the hard work the students put in. There were so many stand out performances, and the standard of both singing and

To achieve such a high standard of performance takes months and months of preparation and dedication from both staff and students. There were so many people involved in the show the list goes on and on, but it goes without saying, we are truly grateful to have such a fantastic team of support.

COLLABORATION

This was a hugely collaborative production,

FILMING EXPERIENCE

ADEK NATIONAL ANTHEM

A number of our orchestra students were selected to perform the UAE National Anthem at an ADEK event that was an exhilarating yet memorable experience. This experience was part of the National Anthem Competition run by ADEK which Dhabi.

Filming at The Louvre in Abu Dhabi was a beautiful and awe-inspiring experience that served as a captivating backdrop for artistic expression. Performing the Nation’s National Anthem serves as a testament to our students skills and dedication, providing a moment for them to shine and leave a lasting impression.

RESIDENCY WEEK

LEIA ZHU

Leia’s presence not only inspired and motivated young musicians but has left a lasting impact on the music program. Her mentorship inspires young musicians, nurturing their passion for music and fostering a deep appreciation for strings.

OPPORTUNITIES

TINY DESK & FRIDAY JAM

TINY DESK

Tiny Desk opportunities offer students a platform to showcase their musical talent in an intimate and inspiring setting; our Primary Library, during school lunch hours.

This opportunity allows our students to express themselves amongst their peers with authenticity and creativity.

FRIDAY JAM

The Friday Jam session provides our students a vibrant platform to cultivate their musical talents and artistic expression. This weekly opportunity creates a positive, weekly musical climax where the whole of secondary school can enjoy a musical performance at the end of their week.

experiment with different styles, and refine their performances in a

CONFIDENCE

Tiny Desk and Friday Jam not only nurture our students artistic development but provides a springboard where they discover confidence and regular experience of performing in front of an audience.

COMMUNITY HOLIDAY SINGING

A collection of students elected to participate in a holiday singing choir within our community. Their musical performances resonated with the spirit of the season, uplifting the hearts of their audience and fostering a sense of goodwill.

COMMUNITY

Through their beautiful voices and festive repertoire, our students created a magical atmosphere, enveloping the community in enchanting melodies of holiday classics. These performance opportunities strengthens the bonds between the school and the community, creating a shared celebration of harmony.

BSAK’s musical outreach reflects the school commitment to community enrichment and partnerships.

SPOTLIGHT ON SREYA

& SOPHIE

“The guitar department at BSAK is many different things: it’s filled with different instruments, different styles of music, different inspirations but one thing that always remains the same is the passion that everyone shares.”

MY OVERALL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE

“The guitar department, teachers and students alike, are so vivacious, bubbly and incredibly enthusiastic about their involvement in this field. I’ve been in the department for over 4 years now; as I prepare to leave Sixth Form at the end of the year, one thing I will always remember is the sense of community we’ve built in the music department and how strong team of a team we are. From playing in Unplugged with Rock & Pop bands to performing at YMOG with the Advanced Guitars ensemble, I’ve been able to flourish and grow as a musician, learning more and more about my instrument on the daily.“

Sreya

MY MUSICAL JOURNEY

“Learning to play the guitar has been such a game-changer for me as a songwriter. It allows me to bring the ideas in my head to life and express them in a way that words can't. Guitar has really helped me to communicate my creativity.”

Sophie

SPOTLIGHT ON CAMERON & KEERA

“My main inspiration for the guitar that I modified, is the guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen wanted to combine the sound of a classic Gibson guitar with the comfortability and tremolo aspect of a Fender guitar, this resulted in the signature ‘Frankenstrat’ guitar.”

MAKING MY OWN CUSTOM GUITAR

“First I completely took the guitar apart, separating the main body from the electronics, I then used spray paint to paint the main body black. After it had dried, I used tape to mark off where the lines would be on the main finish of the guitar, I then spray painted a white finish over it with the tape on. I then finally repeated this process with more tape but with a red finish. After taking all of the tape off, the body was left with a striped design. After the main finish was completed on the body, it was pretty straight forward after that as it was just mainly touching up the guitar body to resemble the original model. I then decided to modify the main circuit of the guitar to include a "Killpot", which acts as a volume knob and a killswitch which cuts all sound when pressed to create a stuttering effect. Overall through the modifying of my guitar I learnt that it is okay to experiment and modify your instrument which I heavily encourage everyone to do as I feel like people are too afraid to change things in their instrument. Everything can always be reversed and fixed no matter what so don't be worried about breaking anything. I hope that you take inspiration from my experience and I look forward to seeing any creations that anyone tries in the future! I am always happy to help anyone that would like to try modifying and needs help.“

Cameron

MY ADVICE TO YOUNG GUITARISTS

“Auditioning to become a scholar was a great opportunity to enhance my music skills! One big piece of advice is to not be afraid of showing off your skillset in the one or many instruments that you can play as this is what music is all about!”

Keera

SPOTLIGHT ON MURRAY, KENODH & JOHNNY

“It tells of a tragic story which contrasts it’s lively, upbeat atmosphere and major key.”

Murray

COMPOSING MY OWN ENSEMBLE MUSIC

“This piece is undoubtedly one of the most unique pieces I have ever composed, having the signature flair of Andalusian music -- dramatic, rhythmic and passionate.

challenges that will help you improve as a group member and as a technical soloist. Ensembles also allow you to meet many people and can also give you rewards (such as the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra). However, ensembles do take a lot of time and will also take a lot of dedication. Overall I feel ensembles are a great way to communicate with others and help you become more experienced in the future.”

Kenodh

It tells of a tragic story which contrasts its lively, upbeat atmosphere and major key. While the piece might not be the best demonstration of authentic flamenco, this heavy source of inspiration gives this piece a standalone style that I had never experimented with; composing this piece was a truly distinctive experience, and this experience has encouraged me to further experiment with different musical styles in order to achieve the ideal atmosphere for a piece.”

Murray

MY PROGRESSION

“

After 1 year of playing guitar, I passed my grade 3 exam which I was very happy about Then when I got into the music scholars, I was honestly shocked that I got in and then I was really excited to see how far I could go with my music.”

Johnny

PRIMARY NURSERY - YR 2

FESTIVE PERFORMANCES

The primary festive performances are a magical showcase of young talent, as students captivate their parents and staff with heartwarming and spirited presentations. From enchanting musical ensembles to captivating displays, these students radiated the audience with joy.

OVERVIEW

Our primary concerts are woven together by incorporating music, dance and costumes in a display of pure joy and creativity for all students to enjoy.

Through their enduring performances, our students bring a sense of wonder and delight to the audience; their parents, making cherished memories and a highlight on the school calendar.

PRIMARY YR 3 - YR 6 WINTER CONCERT

The Winter Concert is always a joyous celebration of music and creativity, enveloping the school in a festive atmosphere. It serves as a heartwarming showcase of the students’ musical talents.

Repertoire is carefully curated to capture the spirit of the winter season, featuring delightful melodies and heartwarming performances that radiate warmth and cheer.

These concerts not only cultivates a sense of community and shared enjoyment but also instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in our students.

SECONDARY YR 7 - YR 13

WINTER CONCERT

The Secondary Concert was an exhilarating showcase of talent and creativity as students illuminated the stage playing with passion.

The audience was treated to an array of musical genres and styles, with each ensemble punctuating infectious energy and exuberance.

The Secondary Concert showcases the incredible work of our most prestigious musical co-curricular ensembles. In addition, we were joined by our community ensemble; Al Khubairat Singers.

ROCK AND POP EVENING BSAK BANDS CONCERT

The BSAK Bands Concert created a vibrant, dynamic, rock and pop-inspired evening that electrified the audience. The energetic music filed the theatre as our students showcased their passion and skill, creating a memorable event.

The combination of primary and secondary students and professional performances made this concert a highlight of the term. Students were able to choose their own repertoire, which meant that his concert allowed for musical creativity and personal expression.

Concerts such as the BSAK Bands provides a great platform for our students to express their creativity and passion for high energy music. With a mix of rock and catchy pop tunes, this concert created an exciting atmosphere for all.

CURRICULUM WIDER OPS PROGRAMME

What an incredible start to the year in Primary Music. The department is going from strength to strength. This year we started an initiative called “Wider Ops”. This initiative gives our students an opportunity to play a variety of instruments from the orchestra. Each

RECEPTION PERCUSSION

In Term 1, the Reception classes spent some time learning about the different way to play the various classroom percussion instruments before practising their songs and actions for the Festive Show. This term they have been busy singing

Mrs Sarah Smith

YEAR 1

RHYTHM

In the first term, Year 1 students practised some rhythm work and got ready for their Winter performance, learning songs and actions. This term, they have worked hard learning about the difference between high and low pitched sound in music. They have been singing songs that have an ascending pattern of sounds and songs that have descending patterns. After learning to sing them, they have been playing the pattern on xylophones.

YEAR 2

VIOLIN & BUCKET DRUMMING

Year 2 have been learning how to play a number of different instruments. In Term 1, some of the students completed a 10 week program learning the basics in violin studies led by Ms Sonja. Other students began some rhythm work learning about crotchets and quavers. Towards the end of term, the students focussed on the Year 2 performance, which was fantastic.

This term, whilst some students are working through the violin programme, the majority are enjoying developing their rhythm skills through Bucket Drumming Karate.

to learning how to play the recorder. This teaches them how to play as part of an ensemble as well as putting into practice the skills they learnt in Term 1.

YEAR 5 DooDS

This year, some students have been introduced to an instrument from the Woodwind family of the orchestra, the DooD. The DooD is an instrument meant to mimic a clarinet and includes a plastic reed. The remainder of the students worked on their keyboard skills, learning about hand positions, scales and melodies and harmonies. This term, students have looked at how Music and Art are often inspirations for one another, focussing on Mussorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition and culminating in groups writing their own music to reflect how an image made them feel. Those classes who have yet to play the DooD will get an opportunity in Term 3.

YEAR 6

YEAR 8

Year 8 have enjoyed working at the keyboards this term and composing their own pop songs as part of our Battle of the Bands topic. They looked closely at the structure of a pop song and worked in groups to compose both a verse and a chorus. Their final performances included a bassline, chords, a melody and a drumbeat. Click HERE to listen to one of our pop songs.

YEAR 7

This term our Year 7s have been exploring Rhythm, Pulse and Beat. Students learnt how to read rhythmic notation, they performed from a notated score and they wrote their own 4 part rhythm scores. Both the Chair Drumming, and Samba drumming were massive, albeit noisy, highlights of the term! Click HERE to hear some of our year 7 students performing their Samba assessments.

YEAR 9

Our Year 9 students are currently busy choosing their GCSE options. So why is Music an excellent choice? A knowledge and understanding of music can enhance the quality of life, regardless of one’s career. Universities hold musicians in high regard as they offer a wider ranging skillset to university life. Music engenders the qualities of maturity, self- discipline, analytical thinking and sensitivity – all sought after in many walks of life.

Mrs Helen Kerr

SECONDARY ACADEMIC MUSIC

WHAT IS GCSE MUSIC?

GCSE Music is a fun and exciting course which develops performing, composing, listening and appraising skills. We follow the Edexcel syllabus and the course comprises 60% coursework and 40% exam. The components are outlined below:

Performance (30%)

One solo performance

One ensemble performance

*Minimumoffourminutescombined

Standard level - Grade 4

Composition (30%)

One composition from a given brief

One ‘free composition’.

*Minimumof3minutescombined

Students compose in the classroom and create scores using software such as Sibelius or Logic Pro

Listening Exam (40%)

The listening exam is in the summer term and includes six listening questions based on eight set works (listed below) which are studied throughout the course. There is one longer essay style question comparing one of the set works to another unfamiliar piece.

Skills Required:

Proficiency on a musical instrument or voice around Grade 3 at the start of the course, is expected. Students should be able to read staff notation and follow a musical score for analysis purposes.

Click HERE to see the GCSE Music specification.

GCSE SUCCESS

We are incredibly proud of last summer’s academic Music results. Despite this cohort enduring the online learning period and the general disruption of the covid years, 40% of our GCSE cohort gained a level 9, and 100% achieved level 6-9. Many of the students gained full marks in their composition and performance coursework, which is an excellent achievement. Ben Peckham secured an A at A level and is now studying Music at university in the UK.

GCSE and A LEVEL EXAM RESULTS

We are incredibly proud of last summer’s academic Music results. Despite this cohort enduring the online learning period and the general disruption of the covid years, 40% of our GCSE cohort gained a level 9, and 100% achieved level 6-9. Many of the students gained full marks in their composition and performance coursework, which is an excellent achievement.

Ben Peckham secured an A at A level and is now studying Music at university in the UK.

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Our BSAK Brass players formed the Brass section of the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra and in November they shared the stage with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Emirates Palace. What an experience for our young musicians! Emma, Millie, Harry, Katie, Georgina and Bogdan were very inspired by sitting next to the RPO Brass section and played brilliantly!

CMA -DUBAI

CENTRE FOR MUSICAL ARTS -DUBAI

On November 18th 2023, the amazing Trombone Quartet Crossbones from Belgium visited the Centre for Musical Arts in Dubai. This was a fabulous opportunity for our Junior and Senior Brass players to attend a day of workshops and perform in a concert showcasing their work throughout the day. Jisu, Ava, Zahra, Laila, Gabriel, Rupert, Xavier, Millie, Harry, Ishmael and Bogdan threw themselves into the experience and had a great time!

WELCOME

It has been a fantastic year so far for all pianists here at BSAK. They have demonstrated remarkable progress, enthusiasm and dedication.

THE NUTCRACKER CONCERT

The Nutcracker Concert was another high point for the piano department. Mr. Hakim put together a glorious version of the famous ballet by Tchaikovsky, with pianists, narration, slides and dance.

MASTERCLASS - MITSURU YAMAKAWA

Congratulations also to Eleanor and Murray, who gained knowledge and experience through their participation in the piano masterclass, given by professor Mitsuru Yamakawa from Japan.

Mr Ramzi Hakim Mrs Tamara Tepavcevic

INTEGRATING CLASSICAL, ROCK, & POP SINGING

Our vocal ensembles and bands have multiplied and are exceptionally well-prepared. The collaboration between the classical and rock/pop sections has reached new heights, reflecting our commitment to encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and explore diverse genres.

PRIMARY ELITE SINGERS

A source of immense pride is the launch of our Primary Elite Singers, comprised of selected Year 6 students: Amna, Cleo, Cara, Hannah, Amelie and Anita.

SECONDARY ELITE SINGERS

Our singers have shone in various performances, including Tiny Desk, Friday Jam, St. Joseph’s Church, and the British Embassy.

Many of our talented singers are also active members of the Abu Dhabi Youth Choir, under the direction of the wonderful Mrs. Kerr.

One particularly noteworthy project involved a collaboration between Elite Singers, Al Khubairat Singers, Secondary Choir, Strings Orchestra, and percussionists. The result was an impressive, massive sound, exuding great energy and earning standing ovations at our Secondary Concert.

They made their debut performance at our Primary Concert last November.

Mrs Ana Kovacevic Mrs Danica Duric

CARMINA BURANA

Ms Sonja Stojiljkovic

Mr Milan Jankovic

WELCOME

The drums department has experienced a surge in student enrollment, with the number of students doubling within the last academic year. This overwhelming demand for aspiring drummers eager to join the department is a credit to the exceptional reputation and high quality instruction at BSAK.

PERCUSSION

Including primary percussion students in the winter concert not only elevated the performance but provided them with a remarkable experience.

GUITAR CONCERTS

Last term our guitarist took part in a various concerts and events such as Guitar Concert, primary concert and senior concert which was a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their talents.

WELCOME

The woodwind department has had a busy start to the year and so far had much to celebrate and to enjoy. We hope you appreciate sharing and commemorating our students’ successes with us.

WONDERFUL WINDS CONCERT

The winds concert captivated the audience with

The auditorium resonated with familiar melodies and enduring performances.