This term saw instrumental music students working towards an assessment at level 4 of the Curriculum which involved learning a new scale combined with technical exercises to be played at various speeds. This helps coordination between decoding the new scale to coordinating the fingers to get the correct notes. It is important to get out of the comfort zone to learn new techniques to be able to play new and exciting music.

The whole band has been working on several new pieces to help consolidate the band's playing. Declaration and Procession of the Cyborgs have rhythmic drive whilst the Theme from Jurassic Park is just a beautiful melody to play.

Three interesting facts about me, Mr Donnelly: my main instrument is the oboe, I lived in Germany for 20 years, I enjoy long distance ocean swimming all year!

Next term the band is looking forward to playing our new pieces at an assembly in front of a live audience which we all miss greatly. It is important for musicians to play and receive immediate feedback from an audience. I can’t wait to continue working with the band in Term 4.