As part of Hallfield School’s five-year development plan, they have officially unveiled their new dedicated Music Department at Hallfield.
Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire officially cut the ribbon and gave a thought-provoking speech; that music was a birthright and absolutely a sustainable career for children to pursue.
Over 50 members of the Hallfield community gathered to enjoy drinks, canapés (crafted by their in-house catering company, Holroyd Howe) and a 20-minute concert from three of our Hallfield pupils along with specially invited guests including Kieran Vas (an Old Hallfieldian), Juliet Barwell, Jiaxin Cheng and Di Xiao.
Mr Keith Morrow, Head Master of Hallfield School said: “This building, being one of the first projects to be completed at the start of our five-year strategy, demonstrates the commitment Hallfield School is making to develop and enhance musical opportunities for all of the pupils at Hallfield. Through the appointments of our inspirational Director of Music, Mr Pip Jopling and our Music Teacher, Mrs Rosie Edgar, and our large staff of dedicated instrument teachers, we are at the beginning of a journey at Hallfield to ensure our children develop a love of music and the skills and talents to reach their potential as musicians.”
Mr Pip Jopling, Director of Music, said: “I believe that all children should be seen as musicians: Afterall, it is now well accepted that involvement with music-making helps children with their coordination, it helps brain development and develops social skills and team-working skills. We, therefore, ensure that our department is an inclusive space and every child from the age of three receives a 40-minute lesson once a week. Every child has the opportunity to be a part of a musical ensemble from the age of five and every child has the opportunity to learn to play an orchestral instrument from the age of seven.”
Throughout the school week, the Music Department is a busy hub of activity. Pupils access their suite of practice rooms for individual or small-group instrumental/vocal lessons with a specialist teacher. Pupils also access their two music classrooms for class lessons, ensemble rehearsals and informal concerts. An after-school music technology club also takes place in the department’s Music Technology Studio three times a week.
