Beaumont School Music Department

Year 13 Wider Listening: Beethoven

2012-01-26T12:39:00.004Z

Click here for the score of Beethoven's Op 110 and here to listen to the whole sonata on Spotify. It's rather lush so give it some time.

Year 13 Homework: Thursday 26th January

2012-01-26T12:25:00.000Z

1) Find out some basic information about Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. His dates, where he lived and worked and his output.

2) Please make notes on the following aspects of his Pavana Lachrimae, ready for a decent discussion and analysis on Thursday:

Performing forces and their handling (comment on the type of instrument it for which it would have been composed) and the range;
Texture;
Structure;
Tonality;
Harmony;
Melody;
Rhythm & Metre.

Click here for a recording on Spotify.

Both 1) & 2) are due in on Tuesday 31st January in Mr Guinane's lesson.

Year 10 Performance Times

2012-01-25T16:21:00.001Z

Year 10,

Here is the sheet of performance times for next half term.

Please be organised and turn up for your slot. If you have an accompaniment, don't forget to bring it.

If you have a question mark next to your name this means I am not sure you can make that slot. Please confirm asap.

Let me know if there is a problem.

Thanks,

Mr. Guinane

Big Band is ON This Week

2012-01-25T15:51:00.000Z

Hi all,

Big Band is back on this week, lunchtime Room 31, see you all there.

Looking forward to it!

Mr. Guinane

GCSE Revision Guide

2012-01-25T13:30:00.000Z

Here is the link to the Year 11 GCSE Revision Guide on Amazon. This can be used alongside any notes you have and also contains listening suggestions too.

Year 10

2012-01-24T16:16:00.002Z

Year 10, please bring your instruments tomorrow.

Thanks,

Mr. Guinane

Year 10 Lesson: Baroque Ensembles

2012-01-23T21:23:00.003Z

Here are the videos from the lesson:

Orchestra: Spring Term Repertoire

2012-01-21T10:59:00.003Z

As promised, here are the links to La Rejouissance from Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks and Ravel's Pavane pour une enfante defunte. Listen and enjoy!

SASSMA 2012

2012-01-19T22:17:00.001Z

The date for SASSMA 2012 has changed to Monday 5th March. Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble, please put this in your diaries.

No Big Band This Week

2012-01-18T08:11:00.001Z

Apologies, but due to CED there will be no Big Band this week.

We will be starting up again on the 26th Jan.

Sorry, and thanks!

Mr. Guinane

Year 10 Lesson: Classical Ensembles

2012-01-16T19:38:00.002Z

These videos will be used in lesson on Classical Ensembles:

Seussical: Biggest Blame Fool

2012-01-15T22:40:00.001Z

Here is the video for you to watch, listen and learn. The only difference is the words in Part 4. Please be careful.

Year 13 Work: Sweelinck

2012-01-11T17:42:00.004Z

Apologies for not being in tomorrow's lesson. Please listen to Sweelinck's Pavana Lachrimae ready for next week. Do some research into the background of the piece and do some research into Sweelinck as a composer. We will start the lesson with some dictation and other aural bits and pieces! FUN!

Click here to listen to the Sweelinck. You will recognise it...

Year 12 Homework: Tue 10th January 2012

2012-01-10T18:16:00.002Z

Compare and contrast the texture and tonality of the 3rd movement of Berlioz's Harold in Italie and the final movement from Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms. Make sure you back up your statements with examples. You can present their work in a table, bullet points or prose.

Due: Monday 16th January 2012

Bang On A Can Free Download

2012-01-08T18:22:00.001Z

Music geeks,

To celebrate their 25th anniversary, the contemporary music group Bang On A Can are offering a free album download!

Simply click here, fill out the form and your download will begin. I am currently downloading my copy and I am very excited about hearing it.

For more information about Bang On A Can, click here.

Enjoy,

Mr. Guinane

Big Band: Listening Links

2012-01-07T18:39:00.002Z

Hello Big Band members,

Included in this post are links to the three pieces we will be rehearsing this term, please have a listen and enjoy!

One Note Samba - Not our version but this will give you a good idea of the feel of the piece.

Cute - The original Basie version, I believe ours differs slightly.

Spain - The original, our arrangement is very different BUT the riffs remain the same, listen and internalise them and the music suddenly becomes lots easier!

Enjoy the music, I look forward to rehearsing these pieces with you all this term.

Mr. Guinane

Year 10 Homework: Performances

2012-01-07T18:32:00.002Z

Year 10, a reminder that for next Wednesday's lesson (11th January), you MUST bring in a copy of the music you are planning to perform later this term.

It can be sheet music or TAB, in a book of several pieces or just a single piece. If you have any problems you must come and see me BEFORE the lesson on Wednesday!

I look forward to seeing what you are all planning to perform.

Mr. Guinane

Year 13 Homework: Stravinsky

2012-01-07T18:28:00.002Z

Year 13, a reminder that this Tuesday (10th January), you will be presenting your Pulcinella comparisons.

If there are any problems, get in touch via email or come and see me BEFORE Tuesday's lesson.

I look forward to seeing your work.

Mr. Guinane

Year 11 Homework: Wednesday 4th January 2012

2012-01-04T09:48:00.002Z

Things to do this week:

1) Think about your ensemble piece. This will be recorded after half term. A piece for two or more people in which you play an independent part. The other people in the ensemble do not have to be in the GCSE class. You need to demonstrate accuracy and interaction with others in your ensemble.

2) Think about the style in which you will compose. Controlled assessment time starts next Wednesday.

3) Have a go at responding to one of the stimuli for the Creative Task. Either bring in ready to record or written down on Monday 9th January.

Nearly there (ish)!

Year 10 Homework: Tuesday 3rd January 2012

2012-01-03T19:07:00.003Z

Please make sure you listen/watch to both of these pieces of music. It is important you familiarise yourself with them so we can have a decent discussion next Tuesday. As this is part of AoS 2 Shared Music, make sure you consider how parts interact, what instruments are playing and whether a specific instrument (or instruments) is (are) more than important than others. If you are more of a Spotify person, click here for the playlist for the whole of Area of Study 2.

3rd movement of Trumpet Concerto by J. Haydn

The quality of this is not that great, I'm afraid but the performance is cracking. You can click here for a performance by Alison Balsom (which I can't embed - sorry).

Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty

Happy Listening!

Seussical Rehearsal Schedule until Easter

2012-01-01T18:02:00.005Z

Happy New Year!

Click here to download a copy of the rehearsal schedule until Easter. There may be extras but we will let you know in advance. Please make sure you know the songs in advance (as in knowing the tune, not all the harmonies!) and that you arrived as prepared as you can.

Make sure you continue to check blogs and twitter to keep up to date.

See you soon!

Gearing up for the London A Cappella Festival

2011-12-22T18:13:00.004Z

I know you're not that surprised to see blog post from me before Christmas, but I know that the time will go quickly and just wanted to touch base in terms of Vocal Ensemble and Friday 13th January - our exciting workshop with the Swingle Singers and VOCES8 as part of the London A Cappella Festival!

Over the holidays, please learn the music for Lady Madonna, given to you at the final rehearsal before the Carol Service. By the end of they day you will be expected to know it by heart so please have a look now. As you know, it is designed to work alongside the Swingle Singers' version. You can sing along to their version here.

Have a good Christmas - don't forget to bring your letters in when we return to school!

Congratulations and Merry Christmas

2011-12-18T09:29:00.001Z

Congratulations to the Choir and Vocal Ensemble for some truly sublime singing in Thursday's carol service. Some of you may have missed the well-deserved huge round of applause that the congregation gave you as some students wondered back into the church to find their parents. What a fabulous way to end the term!

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We'll still tweet #BeaumontBedtimeListening and there will be some blog posts too.

See you in January!

Year 12: a visit from Entartete Musik

2011-12-12T14:03:00.003Z

As you know, the writer Gavin Plumley will be visiting you on Wednesday morning to talk about Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. An opportunity for you to put your analysis skills into practice on a non-set work and get involved with a glorious score. We are lucky that Gavin is giving up time to come and talk to you. In preparation for Wednesday, please ensure you have read the synopsis of The Nutcracker and have familiarised yourself the music (not just the famous bits from the suite!).

Click here for the synopsis and click here to listen to a phenomenal recording on Spotify. You will also find that Gavin has been blogging a daily advent calendar entry about each section of the nutcracker as well as relevant features. If you haven't already, go and visit his blog here.

Carol Service: Thursday 15th December

2011-12-12T11:31:00.002Z

Here are the arrangements for Thursday:

1) Meet at 12.50pm in the Music Block (promptly please - bring a packed lunch). We will leave as soon as everyone has been registered. If you are late, you will miss the coach.

2) Rehearsals will take place in St Peter's Church from 1.15pm-3.15pm. You will have an opportunity to eat when you arrive.

3) We will return to school by coach by 3.30pm. If you would like to walk home from the church and are in years 7-11 you must have written permission to do so. Come and see me beforehand if possible.

4) Meet back at 6.30pm in St Peter's Church for a warm up.

5) The service starts at 7pm and should be finished by 8pm.

Dress Code: full WINTER uniform for years 7-11. Smart ALL BLACK for 6th form please. Usual reminder about skirt lengths and please wear smart shoes. No leggings permitted.

Finally, please ensure you have returned your permission slip. No slip, no trip!

Any questions (not sure if this is possible...), please see Miss Doan.

Congratulations

2011-12-07T18:27:00.002Z

Well done to everybody who took part in the concert last night. It was a fabulous evening, and you all really did step it up and put in some great performances. We've had some lovely emails today from staff and parents saying how much they enjoyed the evening!

There will be no more instrumental rehearsals for the rest of term. Choir is on Friday and Vocal Ensemble is after school. Don't forget your music.

Please make sure you return your reply slip asap, otherwise you will not be able to go to St Peter's next Thursday.

Nearly there and keep up the good work.

Miss Doan and Mr Guinane

Christmas Concert Rehearsal Schedule

2011-12-05T20:05:00.004Z

Please read and digest:

No Concert Band at 7.45am due to rehearsals during the day!

Breaktime String Group (Hall)

Lesson 4 Concert Band & Wind Ensemble (11.45pm)

Lesson 5 Orchestra (Hall)

LUNCHTIME Vocal Ensemble

Lesson 6 Big Band & Year 9 Band (Hall)

Lesson 7 Choir, Year 11 Choir (Hall)

1745 Consortium Orchestra (Hall) – please be finished by 6.15pm

1830 Please meet in the Music Block

1900 Concert – dress is SMART *All Black or Black and white, BLACK SHOES or school winter uniform

*Girls, please wear skirts or trousers, NOT leggings or skinny jeans.

See Miss Doan or Mr Guinane if you have any questions.

Year 13 Homework: Thursday 1st December

2011-12-04T16:13:00.002Z

Write about the common features of the three following works:

Trio Sonata in D, Op.3 no 2 (movement IV) - A. Corelli
Sonata in B flat, K333 (movement I) - W.A. Mozart
Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano: Sonatas I-III - J. Cage

Comment on structure, harmony, tonality and melody and any other features of note.

Due: Thursday 8th December 2011

As promised after gawking at Baerenreiter and Henle editions, here is the video which I mentioned in the lesson. Enjoy!

Seussical: All the things you can think

2011-11-25T23:23:00.003Z

The Spotify tracks do not match up to the score, but some of these YouTube versions do. As we learn the big numbers, I will check these videos and if they match the score, I will then blog them. Please do not learn things from Spotify (although it is useful for getting an idea of each song).

Here is the opening number. Get ready for Monday!

Seussical Cast List (in order of appearance)

2011-11-24T18:27:00.002Z

JoJo Patrick Quinn

Cat in the Hat Ella Houghton

Horton Oliver Davies

Mr Mayor Sid Brass

Mrs Mayor Alice Webster

Gertrude McFuzz Lois Fordham

Mayzie La Bird Laura Knill-Jones

Sour Kangeroo Hannah Collier

General Ghengis Kahn Schmitz Sean Boyle

Bird Girls

Sophie Bagge, Rebecca Bainbridge, Lucy Bethany, Amy Cresswell, Steph McMillin, Erika Yee

Young Kangeroo Jack Turnbull

Wickersham 1 Poppy Oliver

Wickersham 2 Alex Lewis

Wickersham 3 Bethany Latham

Yertle the Turtle Oscar Easton

Grinch Holly Seglah

Vlad Vladikoff Phoenix Weston

Cindy-Lou Who Gabby Mauro

Scary Voices and Hunches

Megan Hodges, Bethan Hughes, Aja Whittingham, Lily Kattenhorn-Black, Naomi Coleman Jones, Sophie Thomas

Whos, Citizens of the Jungle, Fish, Cadets, Circus Folk and Courtroom people played by the ensemble. There are plenty of solo lines to give out, and this will be done in rehearsal.

Well done to everybody. We are really excited about working with such a strong cast. See you on Monday!

Year 13 Homework: Thursday 24th November

2011-11-24T13:05:00.002Z

Please write the following essay: Compare and contrast the structure and harmony of the three following works:

Trio Sonata in D, Op.3 no 2 (movement IV) - A. Corelli
Sonata in B flat, K333 (movement I) - W.A. Mozart
Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano: Sonatas I-III - J. Cage

Make sure you plan your response and work out the key points you will write first. Check the mark scheme too.

Year 13 Listening

2011-11-23T21:40:00.002Z

Sorry it's bit late. If you could possibly listen to Finzi's Five Bagatelles before tomorrow's lesson, that would be great. Click here to listen to them on Spotify. Rachel, please come ready with your listening tomorrow.

Year 12 Homework: Mon 21/11/11

2011-11-21T18:56:00.001Z

Hello,

Please answer the following question:

'Describe the stylistic features of Honey Don't which show that this is an example of Rockabilly'

To be handed in next Monday.

When you are done, enjoy this video.

Mr. Guinane

Seussical Missing Persons

2011-11-21T13:21:00.003Z

Thanks for coming to the meeting today. If you are absent from school today, we know about you so don't worry. Just come and see Miss Doan or Miss Shepherd when you get back.

If you were in school today and missed the meeting, you must come and see Miss Doan or Miss Shepherd by Wednesday at 3.25pm. If you do not come, we will assume that you do not want to be in it.

Miss Doan & Miss Shepherd

Year 13 Homework: Thursday 17th November

2011-11-18T17:07:00.003Z

Please listen to Mozart's Sonata in B flat, K333. You should come prepared to talk about structure, tonality, melody, rhythm and any other features. I would like you to listen to the other movements as well. Click here to listen to all three movements on Spotify. Ben, please get in touch with your listening extract for discussion.

Seussical Playlist

2011-11-18T16:57:00.003Z

For those who have been recalled for Seussical, listen to the playlist on Spotify by clicking here.

Choir and Vocal Ensemble Christmas Music

2011-11-18T13:03:00.002Z

Please click here for the Spotify link to your Christmas pieces. Please listen, follow along with your music and learn!

Seussical Recall List

2011-11-17T18:44:00.002Z

Thank you to everyone who auditioned this week. You have all worked really hard and we have been impressed with the quality of your performances. Below is a list of people we would like to recall. If you are not on this list, you have been unsuccessful this time, but please attend your drama clubs and choir and get involved in our departments. Please try not to be disheartened – the standard was really high with over 100 students auditioning.

The following students need to:

1) Come to Room 60/61 at the start of Monday Lunchtime for a brief meeting

2) If an asterix is by your name (*), please come and collect a recall song from Miss Doan’s pigeon hole outside the Music office. It will be labelled clearly with your name on it. Do not take someone else’s!

3) If you have a recall song, please prepare this for Thursday after school, when we will hear you sing your allocated song.

Just to confirm that rehearsals will be on Mondays (until 5pm) and Thursdays (until 5pm) after school. Up until February half term, everyone will be required to attend on Monday and principals will be required on Thursdays. You will need to actively check the Drama and Music Blogs/Twitter for information as it comes.

Year 7:

Rosa Arnold, Hannah Carruthers*, Daniel Ellis, Theo Habbick, James Harding, Josie Harrison*, Ella Houghton*, Bethan Hughes, James Jarman, Laura Knill-Jones*, Bethany Latham*, Alex Lewis*, Alex McCall, Poppy Oliver*, Taya Patel, Alex Powdrell, Patrick Quinn*, Will Raymond, Esmee Robinson, Jack Stern, Jack Turnbull*, Joe Vernon, Becky Weir.

Year 8:

Naomi Coleman-Jones, Lois Fordham*, Anna Hardisty, Lily Kattenhorn-Black, Sophie Thomas, Emily Webster

Year 9:

Rebecca Bainbridge*, Sidney Brass*, Hannah Collier*, Elise Cutforth, Oliver Davies*, Oscar Easton*, Megan Hodges*, Tom Holmes*, Abbey Maginnis, Edie Owens, Tallulah Trounsen, Aja Whittingham

Year 10:

Aisha Akinibu*, Sophie Bagge*, Sean Boyle*, Amy Cresswell*, Tati Bee, Lucy Bethany*, Charlotte Graham*, Gabby Mauro, Steph McMillin, Natasha Robinson, Holly Seglah, Alice Stirling*, Alice Webster*, Phoenix Weston, Erika Yee.

See you on Monday.

Seussical Playlist

2011-11-16T17:48:00.001Z

Click here to listen to Seussical on Spotify.

Looking forward to hearing Year 9 and 10 sing tomorrow. Good work on the dancing today!

Seussical Audition information

2011-11-07T21:25:00.004Z

14th November: Year 7 and 8 Dance/Movement Audition
You will be taught a short dance routine and then required to
perform it in smaller groups. They will take place straight after school.
Please meet in 60/61.

15th November: Year 7 and 8 Singing Auditions
You will be taught a short section of ‘Oh, the
Thinks You Can Think’ from the show itself. Then you will audition in pairs.
They will take place straight after school in the music block.

16th November: Year 9
and 10 Dance/Movement Audition
You will be taught a short dance
routine then be required to perform it in groups. They will take place straight
after school, in room 60/61.

17th November: Year 9 and 10 Singing Auditions
You will be taught a section of ‘Oh
the Thinks You Can Think’ from the show itself. They will take place straight
after school in the music block.

Please don’t worry if you feel you’re not a great dancer or not a great singer.
We are looking for people with different strengths to take different roles. All you need is lots of enthusiasm and energy!! Please make sure you come to BOTH auditions and please speak to
Miss Shepherd if you have any problems.

The show will be on the 16th, 17th and 18th of July with rehearsals most probably on
Mondays and Thursdays.

Hope to see you there!!

Big Band ON TOMORROW

2011-11-02T20:12:00.001Z

See you at lunchtime!

Mr. Guinane

Year 12: Homework 31/10

2011-11-01T20:00:00.000Z

Hi!

Apologies for the delay.

You have two tasks to complete for me based around 'A Day In The Life'.

1. Map out the structure, with bar numbers, in terms of 'verse, chorus, bridge' etc.
2. Write of the chord progression, in Roman Numerals (I, ii, V, etc.) for bars 1-14 (a little less than originally planned).

Also, listen to the track, and the album if you can!

For Monday please.

Thanks,

Mr. Guinane

Year 13 work: Thursday 3rd Nov

2011-10-30T11:53:00.003Z

Ich bin in Deutschland!

In Thursday´s lesson I would like you to turn up and Mr Guinane will have left you a listening exercise or two to do. You may attempt to do this as a group or individually. We can then discuss how you found it the following week. If you finish, you can practise for your performances or do some wider reading below.

For wider listening and reading you should do the following:

It's simple: www.entartetemusik.blogspot.com in comments on the music, art, drama, literatureand all things cultural. Articles also contextualise the arts, which will be of a great support to younot only Music, but also History, Drama, English and Art. To stop you from having to checkthe blog frequently, I highly recommend you like the Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/entartetemusik . If you 'like' the page, then the articles will turn up on in your news feed andyou can click on anything of interest. There will also be links to articles in newpaper reviews etc. These posts also feed through to twitter: @entartetemusik. Make sure you do this, as we maydiscuss articles etc at the start of lessons etc.

10 Finally, you will see from your diaries that we had arranged for you to perform on Thursday 10th November (the following week). Please come with a 12 minute planned programme so wecan have a go. Ben, you need not do this as you did one in the Summer. It is down to you to goover the criteria for performance (I gave this to you at the start of the A2 course).

Work hard and I will see you on 10th Nov.

BBC Four: Symphony

2011-10-29T17:38:00.002+01:00

This Thursday (03 Nov) on BBC Four, the legend that is Simon Russell Beale presents the first in a new series looking at the Symphony, and how it has shaped both our history and identity.

The first episode looks at the symphonies of Miss Doan's crew, the big boys; Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

The programme info can be found here.

Be sure to check it out.

Enjoy the weekend, see you all Monday!

Songs for a New World Review/Lower School Musical News

2011-10-22T14:01:00.003+01:00

Congratulations to everyone in the cast, band and crew. The two stunning shows were a testimony to all your hard work and we are really proud of you all. If you haven't already seen it, then you must read Gavin Plumley's review of the show by clicking here. For those of you who are interested in keeping up-to-date with professional music, drama and art news and productions, you really should check out Gavin's blog, Entartete Musik. Of course in the age of social media, links to all of his articles are posted on his Facebook page (click here to 'like' it), which of course is fed through to Twitter (follow by clicking here).

Finally, we are delighted to announce the Lower School Musical, Seussical. This will take place in the final week of term in July. Watch this space ( and the Drama Dept blog) for more details regarding auditions etc. The show will be open to Years 7-10 (although if you have been in Songs for a New World, you will not be eligible). Click here to get a flavour for the show, as well as getting to know some of the songs.

Have a restful half term!

Year 13: Thursday 20th October

2011-10-19T21:08:00.003+01:00

I won't be in tomorrow's lesson, I'm afraid. If you all turn up, then please do discuss Jack's listening. If you read this in time then please do the following:

1) Find a recording of the Mozart Piano Sonata in your anthology (K333) and listen to it.

2) Identify the sections (by bar numbers) of Sonata Form

3) Draw a table/mind map whatever you want to and make detailed notes on harmony, melody, texture and structure (although this is covered in 2).

I will post up further listening during the half term.

Apologies.

Miss Doan

No Big Band This Week

2011-10-18T17:36:00.001+01:00

Apologies for the late notice, but there will be no Big Band this week.

We will kick off again after half term.

Thanks,

Mr. Guinane

Year 12 Homework: Monday 17th Oct 2011

2011-10-17T16:00:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Your homework for this week and over half term is to:

1. Finish the definitions sheet!
2. Provide 'A Potted History of The Beatles'. I would suggest three parts:

- A timeline of their albums
- Information about the music on each album (the main part)
- Information about The Beatles (more general), mapped to the timeline of albums.

I do not mind how it is presented, but as you have the half term break to do this I expect something detailed and fairly substantial. Focus on the music.

Any problems come and see me.

Due Monday 31st Oct (first Monday back)

Thanks,

Mr. Guinane

Year 13 Listening Club

2011-10-16T20:49:00.002+01:00

Jack's chosen track for this week's Listening Club is Django Reinhardt's Stomping at Decca. Click here to listen. I will only play an extract of it on Thursday so please listen to it beforehand. Hopefully Jack will shed some light for you on context etc.

Vocal Ensemble Listening...

2011-10-15T11:04:00.003+01:00

Well done to the Vocal Ensemble for Friday's rehearsal - I know you were all really tired and you did very well. However, you all know there are bits of the Dove that you found difficult, so you must find the time now to listen to the music and work rectify the errors. You can certainly do it, but please spend a bit of time on it.

Below are two credible versions on YouTube and Spotify respectively. Enjoy. Learn, learn, learn! I don't want you to be groping for notes on Wednesday.

Click here for the version on Spotify.

Year 12: Parting/Goodbye songs

2011-10-10T21:14:00.001+01:00

Click here for the Spotify playlist for this topic.

Songs for a New World: order

2011-10-09T10:26:00.001+01:00

Click here to view the order.

Learn, learn, learn!

Year 13 Homework: Thursday 6th October

2011-10-06T12:07:00.003+01:00

Make notes on the following aspects of the final movement of Corelli's Op.3 no. 2:

Harmony (consider use of a variety of chords, cadences and even dissonances)
Melody (how is the opening motif explored? what about sequences etc?)
Rhythm and Metre (this is gigue style - how does the rhythm and metre reflect this? Are there syncopations etc?)

You need to bring the notes for discussion and pooling of ideas for next Thursday's lesson.

Songs for a New World this week

2011-10-02T13:34:00.004+01:00

This is what is happening this week!

Monday lunch: Anastasia and Beth with HDo

Monday: Adele = polish River and finish World was dancing - performance standard please

Tuesday: Flying home - Chris, Tulsi, Alex, Anna, Beth, Emily, Emma & Chloe. We have meetings so Emma, Emily, Anna please talk to each other and work out how you are going to teach everyone what they need to know. I will give you copies labelled up with who is singing what part. I will leave my phone for Audioboos too!

Wednesday lunch: Room 29 - Rosie with ZSh.

Thursday: Block Flying Home. Learn Final transition, block Final Transition and block Hear my song.

The following people are in the Final Transition: Nev, Niamh, Anna, Amy, Belle, Rosie, Chloe & Anastastia.

Sunday 9th October 2011 at 2pm-5pm - Sitz Probe: FULL CAST AND BAND (this is a run through with the band)

7pm - Songs from the West End. No need to buy tickets for yourselves.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET YOUR HOMEWORK! DUE IN ON THURSDAY!

Year 13 Homework: Thursday 29th September

2011-09-29T11:57:00.003+01:00

You need to do some research into the Arcangelo Corelli (1652-1713). Please cover the following:

His output - the types of compositions and the forces for which he wrote
Some background about his life including details of any patrons and employers.
To whom did Corelli dedicate his Op. 3 Trio Sonatas?
What is a Sonata da Chiesa? Give details about the order of the movements
What is a Sonata da Camera? How do they differ from the Sonata da Chiesa?
How many performers do you usually need in a Trio Sonata?

Due in: Tuesday 4th October 2011

Year 13 Homework: Tues 20th September

2011-09-20T19:51:00.000+01:00

Your notes from today. I like these a lot.

Your question:

How does Auric's score for 'Passport to Pimlico' fit in with other works from Les Six, specifically Milhaud's 'Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit'. Make reference to instrumentation, use of melody, harmony and structure.

Full continuous prose please, handed in on Tuesday morning next week (27th Sept).

If you are feeling ambitious, please feel free to answer the following:

How does Auric's score for 'Passport to Pimlico' fit in with both other works from Les Six, specifically Milhaud's 'Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit' and Golden Age Hollywood Film Music, specifically Steiner's 'Suite from Casablanca'. Make reference EVERYTHING!

I will also expect film presentations.

Any questions come find me. See you next week.

Mr. Guinane

Year 12 Homework: Tuesday 20th September

2011-09-20T12:11:00.003+01:00

Write a concise, but detailed comparison of the madrigal and the ballett, drawing your examples from As vesta was and Now is the month of Maying. If you can find examples from April is in my mistress' face, The Silver Swan and Sing we and chant it, that would be very commendable indeed.

The playlist of them all is here.

Due: Monday 26th September 2011

Watch the Berliner Philharmoniker live in cinemas

2011-09-18T13:53:00.003+01:00

The Berliner Philharmoniker is coming to cinemas around the country today at 1830, on Friday 27th January 2012 at 1830 and Sunday 4th March 2012 at 1830 (all times are British local time). Share in their phenomenal playing live as they perform Mahler, Bruckner, Schubert and much more. It's about time we went to the cinema and saw something decent!

Sir Simon Rattle (the orchestra's principal conductor) explains more about it below, and click here for the link to the orchestra's website, which will tell you about the repertoire and performances. German students should enjoy this too!

Year 13 H/WK: Thu 15th Sept

2011-09-15T21:14:00.002+01:00

Good work in today's lesson.

Click here for the Brahms and Debussy we discussed in today's lesson and here for the extracts you were given for discussion.

Your homework is to prepare some research into the following types of Baroque composition.

concerto and concerto grosso (Rachel)
Solo unaccompanied music (Jack)
Orchestral suites (Phoebe)
Keyboard/organ music (Ben)

Please include some suggested listening as well as composers.

Due: Tuesday 20th September 2011

Enjoy!

Year 13: Georges Auric et 'Les Six'

2011-09-13T15:11:00.001+01:00

Year 13,

I have created a short Spotify playlist containing music from all of Les Six, available here. Do have a listen, it contains the fantastic piece La Création du Monde by Darius Milhaud, as well as stuff from the other five. Let it be a portal to lots more music by these composers.

Auric is an interesting case as his music is complicated by his work in movies, listen to some of his film scores (lots on Spotify) for a clearer idea of what I mean.

Finally, here is the story of Les Six.

If you have any questions about your film commentaries please let me know, I appreciate it was a little rushed at the end of the lesson. I will expect to see them orally presented next week.

Many thanks, good work on the analysis today,

Mr. Guinane

Year 12 Homework: Tue 13th September 2011

2011-09-12T22:30:00.005+01:00

Please answer the following questions for homework:

1) What is a madrigal and how does it differ from a motet?

2) For what purpose were they written?

3) Give an approximate time span when the madrigal flourished in England. To which English monarch do many madrigals often refer and why?

4) Identify the most influential composers of the English madrigal.

5) From what you have sung, can you identify any features or structure the madrigals have in common?

6) Who was Oriana and why was she significant?

7) Listen to As Vesta was from Latmos hill descending and identify as many passages as you can where the composer (Thomas Weelkes) has used the music to illustrate the text. Describe in detail how he has achieved this.

Click here for the playlist of madrigals from the lesson.

Due: Monday 19th September 2011

Songs for a New World Audio Boos from Rehearsals

2011-09-12T21:48:00.001+01:00

Click here to find all the Audio boos from our rehearsals.

NO CONCERT BAND TOMORROW (Tuesday 13th September)

2011-09-12T20:09:00.001+01:00

We will start next week, giving our new Year 7s time to join in for the first rehearsal of the year!

Welcome back!

2011-09-07T16:04:00.002+01:00

Welcome back! Hope you're looking forward to the new term and its challenges - it's going to be busy but good fun!

Extra-curricular Activities

The following extra-curricular activities will take place next week:

Vocal Ensemble

Choir

Orchestra

Year 11 Choir

Concert Band, Big Band, Year 9 Band and String Group will resume the following week (music on order).

Instrumental Lessons

Please check the instrumental timetables IMMEDIATELY. Mrs Martin's piano lesson is teaching tomorrow (catch up lessons only) and Mrs Holling is coming into teach violin on Friday. Everyone else will be back in from Monday so be on the ball and take ownership!

For now, please check the school calendar for your concert dates, but we will be publishing the Concert Diary next week.

See you all very soon!

Miss Doan & Mr Guinane

Vocal Ensemble Auditions September 2011

2011-09-02T17:06:00.000+01:00

Vocal Ensemble Auditions will take place on Thursday 8th September 2011 at lunchtime (not the day before, as previously advertised). You will be expected to have prepared the chosen piece of music, which you should have collected at the end of last term. We will test your range and give you some basic sight-singing. Please turn up at the start of lunchtime (12.50pm). You will receive a short talk about commitments etc and we will then audition you one by one.

Here are the following vacancies:

1 x Soprano

2 x Treble (boy)

1 x Alto

1 x Tenor

1x Bass

We expect our members to show a huge commitment to the weekly rehearsals of both Vocal Ensemble AND Choir.

New Year 12: Holiday Homework

2011-08-16T17:13:00.003+01:00

Hello,

Hope you are all having lovely summer holidays and looking forward to beginning 6th Form in September.

I thought I would post a quick blog regarding your holiday homework. All information can be found elsewhere on the blog, but here are a couple of links that might help when you are writing your reviews:

Writing a music review

See page three of this PDF for a point by point guide to including all the right stuff in your review.

Jonathan Dreamer - How To Write Great Reviews

A little more involved, but a really good analysis of good review writing.

If you are at all stuck, tweet @BeaumontMusic for help!

Best of luck to you all with your results.

Mr. Guinane

Songs for a New World Rehearsal Schedule

2011-08-01T17:25:00.003+01:00

Click here for the Songs for a New World Rehearsal schedule. Please read carefully and pop it into your diaries and smart phones. You can download a copy and print as well. Please spread the word that the schedule is here.

Miss Shepherd and Miss Doan

Youth Music Voices at St Pancras International

2011-07-30T12:43:00.011+01:00

It was an absolute pleasure to head down into St Pancras International yesterday to listen to Emily Almond, Emma Doherty and Hannah Perryman sing in the Youth Music Voices Cultural Olympiad Choir as part of The Station Sessions festival.

The group of 80 singers were selected from workshops and auditions across the country, and yesterday's performance was the result of their first three-day residential. The sounds was impressive and it was great to see our girls well involved in the performances. Below is a cheeky recording of their version of Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror:

Youth Music Voices (mp3)

Celebrating a year to go before the Olympics

2011-07-27T10:19:00.007+01:00

If you are at a loose end this Friday (29th July), the Youth Music Voices Cultural Olympiad Choir will be performing under the Olympic rings in St Pancras International from 6pm-7pm. The Station Sessions Festival is a six week long celebration of the UK's emerging musical talent. Click here to learn more about the festival. Emily Almond, Emma Doherty and Hannah Perryman will be singing in the 80-strong choir, so do go and support if you are around. Rumour has it that the Vocal Ensemble's beloved Sure on this shining night will be performed too...

To find out more about the Youth Music Voices Choir, click here.

Beaumont Singers on Radio 3 and at the BBC Proms

2011-07-19T21:22:00.003+01:00

We are delighted that Beaumont singers continue to contribute to music-making on a national level. Following on from the success of our students who gained places in the Cultural Olympiad Choir, Emily Almond will be singing in the choir in tomorrow's BBC Radio 3 Evensong broadcast from Eton College Chapel. Click here for more details and here for the music list.

Former student Wil Pate will be performing (in the National Youth Choir) at the BBC Proms on Friday 5^th August: Mahler’s 2^nd Symphony conducted by the legendary Gustavo Dudamel and his Simón Bolivar Youth Orchestra. There will be a live broadcast on Radio 3 at 7.30pm and the concert will be on BBC2 on Saturday 6^th August.

I hope you all tune in for both events - the music might not be your favourite style, but the singing will be heavenly.

Year 12 Bach/Jazz

2011-07-19T21:16:00.003+01:00

Here is a link to some Jacques Loussier jazzing up some Bach. Enjoy!

Congratulations and Thank you!

2011-07-16T11:50:00.006+01:00

Congratulations to everyone on such a superb concert. The odds were against us, given study leave and plenty of disruptions (not all negative!) to our rehearsal schedule. So despite at least a week off rehearsals (for some, two weeks), Mr Guinane and I were really proud of the way you focussed in rehearsals and your performances in the evening were musical and sensitive - well done. We will post some tracks on our SoundCloud account at some point and blog them (of course).

In the meantime, please could you return any outstanding music so we can sort it out and put it away - please return by Tuesday. Have a good summer holiday - rest and work hard (if necessary!). We may post the odd thing here and tweet occasionally, but apart from that, it will generally by over and out for August!

Thank you again to all of you - your commitment always impresses and moves us. As Matt Harrold said in his speech, we do love you very much!

Miss Doan & Mr Guinane

Secrets of the Pop Song 2: Breakthrough Single

2011-07-10T13:34:00.003+01:00

Following on from last week's collaboration with Rufus Wainwright, this week Guy Chambers worked with Mark Ronson and up-and-coming singer/songwriter Tawiah to see if they could come up with a "breakthrough single". Like last week, the process was fascinating, with them actually focussing on finding a hook or riff. There was a fair bit of jamming around basic ideas and rhythms before Tawiah joined the process as lyrics. Unlike "classical" music, where you tend to focus on the melody before harmony, it really did feel like the opposite when it came to this pop song.

You can watch the programme for the next seven days by clicking here (unfortunately I can't find the song on YouTube).

Summer Concert Rehearsal Schedule: Wednesday 13th July

2011-07-09T18:09:00.002+01:00

Here is the rehearsal schedule. It's been a while, so please arrive promptly for rehearsals. Concert Band and Music Captains, please come in the middle of break to set up for a prompt start to lesson 4.

Lesson 4: Concert Band

Lesson 5: Orchestra

Lunchtime: Vocal Ensemble and Year 8 Girls' Group

Lesson 6: Big Band & Year 8 Boys' Band

Lesson 7: Choir & Year 10 Choir

1800: Soloists to rehearse with Alex

1830: Please meet in the Music Block

1900: Concert. Dress is SMART. *All black or black and white, black shoes, or summer uniform.

*Girls, please wear skirts of an appropriate length or trousers; NO skinny jeans or leggings.

See Mr Guinane or Miss Doan for details.

Tickets are available on the door for £4/£2. The concert should last about 1 1/2 hours.

Save New Barnfield Library

2011-07-08T22:39:00.007+01:00

You may know that Hertfordshire County Council plans to close the Central Resources Library Hatfield, with much of the collection (including sheet music) being transferred to warehouses and therefore no longer available to the public. In its place will go an incinerator. We will be losing access to some valuable collections of music, playscripts, fiction and non-fiction. Please sign the petition here against the Council's plans.

In the words of the Manic Street Preachers in their song A Design for Life (1996): "Libraries gave us power".

King's Singers Lullabye (Billy Joel)

2011-07-08T22:28:00.003+01:00

This #BeaumontBedtimeListening is for the Vocal Ensemble. Please watch and take note in preparation for Wednesday's Concert!

#BeaumontBedtimeListening

2011-07-05T22:23:00.006+01:00

Between 9pm and 10.30pm, I will do my best to tweet a one or two Spotify/Youtube links to some suggested listening before bed. It won't always be "classical" but it will always be worth a listen. Don't worry, I will choose music from the sublime to the ridiculous. Even if you don't have Twitter, you will be able to track it on our Twitter Feed on the left hand side of this blog. This is the perfect way for you to broaden your listening without making too much effort yourselves, and is aimed at everybody, young and old, not just music students.

If you miss any tweets, then using the hashtag #BeaumontBedtimeListening will bring up all our suggestions.

Year 12: Music Captain Applications

2011-07-04T20:46:00.001+01:00

Don't forget to complete your applications for Music Captain, whether you are doing A level Music or not! We are looking for students who will act as excellent role models for our upcoming young musicians in the department, in any capacity. Mr Guinane and I would like to see captains attached to our extra-curricular groups, getting involved in the running of sectionals etc. We would, however, like to hear your ideas too. You know what it's like to grow up in our Music Department and you may want to introduce new groups or suggest changes to the existing ones. Whatever your thoughts, we are prepared to listen and are really excited about working alongside you too.

So fill in that form, get it to Mr DeKort before the deadline (11th July) and make yourself stand out. For want of a better expression...GET INVOLVED!

BBC 2's Secrets of the Pop Song

2011-07-03T22:08:00.000+01:00

I was having a really wild Saturday night in when I came across this documentary on BBC 2: the first of a 3 part-series called Secrets of the Pop Song. In this first episode, Guy Chambers (song-writer of many popular songs, including Robbie Williams' Angels) and Rufus Wainwright collaborate and write a pop song in two days. The process is fascinating and the programme is worth watching. Click here to catch it on iPlayer for the next 6 days.

GCSE and A level students, this is essential viewing!

Here is the result of their collaboration:

Songs for a New World Cast List

2011-07-01T15:12:00.003+01:00

Thank you to everybody who auditioned for the Songs for a New World. The standard was very high indeed.

Below is a cast list. You will form an 16-strong ensemble and solo songs will be distributed to individuals before the end of term. Please can we have a meeting on Tuesday 12^th July 2011 at 12.50pm in Room 30 for about half an hour? Please let Miss Doan or Miss Shepherd know if you are unable to attend. For more information about the show, please click here.

Chris Allen
Emily Almond
Emma Doherty
Anna Fordham
Rosie Goymer
Belle Haswell
Amy Hazlehurst
Tulsi Khanna
Michael Loizou
Chloe Pattenden
Niamh Quinn
Anastasia Raymond
Nev Stojkov
Alex Wells
Ben Williams
Beth Wilson

Year 12/13: Film Music Clichés 30/06/2011

2011-06-30T11:55:00.002+01:00

Hello Year 12/13,

Here are the two websites containing film music clichés as discussed in the lesson.

I hope they are of some use.

Stephen Selby: Film Music Clichés

mfiles: Film Music Clichés

Thanks,

Mr. Guinane

4 Beaumont Singers make Cultural Olympiad Choir

2011-06-29T21:12:00.003+01:00

Congratulations to Emily Almond, Emma Doherty, Anna Fordham and Hannah Perryman who have gained places in the Youth Music Voices Ensemble, the youth choir who will perform during London 2012's Cultural Olympiad. Over 2000 students from 16-21 from all over the UK took part in workshops and auditions, and the panel have now narrowed down the applicants to a choir of only 120 students. This is a magnificent achievement for our students and we look forward to following their progress throughout this exciting project. Well done!

Year 9: Any questions?

2011-06-22T09:13:00.002+01:00

Here is an opportunity for you to post any questions you might have after our epic sessions on major and minor scales, triads, chords and cadences. You may do this from home and your username can either be anonymous (if you don't want people to know the question was from you) or I need to be able to identify you.

Please post appropriately- comments will not be approved if they are unrelated. Click here if you have a question and if you have the answer, feel free to post it for your peers too!

Concert Band: Slum Dog Millionaire

2011-06-22T08:57:00.000+01:00

Great rehearsal yesterday morning! Well done. Click here to listen to the arrangement of Slum Dog Millionaire.

Year 12 Harmony and Listening

2011-06-20T21:56:00.001+01:00

Click here for the playlist for the booklet of Bach Chorales.

Click here for the Baroque Counterpoint wider listening.

Enjoy!

Year 9 Sibelius Tips

2011-06-17T12:11:00.007+01:00

Hot off the press, here are your tips and questions from today's lesson with Mr Guinane. Please feel free to add more advice if you wish - it doesn't have to be year 9s. Please identify yourself clearly and post appropriately.

For the love of Beaumont Music Geeks

2011-06-17T10:45:00.005+01:00

There are so many reasons why we love working in the Beaumont Music Department. Of course there are the lessons, rehearsals and concerts, but there are so many lovely things that happen/silly things that are said outside of these times which contribute to our love of a Beaumont Music Geek.

After Big Band yesterday, three of our Year 11 boys (pretty obvious who) stayed afterwards to have a little jam on their ukuleles...after 40 minutes, this is the result. Piazzola would be really proud. Thank you, boys!

Ukulele Jam- Libertango (mp3)

Year 12 Homework: Thu 23/6/11

2011-06-16T14:05:00.002+01:00

Your task is just to listen (along with the score please) and familiarise yourself with the 1st movement of Mozart's Piano Sonata K333. Do listen to the other two movements as well. Click here for the Spotify playlist.

I can't find Morse on the case on Spotify (the piece to which Mr Guinane was referring in your lesson) so we will both have a look and get back to you.

Year 9 GCSE Music: 15/6/11(Nuts and Bolts: Scales, keys and chords)

2011-06-14T21:36:00.004+01:00

You will see that the Powerpoint below does not have much information on it but should be used as an aide memoire for the lesson and as a way of checking your own learning. Year 9, you will need to start checking the blog often as both Mr Guinane and I will be posting homework, listening resources via Spotify, as well as lesson resources too. We will also post other items of interest so please watch this space.

It's also nice to see some of you on Twitter. If you are a tweeter, follow us by clicking the button on the LH side of this blog.

In the meantime, here is the Powerpoint for 15/6/11:

Scales, keys and primary chords

View more presentations from hanhdoan.

Year 12/13 A2 Homework

2011-06-14T20:49:00.003+01:00

Just a reminder that you need to complete the cadences and passing 6/4s in the G minor chorale that we started in today's lesson. This is due in on Thursday.

Don't forget to check out our personal blogs too. You could probably start your wider listening with my Desert Island Discs (I have linked them to Spotify too, just for you). Mr Guinane's

For Miss Doan's tumblr For the Love of Tonal Functional Harmony, please click here (check out the passing 6/4 as my profile pic).

For Mr Guinane's tumblr Play Fewer Notes, please click here.

Year 12: Thurs 16th June

2011-06-14T20:33:00.001+01:00

Year 12,

Please bring your instruments on Thursday, I would like to do some playing.

If you see this, spread the word among the group.

Many thanks, see you Thursday.

Mr. Guinane

Opening number from Songs for a New World

2011-06-12T10:57:00.006+01:00

Now you've had a chance to digest the show, have a look at an amateur production of the opening number (your audition song). Needless to say that the direction will be different (better!), the number of singers will be different and women's and men's parts can be interchangeable. Download the words by clicking here.

Upper School Musical

2011-06-10T11:54:00.003+01:00

We are delighted to announce that we have obtained the performing rights for SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD.

The show will be performed on Thursday 20^th and Friday 21^st October 2011 (just before Half Term). Rehearsals will be intensive and definitely be on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. You may not be required to attend all of them, but you should be available for them.

We are looking 16-18 SINGERS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY (male and female) from Years 10-13 (September 2011).

Auditions will be held as following:

Wednesday 22^nd June (lunchtime): Year 9 (current)

Monday 27^th June (lunchtime): Year 10 (current)

Wednesday 29^th June (lunchtime): Year 12 (current)

Friday 1^st July (lunchtime): Year 11 (current)

A cast list will be published the Music and Drama blogs at 6pm on Friday 1^st July 2011.

The audition song is the opening number from Songs for a New World, called The New World. Click here to listen to the song. The words will be projected on a screen in the auditions but no music will be available for you.

The whole album can be found Spotify by clicking here.

Big Band ON Tomorrow

2011-06-08T17:23:00.001+01:00

Sorry guys, emails are down so I am unable to send this out...

Big Band is ON tomorrow, usual time, usual place.

Many thanks, see you there.

Mr. Guinan

No school Emails again

2011-06-08T13:29:00.002+01:00

If you have emailed us in the past 2-3 days, your email may not have been received. We are experiencing problems with receiving external emails and there is now a long queue of emails and it is hoping that we will sorted by tomorrow lunchtime, although it could still be a while before we receive any emails from you.

Apologies and we will respond as soon as we can.

If there are any urgent queries, please phone the school on 01727 854726 and ask for the Music Department. You can also tweet/DM us on Twitter.

Do you want to sing as part of London 2012's Cultural Olympiad?

2011-06-06T21:22:00.005+01:00

Youth Music Voices is a major new project providing those aged 16-21 (on January 1, 2012) with the opportunity to join in and celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games through singing.

120 young people from the broadest cultural mix across the UK are working together as the Youth Music Voices Ensemble – a youth vocal ensemble unlike any other in the UK. Click here to see more details about the project and to view some videos of previous projects.

Angie Gilby at the Herts Music Service has been asked to nominate singers to audition for this exciting opportunity, and she in turn, has asked me to consider who might like to apply for this. Some of you will be receiving an email about this tomorrow but I don't have everyone's email addresses. If you think you are interested, please email me on the Beaumont Music address by the end of the week.

The commitment is big - so please read the documents here which outlines them. The project summary can also be found here.

Instrumental Teachers: reports

2011-06-06T09:00:00.003+01:00

Click here for the link to your report template. Returns by hand or email (hopefully!) by Friday 8th July 2011 please.

Thank you.

Still no school emails

2011-06-06T08:52:00.004+01:00

The school email accounts are still down due to circumstances beyond our control. Apologies if you have emailed us and are waiting for a response. We will get back to you as soon as we're up and running again. In the meantime, please use Twitter to tweet us or send us a DM.

Miss Doan & Mr Guinane

Happy Birthday, Edward Elgar!

2011-06-02T16:26:00.004+01:00

To celebrate Elgar's Birthday today, have a listen to his Pomp and Circumstance no. 4 in G (I prefer this to the "Land of Hope and Glory" one (no.1 in D major).

If you have more time, I thoroughly recommend his gorgeous choral work, The Dream of Gerontius.

E-mails

2011-06-02T09:54:00.002+01:00

If you are trying to contact me or Mr Guinane or even the Beaumont Music account, please be aware that we are unable to access our emails at the moment. If it is urgent, please tweet/DM us on Twitter. Hope you are having a good half term!