Two days into their senior school life, Year 7 pupils were immersed in music with the launch of the Y7 Instrumental Scheme.
The scheme is open to all, both new and experienced musicians at all abilities, and introduces pupils to a broad range of instruments, all of which are new to them. Each pupil has the opportunity across the course of the year to try all of the instruments in the scheme, including the clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trombone, trumpet, viola, double-bass, flute and the French horn. Pupils are then offered free tuition in an instrument of their choice as a co-curricular activity, joining the Y7 Band which performs a concert each term.
Headmaster Dan Gabriele dropped in to the Music department for the scheme’s launch, and said: “I so enjoyed seeing the launch of our Year 7 Instrumental scheme, which sees the children trying out instruments to find out what grabs them. I was even treated to a group piece for trombone and trumpet called ‘Jazz Hands’ – particularly impressive given the dozen or so children playing were complete novices and had practised for a mere twenty minutes. It augurs well for the future of jazz both at Colfe’s and, I dare say, in the wider world.”
Tim Newberry, Director of Music, said: “It is always a delight to launch the Year 7 Instrumental Scheme and see how it inspires so many pupils, both those who are new to an instrument and children who already play but who are encouraged to learn a new one. The end of term concerts are a highlight for all of us – pupils make amazing progress over the course of each term and it is joyful for families to hear and see this in person.”
The enthusiasm from pupils themselves was palpable, with feedback including:
Raff: “So far I’ve already tried the trumpet, flute and double bass. The double bass is challenging as it’s about double my height but I’m really enjoying it! I also loved the trumpet, and am thinking about taking lessons in that.”
Amaara: “It has been brilliant and really fun to try so many different instruments all in one day. I play the piano already so I might try the flute or French Horn – it’s going to be hard to choose just one instrument!”
