…to those of you who will be performing in Mary Poppins Jr!
And well done to everyone who took part.
Open Morning is next Saturday!
If you are a music leader, please see Miss W to find out where you need be, when and what to wear. We always get to hear such lovely comments about the students in CGD on Open Morning so thank you in advance!
The BYMT Rotary Trotman Instrumentalist and Advanced Singer Competitions return to BYMT in January. Invitations to audition for the final are now open. Visit https://t.co/SXzPMvuRMJ for more information & eligibility . pic.twitter.com/iKUlXcBkEw
Tickets now on sale for BYMT Musical Theatres production of ANASTASIA! https://t.co/3EkN6M0xWi Featuring a 20-piece orchestra & presented by a West End creative team, this BYMT Musical Theatre production promises a magical theatre experience for all ages. pic.twitter.com/TVgqPHdGmT
Alison Balsom OBE (born 7 October 1978) is a retired English trumpet soloist. She is an arranger, producer, and music educator. Balsom was awarded Artist of the Year at the 2013 Gramophone Awards and has won three Classic BRIT Awards and three German Echo Awards, and was a soloist at the BBC Last Night of the Proms in 2009 and finally in 2025. She was the artistic director of the 2019 Cheltenham Music Festival.
The next MusicFest is in November so you need to get planning, collaborating and practising!
MusicFests are informal concerts where students from any year group can perform pieces of their own choice to a friendly and supportive audience. We always have a huge range of music, from students’ very first public performance to students who are already hugely experienced musicians. We have all styles of music from classical to rock to musical theatre and students’ own compositions. There are solos, duets and groups. One of the loveliest thngs about these events is when students from different year groups work on something together. MusicFests are always a much loved event on the Hayes Music calendar.
Here is the video from a recent MusicFest so you can get a flavour of what it’s like:
Hamilton fans
Take a look in the pit at Hamilton on Broadway in New York:
Anaya, Katia, Charlie, Liliana, Henry, James, Elinor, Dolly, Elliot, Bibi and Yasmine – year 11
Isabella and Jeanne – year 10
Dulcie, Alden, Elsie, River, Toby, BMB, Helena, Ella, Jess, Anya and Daria – year 9
Natalie – year 8
Callum – year 7
Please see Miss W for your badge and what she needs you to do this half-term. Please also put Saturday 4th October in your diaries as we’ll need you to be in the music department at Open Morning. If you are no longer a music leader but still have a badge, please return it to the music office.
Reminder: Sweeney Todd trip deadline
The email regarding the Sweeney Todd trip was sent out last week. Please let me know if your parents/carers haven’t received it.
The deadline for signing up and paying for this trip is this Sunday 14th September.
Breaktime concert next Tuesday!
NYO Inspire 2026 is a free musical adventure for teenage musicians who are ready to go further.
It’s a massive orchestral music community where teenage musicians get to play incredible music with other young musicians and accelerate through world-class tutoring.
What does a year in NYO Inspire look like?
Everyone’s NYO Inspire experience is different. Musicians grow through opportunities that match where they’re at on their musical journey.
Who can apply?
13-18 year-olds playing orchestral instruments at Grade 6-8+, no need for any official grades.
It’s primarily for teenage musicians who go to state school, who are looking for more opportunities to grow. Full eligibility available on our website.
It’s completely free! Travel bursaries also available.
William (Billy) Martin Joel (born 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Nicknamed the “Piano Man” after his signature 1973 song of the same name, Joel has had a successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s. From 1971 to 1993, he released 12 studio albums spanning the genres of pop and rock, and in 2001 released a one-off studio album of classical compositions. With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Joel is one of the world’s best-selling music artists and is the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
Music rehearsals will start in the week beginning Monday 8th September – see you there
Whole school show
Watch this space!
Important dates:
Please make a note of all these dates, and make sure they are added to your family calendar too.
Trips!
In this dark, thrilling tale of vengeance set in 19th-century London, the story follows Sweeney Todd, a barber unjustly exiled, who returns to seek revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life. Through the fortunate partnership with Mrs. Lovett, the owner of a failing pie shop, Todd’s murderous spree leads to a macabre success when human flesh becomes the secret ingredient in her pies. This Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim combines chilling music, gripping drama, and dark humor, which has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense themes and unforgettable performances. A True Musical Masterpiece!
In this production, one of the lead characters, Mrs Lovett will be played by our very own Director of Music, Miss Werry!
The email regarding the Sweeney Todd trip will be sent out shortly. Please let me know if your parents/carers haven’t received it.
Sign up and pay by the 14th September.
Breaktime Concert next Tuesday
Would you like to be a Music Leader in 2025-2026?
Would you like to be a Music Leader next year? Music Leaders need to be totally committed to supporting the department and spreading the music love. Your jobs will involve helping recruit year 7s to our clubs, helping at school events (e.g. open days), assisting with music trips, helping to keep the music resources tidy and so on.
If you would like to be considered for the role of a Music Leader you will need to complete this quick form. To be eligible, you will need to be a member of at least two music clubs. We are looking for people who are committed and tuned in. By that, we mean people who come to rehearsals really regularly, check the blog, answer their emails and generally know what’s going on. All year groups welcome.
Existing Music Leaders will need to complete the form too.
Deadline for submission is 5pm on Monday 8th September.
** MEETING CANCELLED** All current music leaders – please see me in my room at the start of lunch on Wednesday 10th September for 5 mins to discuss something I need you to do. Thank you.
Congratulations to our GCSE and A Level classes for your music/music tech exam results.
Summer Concert video
Summer news
We would love to hear about the musical things you did over the summer break. Please send me a quick email to tell me all about it so I can include it on the next blog.
Thank you. From Mrs Foster
Congratulations to Emma for being part of the NYO’s fantastic performance at this year’s BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in August. Another incredible experience!
BYMT news
TRY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DAY : SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER, 10.00am-1.00pm. BYMT will be opening its doors to welcome families with children in school years 3-8. This is your chance to come along, try the instruments, talk to the teachers and make some noise! https://t.co/Jvf7rH6w4Spic.twitter.com/xBOPe1Gge1
Year 7 Concert – Thursday 9th October 6pm (AC classes), 7.30pm (BC classes)
All year 7 students will be involved in this event. Your music teacher will tell you all about this in your music lessons over the next couple of weeks.
Which colours are you aiming to get this school year?
The delivery of music colours has arrived so please see Miss W if you are due one from last year.
Thank you to all of HUB who performed at the Connections Café today. You were fab 🙂
Wicked trip – Tuesday 22nd July evening
Please see Satchel One for details about when/where to meet, what to bring/wear etc.
Would you like to be a Music Leader in 2025-2026?
Would you like to be a Music Leader next year? Music Leaders need to be totally committed to supporting the department and spreading the music love. Your jobs will involve helping recruit year 7s to our clubs, helping at school events (e.g. open days), assisting with music trips, helping to keep the music resources tidy and so on.
If you would like to be considered for the role of a Music Leader you will need to complete this quick form. To be eligible, you will need to be a member of at least two music clubs. We are looking for people who are committed and tuned in. By that, we mean people who come to rehearsals really regularly, check the blog, answer their emails and generally know what’s going on. All year groups welcome.
Existing Music Leaders will need to complete the form too.
Deadline for submission is now 5pm on Monday 8th September.
Have a go at composing your own music this summer
There are lots of resources here to help you get started:
Top 15 music locations in Londonto visit over the summer
Would you like to be a Music Leader next year? Music Leaders need to be totally committed to supporting the department and spreading the music love. Your jobs will involve helping recruit year 7s to our clubs, helping at school events (e.g. open days), assisting with music trips, helping to keep the music resources tidy and so on.
If you would like to be considered for the role of a Music Leader you will need to complete this quick form. To be eligible, you will need to be a member of at least two music clubs. We are looking for people who are committed and tuned in. By that, we mean people who come to rehearsals really regularly, check the blog, answer their emails and generally know what’s going on. All year groups welcome.
Existing Music Leaders will need to complete the form too.
Deadline for submission is 5pm on Monday 21st July.
Wicked trip
There will be a trip meeting for everyone going on the Wicked trip in my room (CGG) at 1:20 (during lunch) on Thursday 17th July.
Thank you also to those of you who helped set up and pack away. It is very much appreciated.
Photos/videos coming soon
Next up …
Emma in year 12 is performing at this concert and would love to see you there in the audience.
Wicked trip
There will be a trip meeting for everyone going on the Wicked trip in my room (CGG) at 1:20 (during lunch) on Thursday 17th July.
BYMT news
The BYMT Garden Party is tomorrow
Spaces are booking fast for the BYMT Musical Theatre Summer School, 18-22 August. For all aged 8-18 years. No experience required – just a passion for Musical Theatre! Register now to avoid disappointment! https://t.co/p9mboPycSMpic.twitter.com/io6a4qJMI3
Rehearsal schedule for the concert day (Wednesday 2nd July):
Please make a note of when you are needed and make sure you have your instrument/music in school with you on that day.
Your teachers will know why you are absent from lessons that day, but it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and catch up.
Usual lunch rehearsals will take place up until the concert.
Here are some things you need to know about the concert itself:
The concert is at 6.30pm in the Hall. It should be finished around 9pm.
You need to wear all black (including footwear). Not blue, not brown, not patterned, and no big logos.
Tickets are £5 on the door for adults or pay via ParentPay. Under 18s and senior citizens are free.
The music classrooms will be available for coats, instrument cases etc. Please arrive in enough time to warm up and get organised.
Any questions, please ask.
When the concert is in progress, you must not hang out in the classrooms or corridors. You need to be at the back of the Hall being a supportive, considerate, appreciative member of the audience who shows awareness of performance etiquette which includes not moving around or talking.
Emma in year 12 is performing at this concert and would love to see you there in the audience.
Jazz Concert
BYMT news
Spaces are booking fast for the BYMT Musical Theatre Summer School, 18-22 August. For all aged 8-18 years. No experience required – just a passion for Musical Theatre! Register now to avoid disappointment! https://t.co/p9mboPycSMpic.twitter.com/io6a4qJMI3
Anna Ruth Ella Lapwood MBE (born 28 July 1995) is a British organist, choir director and television and radio presenter, whose recordings have reached a wide audience on social media since she was appointed as an associate artist at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2022. Find out more here and here
Thank you to the members of choir who performed at the Hayes Fair last Sunday. This is what one person had to say about you and your performance:
I would like to reach out to say how wonderful I thought your choir were at the Hayes Fair on Sunday 08.06.25. It was great that you have such a mixture of age groups who were all very clearly enjoying themselves. I chatted to some of them afterwards – they are lovely young people.
Hayes Music blog 