Recently, we have welcomed visitors to the school. The first was musical ensemble Back Chat Brass, closely followed by Emma and Andrew, who led us in some fencing taster sessions.

Where there’s brass there’s music…

Each year Sounds Waves South West organises professional workshops for schools in this part of the country. The groups introduce pupils to a wide range of music of different cultures and genres. Over the years, we have been entertained and inspired by string, woodwind and brass ensembles, and percussionists skilled in the playing of steel drums.

Members of the ensemble – Emma, James, Matthew and Tom – are passionate about Back Chat Brass bringing music to people of any age, especially those who might not have access to live music. As they declared, they weren’t born brass-instrument-playing professionals: they had the benefit of access to music in its many forms as well as inspiring teachers. They demonstrated that they had learnt their lessons well, being entertaining, engaging and enthusiastic musicians. 

Sound Waves is very grateful to the D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust for its substantial contribution towards the workshops.

En garde!

We have many opportunities to sample and take part in various sporting activities, many of which are arranged by our friends at Budehaven School. However, our most recent experience of ‘having a go’ was, for us, a first: fencing.

We were delighted to receive a visit from Becky and Andrew, who gave some instruction in the basics of sword fencing. By the end of the sessions, we were becoming familiar with the lunge, parry and riposte.

All for one and one for all. Slightly more difficult, perhaps, when there are over eighty chivalrous musketeers?