Felsted School’s Year 9 and 10 Steel Band had the pleasure of visiting Bocking Primary School to share their musical talents with the children. The day was filled with vibrant music and interactive learning as the band conducted workshops for Year 5 and 6 pupils, introducing them to traditional Caribbean songs.
The Felsted Steel Band’s visit was more than just a performance; it was an opportunity to immerse Bocking pupils in the rich musical heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. This unique cultural exchange allowed Felsted students to demonstrate their musical prowess while fostering a sense of community and shared joy. Throughout the workshops, Felsted pupils showcased exceptional leadership, guiding the younger students with patience and kindness.
In the afternoon, Felsted Steel Band performed for the entire school, filling the halls with the lively sounds of steel drums. The performance was a collaborative effort, with Bocking pupils encouraged to join in, creating an inclusive, hands-on learning experience for all involved.
Lauren Freeman, School Music Lead at Bocking Primary School expressed her gratitude and noted the lasting impact of the visit, commenting; “The children felt inspired, spoke fondly of the day and were able to talk about the notes they played. What a fantastic experience. The Felsted students were incredible, very encouraging and patient – a real credit to the school.”
Rachel Clarke, Assistant Director of Music at Felsted commented; “We are incredibly proud of our Steel Band for their dedication and the positive impression they left on the Bocking community. This visit not only showcased the musical talents of our pupils but also highlighted their capacity for leadership and empathy. We look forward to many more opportunities to share our love for music with the wider community”.
Music is a strong discipline at Felsted School, with opportunities for musicians at all levels, starting with every pupil playing an instrument from the youngest years. Felsted currently holds a partnership with Junior Guildhall, allowing talented musicians an integrated programme with the Felsted Music Department.
‘Providing our students with a genuinely rounded education is so important, and the performing arts are integral to this,” said Chris Townsend, Head of Felsted. “We are fully committed to offering students the chance to develop their musical talents and interests, encouraging them to contribute to cultural life as adults. Having confident performers willing to share their skills with the community is an excellent way to inspire others to engage in music’.
Felsted School recently won Boarding School of the Year 2023 at the TES Schools Awards in June and in March 2024 was appointed by IB-Schools.com as ‘A Top 20 UK IB School for 2023’ for excellence in academic achievement. To learn more about music at Felsted, visit: www.Felsted.org/music.
Categories: Felsted School School News
