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NEWS / MUSIC DEPARTMENT
YEAR 9 VOLUNTEERS

Autumn 2021

Year 9 students have been getting stuck in to volunteering in the Music Department as part of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, offering invaluable support and learning new skills along the way.

Alongside volunteers assigned to co-curricular music clubs, an important project getting underway is the reorganisation of the orchestral music library.

Another is the design of displays for the classrooms, and, next term, volunteers will be mentoring Year 7 students in music theory.

The volunteering experience will give students an insight into different aspects of musical life, such as music librarianship and concert management.

Photo: Annushka, Sophie and Priyana organising music from the music library

NEWNHAM MUSIC ESSAY / HIGHLY COMMENDED ENTRY BY JAMILYA, YEAR 12
IN WHAT WAYS MIGHT AI AFFECT THE FUTURE - AND OUR UNDERSTANDING - OF MUSIC?

NEWNHAM MUSIC ESSAY 2021 / HIGHLY COMMENDED ENTRY

Summer 2021

Newnham College was established in 1871 as one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. It was a place of learning, teaching and research for women at a time when they were not allowed to attend the University and proudly remains a women's college to this day.

Their annual essay prize competitions span eight different categories: Biological Sciences, Engineering, History, Modern and Medieval Languages, Music, Philosophy, Physical Sciences, and the Woolf Essay Prize.

All are designed to encourage Year 12 students to explore university-level subjects and themes and to develop their independent research and writing skills. Entries are traditionally received from a wide range of schools across the different categories, but students are allowed to only submit an essay for one subject.

Jamilya from Year 12 submitted her entry for the Music Essay Prize, which is designed to give students the opportunity to think and write about music in its broadest context. She chose to answer the question, 'In what ways might AI affect the future – and our understanding – of music?' and from hundreds of entries, her essay was judged as 'Highly Commended' by the panel.

We are proud of Jamilya's achievement and are delighted to be able to present her essay here for your reading pleasure. Well done Jamilya!

NEWS / MUSIC DEPARTMENT
ROH STREAM : THE DREAM

Spring 2021

On 24, 26 & 30 March, the Music Department hosted viewings of 'The Dream', a 2017 production from the Royal Opera House released as part of its 'ROH Stream' initiative.

Being unable to stage any productions over the past year, ROH Stream has become a vital resource for audiences across the world to experience high-quality opera and ballet productions in their own homes.

'The Dream' is a ballet choreographed by Frederick Ashton, with Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music to Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' adapted for the stage. Oberon, Titania, the four lovers and Bottom all come to life in a fresh way through the media of music and dance.

Having asked students to consider bringing a donation for the Royal Opera House, we raised £70 which we will donate to the Royal Opera House on the behalf of the school.

55 students from Year 7-9 attended the viewings, saying afterwards:

  • Aadya, Year 7: "I think 'The Dream' was a fantastic ballet. They depicted the story of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in an elegant and original form. I was slightly taken aback by the fact that there were no words. It was a new experience for me as I had never seen a ballet and I was pretty impressed!"

  • Elizabeth, Year 9: "I loved watching 'The Dream' because it was both beautiful and comical, and the music perfectly matched each part of the performance."

  • Parnika, Year 9: "I really enjoyed 'The Dream' and I loved the way the story was told only through dance and music. It shows that art is just as powerful as words."

INFORMATION / COMPETITION
BBC YOUNG COMPOSER 2021

The BBC Young Composer 2021 competition is open to students aged 12-18 of all technical abilities, backgrounds, and musical influences. They are looking for:

  • Students who have talent and creative potential, and would benefit from the opportunity to nurture their skills and showcase their talent.

  • Students who work across any genre, any instrument, and any method, including those who use different means of notation.

  • Students who are passionate about creating their own original music - bursting with creativity, originality, and potential.

Winners will participate in a tailored development programme working with a mentor composer on a project with the BBC Concert Orchestra culminating in a performance or broadcast opportunity.

The deadline for entry to this year's competition is 5 pm, Monday 28 June. Entrants need to be 12-18 at the closing date.

Judging panel: Becky Hill, Shiva Feshareki, Benbrick, Gavin Higgins, Sarah Freestone, Lloyd Coleman, Errollyn Wallen & David Pickard. Discover more about the judges and their top tips here ›

Advice on how to start your composing journey: The ‘Composing the World Around You’ series comprises of three chats with music-makers on finding inspiration, getting your music heard and dealing with writer’s block and self-doubt. Featuring Isobel Waller-Bridge, Jess Gillam and more.

Click here to watch the series ›

You'll find all the information you need at bbc.co.uk/youngcomposer, including full details of how to enter, and the Rules and Privacy Notice.

If you have any questions or any concerns regarding access or barriers to entry, please email: getinvolved@bbc.co.uk

#BBCYoungComposer