SUMMER TERM 2021-2022
THE BRITISH SCHOOL AL KHUBAIRAT
MUSIC NEWSLETTER britishschool.sch.ae
Content PAGE 3 A Message from the Director of Music PAGE 6 Adieu Mr Hall PAGE 7 ADYM Photos PAGE 9 Primary Curriculum
PAGE 30 #BSAKStrings
PAGE 19 Guitar PAGE 23 Piano
PAGE 35 #BSAKWoodwind
PAGE 25 Singing
PAGE 12 Farewell Mrs Dodds PAGE 14 Secondary Academic Music
PAGE 19 #BSAKGuitar
PAGE 16 Brass PAGE 27 Rock’n’Pop PAGE 30 Strings
PAGE 7 #ADYM
PAGE 35 Woodwind
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Welcome to the final Newsletter of this academic year, a year that has, once again been affected by significant restrictions brought about by Covid-19 and, more recently, the sad passing of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is only now, in the final 10 days of term that we can perform concerts attended by parents, friends and supporters of Music, but the students are demonstrating incredible resilience and performing as well as ever. Despite all the challenges, we have remained busy and it has been fantastic to see the gradual expansion of co-curricular opportunities for students, more recorded concerts - which can be found later in the Newsletter - and in-person ABRSM exams - the first session for over two years. The highlight of the past few months has undoubtedly been the hosting of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Young Musician Competition which took place here at BSAK in March. Over 190 competitors representing over 30 schools and institutes from across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, performed in front of a panel of judges to be crowned the Abu Dhabi Intermediate and Advanced Young Musician of the Year 2022. The standard of performance over the 5 days was nothing short of astonishing and all the performers acquitted themselves admirably, particularly as most had not performed on stage for two years. Indeed for many, it was the first time they had performed in front of an audience or in front of 2 or 3 adjudicators. What impressed me most was the camaraderie and friendship witnessed between competitors; rivalry and a desire to win were balanced superbly with mutual support and appreciation of each other’s abilities and musicianship. Friendships were forged and I know of a number of students who have subsequently got together with students from other schools to create bands. The Finals, which in essence were Winners’ Concerts (all the performers who took to the stage had already won the class/category) were superb occasions with many outstanding performances, and it was great to see the strength of the BSAK representation. Such was the competition that the adjudicators took over 50 minutes to decide on the winner of the Intermediate category, including lively debate on the comparative merits of classically trained musicians compared to those pursuing the Rock n Pop route. It really was a pleasure to witness and I was honoured that the adjudicators upheld the competition’s integrity with such fascinating conversation.
The event has very much been set-up for the wider Abu Dhabi community and the organising committee consists of representatives from a number of different schools from across the emirate who have all come together to share their passion and love of all things music. As one can imagine, a huge amount of work went on behind the scenes to ensure the smooth-running of the competition and I would like to pay tribute to all the committee and particularly to Karen Mowat who did so much of the administration. A significant number of people were involved including the BSAK IT Department, Marketing and Design teams, Finance and Accounts Departments as well as Housekeeping and Maintenance. I’d also like to thank SLT for their support and belief that we could pull this off - it really was a step into the unknown! Finally my personal thanks go to our esteemed adjudicators and to our generous Sponsors - Chamberlain Music, House of Pianos and The Young Musician Music Institute & Musicians Corner Musical Instruments Trading. Planning is already underway for next year’s competition as we learn from this year’s event, analysing what went well and looking to adjust and improve certain aspects. We very much hope that the competition will be bigger and better in 2023. More announcements about next year’s event will be published in September. As many of you know, my family and I will be moving on to pastures new this summer, as I take up the post of Director of Music at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore, a school very similar in ethos to BSAK. We have enjoyed 6 incredible years in Abu Dhabi and I can honestly say that I have loved almost every single minute working at this fantastic school. I genuinely hope that I am leaving the Music Department in a better place than the one I inherited - that is not intending any disrespect to my predecessors who all made significant contributions to shaping the department. My philosophy has always been to go into a school in the hope of making a difference (hopefully for the better!) and then move on and seek a new challenge elsewhere, somewhere again where I can hopefully have a positive impact. Consequently the past 6 years have seen the introduction of a Music Scholars Programme, an annual inter-house instrumental competition, more concerts in external venues (who can possibly forget the magnificent 50th Gala Concert at NYU?), the introduction of our termly newsletters, as well as a significant restructuring of the department, ensuring that we focus on playing to individual’s strengths. I am genuinely proud of what has been achieved and I am sure that the Music Department will continue to develop, adapt and flourish moving forward.
As ever I would like to pay tribute to all the staff on the Music Team who continue to adapt to the challenges we face in order to support our students. That adaptability, flexibility and ongoing support of each other underpins everything that the department is about as we continually place the students at the centre of everything we do. A special mention must go to Claire Dodds who is leaving her role as Head of Primary Music, a role she has fulfilled with passion and total dedication, working closely with Mrs Smith to ensure our Primary students begin their musical journeys with enthusiasm and a real sense of fun. Claire is returning to the UK to support Freddie who will be starting his 6th Form career on the south coast and Eleni who is studying at university. I would also like to thank the Senior Leadership Team for their continual support and faith in us as a department and particularly Mrs Rawlings as Music Line Manager. Whilst we are rightly challenged and questioned, we are also given the freedom to try new ideas and ventures; they really encourage our creative ideas and have faith in our ability to achieve the impossible at times! BSAK genuinely is a fantastic place to work and I hope that I have contributed to driving the department forward for the benefit of our students. Whilst Covid stifled some of our plans, the green shoots of recovery are emerging and it seems an appropriate time to hand the baton over to someone else to direct the department. I wish everyone at BSAK the very best of luck for the future. I will eagerly follow the developments of the department and of the wider school community from afar, as it continues on its incredible journey. Enjoy your summer holidays!
FAREWELL AND ADIEU! As you may be aware our beloved Director of Music, Rob Hall is leaving us for pastures new. He will be joining Tanglin Trust in Singapore, another outstanding school. Rob has given six years of exceptional service and dedication to BSAK. Under his directorship the current structure was set up, creating the independent departments of Strings, Brass, Singing, Piano, Guitar and Woodwind which was the starting point for huge growth, always with student development and well-being at the heart of change. Rob introduced the Music Scholar Programme, which was a sure way to stretch and challenge our most able students whilst offering an inspirational dream for those at the beginning of their musical journey. From day one Rob spoke to his team of setting up a competition for young, Abu Dhabi based musicians - a dream that became a spectacular reality earlier this year with the inaugural ADYM competition taking place here at BSAK. The pathway to this event was filled with many highs, such as The Inter-House Music Competition, successes at the Young Musician of the Gulf Competition, a yearly prize-giving event, The BSAK Gala Concert at the prestigious NYU and a series of concerts at the Louvre, Abu Dhabi, to name but a few. Experiences through music that many will look back on with pride, disbelief and gratitude. We wish Rob and his lovely family all the best on this next stage of their journey; we are sure that the legacy of his passion, drive, hard work and vision will live on for the many students, who will be lucky enough to experience music at BSAK. Farewell and Adieu Mr Hall - Tanglin’s gain is BSAK’s loss!
Rob is an outstanding musician, leader, friend and colleague. Music is his passion which he uses to inspire those around him. Elaine Rawlings
Dear Rob, Thank you for believing in my ability to lead, teach and perform. Thanks also for laughing (or cringing) at my jokes and for being a dear friend when the chips were well and truly down. You shall be missed greatly but I know that you, Lou and Elias will meet with great success in this next chapter and beyond. Keep on listening to your team - we really do appreciate it. Claire Day
ADYM
FINALS
ADYM
SEMI-FINALS
Mrs Sarah Smith PRIMARY MUSIC TEACHER
This term has seen the return of co-curricular activities and for us in the Primary school this includes the two ‘flagship’ ensembles Choir and Orchestra. We have been learning some new songs from West and South Africa. They are all sung ‘a cappella’ which means without instrumental accompaniment which is really good for encouraging listening, pitch matching, creating harmonies and feeling the power of just the human voice. We’ve also been learning some songs to sing at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Party at the Embassy.
Year 6 Samba
Layering rhythms, collaborating, following a leader and generally having a lot of fun! This term we have learnt all about the Brazilian musical genre Samba. We have layered complex rhythm patterns and enjoyed performing as a class Samba Band outside!
YEAR 6
PRIMARY CURRICULUM
Mrs Claire Dodds HEAD OF PRIMARY MUSIC
YEAR 4
We have been busy composing rhythm pieces using the ABA structure known as Ternary Form. We have had fun using classroom percussion instruments and performing our compositions.
YEAR 5
Year 5 - Ternary Form
Year 4 - Encanto We have had lots of fun singing songs from the movie Encanto and have used our bodies to read patterns using crotchets and quavers. We have enjoyed listening to Ravel’s Bolero, learning about instruments of the orchestra and have been composing our own songs.
YEAR 2
We have been learning about instruments of the orchestra and the French composer, Maurice Ravel. We have also been singing in unison and in parts and enjoying songs about the environment. We have really enjoyed learning songs about the Romans and are very excited about the performance!
Year 2 -Ukulele Going Ukulele Crazy! All of Y2 have been learning the basics to playing the ukulele, from playing position, plucking the strings, strumming and forming some simple chords.
YEAR 3
Year 3 - Instruments of the orchestra
EYFS
This term was all about Space. The children have been learning lots of Space action songs and through song they have learnt the names and order of the planets in our solar system. We have also been creating a space composition using ternary form. The space rocket represents the same sound returning and the star, alien and planet are new sounds.
RECEPTION have been learning some new songs from the story of a very greedy frog called Tiddalik. This is an Australian folk tale of a frog who drinks all the water in the land. The kookaburra, kangaroo and koala all have to find a way to get the water back.
NURSERY
The children have been exploring the classroom instruments including the claves, drums and maracas. They have been singing lots of traditional songs and rhymes and listening to music to feel the beat.
YEAR 1
Year 1 - All About Space
PRIMARY CURRICULUM
Farewell to Claire Dodds HEAD OF PRIMARY MUSIC At the end of the year we say a sad farewell to our wonderful Mrs Dodds as she heads off on a new adventure to the UK. Claire has been an inspiration to us all and she will be greatly missed. We wish her every success for the future and in the words of Abba, 'Thank you for the Music!'
When did you come to the UAE? We came to the UAE in 2014 with my husband's job.
Tell us a bit about your time in UAE? During my time here in the wonderful country we have made many lifelong friends. The opportunities and experiences my two children have been offered have been exceptional. My daughter Eleni was Deputy Head Girl of the school and immersed herself in life at BSAK through the music, shows and the sport on offer. My son Freddie got the opportunity to play at the Dubai 7s in the Under 19s rugby team even though he was only 15. We have enjoyed many a camping trip to the desert and have travelled around the world far and wide. One our favourite places to visit has been Sri Lanka, visiting most years with special friends - memories we will treasure forever.
Tell us a bit about your family background? I grew up in a small town in Cambridgeshire where I lived with my mum and sister. My Dad was Cypriot and we travelled every summer to Cyprus to see him and our extended family. My Greek is terrible which I’m very embarrassed about but I am proud of my Cypriot heritage. My husband Matthew, was an officer in the Royal Navy which is why we moved to Portsmouth in the south of England and that is where we had our family and where we are going back to live.
What are the instruments that you play?
PRIMARY CURRICULUM
My main instrument is the clarinet but sadly I don’t really pick it up anymore. Because of my teaching commitments I actually play my ukulele and my African Djembe most days. I love singing and have always been a member of a choir. In the UK I was in a female choir called “Africappella” which was a wonderful group of ladies from South Africa, mostly Zulu women, and the Caribbean. This is where I learnt all the fantastic African songs I know.
Is there any particular reason that you have decided to take music as a career? When I was 6 I had a primary school teacher called Mrs Oxley who played the guitar and everyday we would sing songs and read stories. I always said I wanted to be like her when I grew up and now I am!
What inspired you to become a music teacher? I always wanted to be a Primary teacher and was in the classroom for nearly 20 years, I was always the ‘Music Coordinator’ as my degree is in Music education. When the opportunity came up to teach curriculum music only I jumped at the chance and have never looked back.
Tell us about your time at BSAK and journey? I came to BSAK as a supply/cover teacher part time and then covered a maternity leave for a term in Y3. I loved it so much I applied for a Y1 position and was lucky enough to get it. I stayed in Y1 as a class teacher for 2 years and then the opportunity came up to specialise in music teaching in the school and I jumped at it. I have loved every minute and will be truly sorry to go.
What other things were you involved in, apart from BSAK? I always involved myself in the rugby festivals as both my children played. Pre-covid there was always a concert or a show or music festival happening so I have been pretty busy.
Tell us a bit about your next chapter and exciting things planned? We are going back to the UK where my son Freddie will do his A Levels. I will take some time to get us sorted and probably go back to class teaching unless something musical comes up.
SECONDARY ACADEMIC MUSIC
HEAD OF SECONDARY ACADEMIC MUSIC Mrs Sascha Dallas
YEAR 7 This term Year 7 have been working on a group performance of a piece called ‘Arriba!’ It is in the Bossa Nova style and uses the Pentatonic scale which is scale of just 5 notes. Click HERE to listen to recording of a year 7 group performing Arriba! You should be able to hear a bassline, chords, melody and improvisation.
YEAR 8
This term Year 8 have been studying Blues music and its roots in history. They have been working on a group performance of a Blues piece called ‘The Jackass Blues’. Performances include a walking bassline, the 12 bar blues chord progression, a melody and some improvisation. Click HERE to listen to recording of year 8 performing The Jackass Blues.
YEAR 9
This term Year 9 have been studying Jazz. We listened to a variety of music in the style and students worked in groups to perform a Jazz piece called ‘Summer Song’. Performances include an A and a B section, a bassline, a chord progression, a melody and some improvisation. Click HERE to listen one of our year 9 groups performing Summer Song.
TEST YOURSELF Click HERE to try and answer a KS3 Music exam question: 1. 2. 3.
Which FAMILY of instruments plays throughout this extract? Can you describe the PITCH at the start of this extract? Which GENRE of film do you think this extract was taken from?
KS3 MUSIC
HEAD OF BRASS Ms Alison Bryce
Wow, what a year it has been for my Brass and Piano students! As ever, they have risen to the challenges presented to them with a smile and a sense of humour, and I am incredibly proud of everyone.
BRASS
We had some superb performances in the ADYM competition where our Brass showed off their musicality, technique and fun-loving personalities! Congratulations to EMMA who won the Senior Brass Prize and HARRY, who got all of the way through to the semi-final of the Intermediate Competition before falling ill and being unable to compete further. The adjudicators praised all of our BSAK Brass players for their excellent sounds and musical interpretation and technique. This was very well deserved by all and testament to their hard work and commitment.
The summer term has seen CALEB prepare for his ATCL Diploma, the first BSAK Trumpet student ever to enter for this exam. We are eagerly awaiting the results and no matter what the outcome, I couldn’t be prouder of how amazing Caleb sounded and the journey he has been on with his trumpet playing.
HARRY and GUY recently took ABRSM exams and passed with flying colours (high pass and merit respectively). Well done both of you. KATIE, EMMA and KESU will be recording their Grade 7 Trinity Digital exams and MILLIE her Grade 6 in the next two weeks. Good luck everyone, as we await the results. You all deserve to do really well…
Congratulations to Millie who will join Katie, Emma, Harry and Georgina on the Music Scholars Programme next year. You deserve it and are a fabulous role model for our younger students. Look out for the Brass ‘Exam Preparation’ Performance at the end of the Music Newsletter. You will hear just how fabulous our Brass Team really are! The Summer Term also saw a return to ensemble playing for the first time since 2020. This has been incredibly exciting and our students seem to be really enjoying themselves. Bravo to Jazz Band, Al Khubairat Brass, Advanced Brass and Primary Brass! Harry said that ‘playing in bands is the best bit about playing an instrument!’ I couldn’t agree more, especially when I get to see the camaraderie between the students. It’s fabulous and lots of fun!
This year we have had lots of Year 3s and 4s take up Brass instruments and this has been amazing to see - they are full of exuberance and enthusiasm! Just a word of advice though; if you don’t play at all during the summer, you will find it difficult to find the correct embouchure once lessons start again which leads to a flood of children wanting to give up because it is ‘hard’. Either try and play little and often in the Summer or just come and have a lesson with me when we get back, and your embouchure will remember what to do! There’s no need to give up…
It’s also the time of year where we have to say some sad goodbyes to students going off to university, leaving the country or stopping lessons. I always find this hard as I miss them all. Caleb and Kesu, thank you so much for your talent, commitment and inspiration to our younger students and for the laughs along the way. Good luck at university and keep me posted about your exploits! Ryan and Guy are heading back to school in the UK, Eliana to Columbia, Thomas to Australia and Zac is stopping tenor horn lessons and trying something else. Good luck to all of you and thank you for making my job so rewarding! All that remains is for me to wish you all a wonderful summer and I shall look forward to seeing everyone back next term. Remember, keep those embouchures working and try not to leave your instruments in their cases for 8 weeks! Happy holidays to all
Ali
Mr Kalana De Silva HEAD OF GUITAR Mr Dennis Lopez GUITAR TEACHER
GUITAR
We cannot believe that this academic year is almost coming to an end - there are so many exciting memories to share about the amazing guitarists here at BSAK. We always have a good number of students wishing to pursue a variety of genres and we do our best to cater all our students’ needs. This year especially, being able to run school ensembles and bands again has had a significant impact on their learning. The ADYM competition was one of the most exciting events that has taken place at BSAK. We are delighted that our very own KENODH DE SILVA won the advanced classical guitar award. Congratulations to DAUTARI OBIORA who reached the Rock and Pop Electric Guitar Semi-final too. We are so pleased that we had so many students participating in this event. Well done to Fatima Hussain, Harry Nicholas, Harry Parker, Jasper Jacobs, Keera Patel, Kenodh De Silva, Liya Nasser, Reuben Jacobs, Sam Meenagh and Sreya Gupta who played Classical/Acoustic Guitar and James Taoutaou, Ben Peckham, Dautari Obiora and Sarah Sheikh for participating on Electric Guitar.
ABU DHABI YOUNG MUSICIAN - Guitar
It’s that time of the year when we say farewell to the amazing students who are leaving the school after many years of being part of the BSAK guitars and music community. All the best LIYA, AMAN, FATIMA, SASKIA, SAIF, JAMES, ROSS! Thank you for the music! Here are few thoughts from few year 13 guitarists below: “Learning guitar is no easy feat, no matter how the Hendrix's and Santana's of the world can make it seem with their effortless skill. Yet every step of the journey is just as fulfilling as one of their performances - including the successes and shortcomings alike. I say this because no matter how disappointing every missed beat, every botched chord progression and every fallback may be, it all serves to make those moments when you get it just right all the more sweeter. Above all though, it's been a lot of fun - I highly recommend trying it out, even if you're only a little interested!”
Aman Fazil - Head Boy 2021-2022 “Learning guitar has been a wonderful experience, and performing and hearing my progress has been an even greater one. Mr DeSilva has not only taught me guitar but also to be more confident and sure of myself, which I am very grateful for. Playing guitar is something beautiful that I can get lost in to get away from stress and it has given me so many opportunities to grow even more. I am proud to represent this school for guitar, and this journey, although tough, has been something I will never regret.”
Liya Nasser “I have always seen the guitar as an incredibly spectacular instrument throughout my life, with the likes of Hendrix and May shaping my perspective on what music could truly be. Their playing transcended mere plucks on a fretboard, creating essential voices with their guitar and were subsequently all I listened to on repeat on my iPod. It was not until Year 6 that I finally picked up a guitar for myself for the first time, learning classics like the Pirates of the Caribbean tune, and naturally, I never looked back. I picked up the Electric Guitar two years later, and the allure of Rock, Jazz and Blues was reignited as I was finally able to complete pieces I had heard all those years earlier, jumping from never attempting a Grade to achieving Grade 6 in a matter of years. As I stand on the cusp of completing Grade 8 Electric Guitar and my tenure in 6th Form at BSAK comes to a close, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr DeSilva and all of the Music Department for nurturing and inspiring me to reach my full potential. You truly made music fun and lighthearted, and that joy shall carry with me throughout my life.” James Taoutaou - Deputy Head Boy 2021-2022 “Challenging but a rewarding experience which taught me fundamentals of music theory and importance of being flexible” Saif Al Naqbi
In the Summer Term we held an exam recital which involved a number of the ensembles too. This was a much needed opportunity for the students who have not performed in front of an audience recently and especially for the students who were performing for the first time. We were incredibly proud of their performances.
NEW SCHOLAR IN 2022 Congratulations to Ben Peckham who will be joining the Scholars Programme in September.
It’s been another unforgettable journey with our amazing guitarists and we are truly grateful to all the parents for their support throughout the year. We look forward to teaching them next year. Have a great holiday!
Mr Lopez and Mr De Silva
Mr Alex Tchobanov HEAD OF PIANO Mr Ramzi Hakim PIANO TEACHER Ms Ali Bryce PIANO TEACHER
It has been a busy couple of terms at BSAK, filled once again with various challenges; students have adapted very well to both remote and face to face music lessons.
PIANO
I would like to congratulate GEORGE Bennell (Distinction Grade 3), PATRIK Jordan (Distinction Grade 1), ALEX Davis (Distinction Grade 3), HUGO Laycock (Distinction Grade 3), TRISHNA Puppala (Distinction Grade 2), and HEIDI Cheah (Distinction in ARSM Diploma), for their wonderful ABRSM exam results.
I also would like to congratulate HEIDI Cheah, NUOZE Han, JIAMING Lu, RYAN Hamood and MAYA Telang for advancing to the Second Round of the Abu Dhabi Young Musician Competition. This was a huge achievement on its own as the piano category was one of the most competitive.
In addition, my compliments go to a few of our piano students who won top prizes at the 2022 Cyprus International Online Competition: HEIDI Cheah (1st Prize), NUOZE Han (1st Prize), and LYDIA Nunn (2nd Prize). Last but not least, we salute CHARLIE Edgar and RYAN Hamood for their hard work and preparation towards their GCSE Music exams. We congratulate all pianists who took part in our Piano Concert on June 22.
We were very excited as this was the first ‘live’ event in our department this term. Congratulations to all students and teachers!
HEAD OF SINGING Ms Ana Kovacevic
SINGING
We had exciting and busy Terms 2 and 3. We are all especially proud of the BSAK musicians’ achievements in the Abu Dhabi Young Musician Competition. We are looking forward to the next one, when undoubtedly even more singing students will take part. Congratulations to ALYAZIA 4S, LAUREN 5H and TRISHNA 6M for successful Exam preparations for Grades 1, 2 and 4. We are excited to see the results once they are released. We are also very proud of EVIE 5A, ISOBELLE 6O, HANNAH 4S, CELINA 6O and LILLIA 6R who performed in the Sustainability Pavilion at EXPO 2020.
It was a great joy collaborating with the students and teachers from other instrumental sections to put together a number of Chamber Ensembles. SARA 9HY and GEORGINA 9PH performed with the string quartet, AYESHA 8HY performed as a part of a trio and TRISHNA 6M with guitar as a duo. We will try to inspire and support more chamber music collaborations next term.
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As a cherry on the top, we have our Crossover project, in which SARA 9HY and ZAIN 9HY will be singing together, combining opera and pop-singing in one piece of music.
Congratulations everyone for all the effort and the amazing results! We’ve had a wonderful journey over the past few months!
SINGING CONCERT
ROCK & POP
Mrs Briana Corrigan SINGING TEACHER
Is it just me or has this year moved uncannily speedily? Anyway, here we are near the end of the Summer Term and it’s time to look back and round up what we’ve been up to in Rock&Pop over the past while. For the music department the end of the year sees a ramping up of activities with final concerts and exams all taking place. But firstly let's look back to the end of term two and the amazing event that was ADYM. What an exciting week! The first ever music competition of its kind to include Rock and Pop categories; this innovative approach proved hugely entertaining and successful with 50% of the final prizes awarded to Rock and Pop competitors.There were eight BSAK Rock & Pop singers competing with talent from across Abu Dhabi. There were some stunning performances on show and quite a few of those from our own students who all sang their hearts out and made us very proud. In the Intermediate category, Sophie from Yr 7 made it through to the Semi-Final with a couple of inspired vocal performances but was pipped at the post by an older student. In the Advanced Rock & Pop Singing all four of our singers made it through to the second round against extremely tough competition and with some fabulously positive feedback for them all. The feedback from the students involved was overwhelmingly positive too and focused on the sense of community and camaraderie and also the joy of watching other people perform. ADYM vocalists were: Logan, Zain, Mia, Natasha, Oliver, Sophie, Laurence and Tansie. Congratulations to each one of them for their professionalism and their wonderful performances. An excellent development in Rock & Pop this year is our swelling ranks of primary singers. These little Pop-pets are showing great promise and there are even rumors of a Primary Unplugged next year to harness this explosion of talent! From singers to guitarists to drummers, to singing drummers….it’s all going on! So watch this space for new young BSAK talent coming through.
In other news we are delighted to welcome Mia into the ranks of the Rock&Pop Scholars Programme where she joins NATASHA, SOPHIE, ZAIN and AVA. We look forward to the projects and performances these dulcet-toned vocalists may create over the next year. Trinity Rock and Pop exams are looming on the horizon, offering the students the chance to show off their skills, hone their performances and get them camera-ready so good luck to all the students taking part.
#BSAKUNPLUGGED Finally to some fabulous news about Summer Unplugged. We are so excited to announce it will be a live show this year with an AUDIENCE! The first in over two and a half years. So please do join us for an exciting evening of rock, pop, funk, soul, R&B, Rock & Pop-Classical Crossover, Arabic pop, Jazz Band (aka Funky Brass) and more…..Extra excitingly, for the first time we will be joined on stage by some BSAK Music Alumni and Unplugged veterans. We can also promise a few special guest appearances too. Of course, this is also a sad time of the year when we prepare to say goodbye to some of our students and colleagues as they move on to University or new adventures and this year we say a particularly sad goodbye to our Director of Music, Mr Hall. Now it couldn’t be said that Rock & Pop is Mr Hall’s favorite form of musical expression however BSAK Rock & Pop has truly flourished over the last number of years, even within the difficult Covid times, and a large part of the reason for this is Mr Hall’s continued support of it. His willingness to take risks, to think outside of the classical box and visualize a pathway to offer a more egalitarian and accessible aspect of music within his extremely successful department has been critical for us. And for this I’m extremely grateful, as are all the Rock & Pop cohort who have flourished as a result. So Mr Hall, you may not love Rock & Pop but Rock & Pop loves you!! UNPLUGGED SUMMER 2022 – The Theatre 29 June @ 7pm
View all photos on
BSAK Flickr
Mr Roger Norkie HEAD OF STRINGS Mr Milan Jankovic CELLO TEACHER Miss Sonja Stojiljkovic STRINGS TEACHER
STRINGS
The Spring Term started with distance learning, but once again all of the students impressed us with their dedication and enthusiasm to take online lessons and practise at home. Thankfully distance learning only lasted a few weeks and we could then resume face-to-face lessons. Since then lots of ensembles and groups have got back together in person and it is really starting to feel like before. Listening and watching students get excited about performing together and in front of an audience, makes all of the string teachers very happy. Our main aim is to enable all of our students to progress but our hope is that learning an instrument allows them to develop a lifelong love of music and performing. The group ‘Violin Time’ resumed rehearsals after almost a year and it was fantastic to see everyone having a good time. The group is aimed at beginners who are in the first few tutor books and participating in this group enhances the learning of the students and helps with ensemble playing. We are delighted to be presenting an ensemble concert in the final few days of the Summer Term.
We are saying goodbye to two of our students that have been with BSAK for many years. Both BREAH D’Arcy and MUNACHI Obiora will leave BSAK at the end of this year to continue their schooling in the UK. We also say goodbye to THOMAS Lambert, ADAM McMenemy and JESSICA Miskell. We wish them success for their musical futures and hope they come back and visit.
THE INAUGURAL ABU DHABI YOUNG MUSICIAN COMPETITION ran through the final week of the Spring term. Over 190 performers from 30+ schools within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi took part and were judged by 4 external adjudicators. We had 8 students from the String department representing BSAK and we wished them all well. Over 90 percent of our students made it to the second round with one student from the strings department going through to the semi final. Our students relished the opportunity to perform in public and can't wait to represent BSAK in 2023. To support our students participating in the competition, we started a club ‘PERFORMANCE CLASS' which met weekly. This allowed our students the opportunity to perform their competition pieces in front of their peers and allowed the students to give constructive criticism on how their friends performed. We were very impressed at how the students rose to the challenge and improvement was noticeable week on week.
Mrs Claire Day HEAD OF WOODWIND
WOODWIND
Mr Steve Kerr WOODWIND SPECIALIST
Despite the Covid Curse, the Woodwind Department has been full of musical wonder, including new student starters, great exam results, competition preparation concerts and a taste of ensemble work. Don’t worry though we will be talking about the amazing ADYM Competition too! Firstly we would like to welcome our beginners BETH, OSWALD, LILIA, FAJR, IMOGEN, HAMAD, MAX, JASPER, AYAH and CHARLIE to the Woodwind family - we hope you enjoy your musical journey with us!
Huge congratulations to our successful exam students your focused, dedicated practising along with your passion for music really did pay off - bravo!! Flutes LAYLA - Grade 1, FFION - Grade 2, CELINA - Grade 2, LUCY - Grade 2, CLAUDIA - Grade 5, ZOYA - Grade 8 and KIRSTIE - Diploma. Clarinet LOTTIE - Grade 1 Saxophone ISAIAH - Grade 2, SOPHIE - Grade 1
Best of luck also to our students taking their ABRSM exams this term!
T AALIYA, ELOUISE, ROSANNA and AMELIA (Flutes) We know how hard you’ve worked towards this moment and that you deserve to do well; try to relax and enjoy the experience!
KIRSTIE As part of her Diploma preparation Kirstie played her full programme for Senior School staff and students as they came into school, which enabled her to face her fears and really project her sound. As a result, her Diploma recital was an exercise in breathtaking technical accuracy coupled by exquisite expression.
Bravo Kirstie - it is a pleasure working with you and I look forward to our next step along the music highway!
MUSIC IN THE SCIENCE GARDEN We had a very enjoyable Woodwind (plus a cello and 2 pianos) concert in the run up to the much talked of ADYM competition. Students played with flair and beauty despite the lunchtime heat in the Science Garden.
Miss Ana
Special thanks to for adjudicating - your comments and helpful tips regarding ‘telling the story to the audience’ really hit home to our young musicians and served them well in the competition.
ABU DHABI YOUNG MUSICIAN 2022 THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS! After all the preparation the competition finally arrived and our Woodwind students did exceptionally well! Congratulations to all our students who participated DAUTARI, RYAN, MAISIE, KIRSTIE, ZOYA, MIA, CLAUDIA, AVISHI, MUNACHI, VIRAJ, SEHANSA, YASMIN AND RAPHAEL. Your musicianship shone through and you did the Woodwind Department and BSAK proud.
SEHANSA -
IRunner Up Intermediate Woodwind
RAPHAEL -
Winner Intermediate Woodwind
RYAN -
Runner Up Advanced Woodwind
KIRSTIE -
Winner Advanced Woodwind
Bravo to our second place students SEHANSA (Intermediate Woodwind) and RYAN (Advanced Woodwind) Cue a massive drumroll…….. Our winners are….. RAPHAEL (Sax) Intermediate Woodwind and KIRSTIE (Flute) Advanced Woodwind.
As we come to the end of the school year we have the exciting buzz of the end of year Wonderful Woodwind Ensemble Experience - I shall let the pictures and video link speak for themselves
It is always difficult to say goodbye to students who we have taught for many years… Thank you for the music, CLODAGH, MUNACHI, ISAIAH, AVA, TIMMY, RYAN and MAISIE. We wish you all the very best in your new schools and hope you will keep us updated on the latest adventures of… wonderful, musical you!
Special thanks to our Scholars who will be leaving us this year; they have all given so much to the Woodwind Department over many years. MUNACHI - what a pleasure it has been teaching you the flute - I remember your enthusiasm as a starter who was always asking me for more music! Playing the cello and the piano also at an extremely high standard it has been amazing for me to see you develop into a sensitive yet technically accurate flautist and I am really going to miss you next year - best of luck in your new school and remember to stay in touch! Claire Day
MAISIE - I am sad you will be leaving us soon and I have really enjoyed teaching you over the last few years. You make a beautiful sound on the oboe and your experience as a musician will be a great loss to the department. Your cheerful persona and smile will also be greatly missed by everyone and you have been a great role model to other music students. I hope you have fond memories of your time making music at BSAK and wish you continued success in your musical studies. I would also like to wish you good luck in Year 12 and your move to Epsom College in the UK. Steve Kerr
RYAN - you have been an absolute pleasure to teach over the last couple of years and I am sad that you will be leaving BSAK at the end of this term. Your level of commitment to your saxophone studies has been really impressive and it has been wonderful to see you mature not only as a musician but also as a person. You have produced some incredible performances of a very high standard and I will miss listening to you play. You have also been an inspiration to other students within the school and acted as an excellent ambassador for music. Everyone in the department will sincerely miss you and wishes you all the best in your future endeavours. Good luck! Steven Kerr
Congratulations to ADVAY, YASMIN and CLAUDIA - we are delighted to welcome you to our Scholars Programme and know you will be a great asset.
We look forward to working with you next year
SPOTLIGHT ON A LEAVING SCHOLAR May I introduce you to Clodagh, who has been learning the flute with me since Year 5 and is now a successful Year 11, Grade 8 Flautist. Clodagh will be leaving for St. Columba’s College in Dublin after her GCSEs and intends to continue her flute studies there. We had a lovely chat during one of our lessons and it was great to hear her thoughts on learning the flute and music at BSAK.
Why did you choose to play the flute Clodagh? My friend Sarah was learning the flute and I had a try of her instrument one day on the bus going home I made a sound and thought - I want to learn the flute!
Do you enjoy performing for an audience? I love playing in the ensembles that we have here at BSAK and really enjoyed passing my audition for Elite Flutes - music has given me so much confidence and a big part of that comes from performing. So although I always feel nervous to perform, the high and the elation of being successful makes it worth it!
Do you have any special memories of music at BSAK? I remember Sarah and myself giggling our way through duets with Mrs Day when we were younger - I really love that I have been able to try the piccolo, alto, bass and contrabass flute.
What’s next for your flute journey Clodagh? I know that I will continue to play the flute in my new school and cannot imagine my life without music For my 16th birthday I received a traditional Irish flute which I absolutely love! It has a gorgeous hollow sound and gives me a great sense of coming home when I play it!
The Walsh family has been a huge part of the BSAK Music Department over many years - tell me something about your brothers and their experience of music here at BSAK Tadgh, who is now 20 learnt the guitar here with Mr De Silva and as a Grade 8 guitarist played an important role in the YMoG ensembles over the years - Mr De Silva says he was always serious about his playing but had a great (and cheeky) sense of humour within the ensembles! Monty is 18 now and still plays the bassoon which he started with Mr Broun here at BSAK - He grew from the cute mini bassoonist into a winner at YMoG but Mrs Day remembers his first exam when he told the examiner that he didn’t do sight-reading! Of course he did a lot of sight-reading; he just didn’t realise it was called sight-reading! Goodbye and thank you for the music Clodagh I shall miss our duet work and your gentle humour thank you for your commitment, energy and musicality. Keep on being the wonderful musician that you are and go where the music takes you, Claire Day
BIG THANKS from Mr Kerr and myself for all the wonderful music - keep it up and enjoy your summer, wherever it may take you.
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WATCH THIS SPACE Videos for all concerts will be released in July.