July Newsletter - End of Year News

Dear students,

Thank you all for another wonderful Year at Rockschools.

I saw such improvements from all bands and all ages at both the Christmas and Easter Concerts, which culminated in the fantastic performances from everyone at The Stables Concert last week.

Several bands have been playing at public venues this term too. At Midsummer Music in Towcester twelve of our bands played on the Friday evening, well supported by a large audience, in the Town Hall. Prestige were chosen to play in the finals of the National Festival of Music for Youth at the Carling Academy 2 in Birmingham. Jess & the Sporkettes, the Banbury Bandits, Samsara and, again, Prestige were invited to play at the National Rock and Pop Festival which was held over three days at the N.E.C. This was an opportunity for school bands to play in a really professional environment. All our bands involved were awesome so thank you to them and to all the supporters who travelled to Birmingham with them.

Looking around the school on the last day of term and listening to the music played at The Stables I am convinced that we currently have at least ten bands that are of a standard high enough to perform at the Rock and Pop Festival and deserved to be there. We cannot take all the bands but it will be my goal for next year to give even more bands this opportunity. For next year I am also planning a series of workshops/master classes for our students with professional musicians. More details will appear in future newsletters and on the website.

We have recently suffered a large increase in charges from the schools that are kind enough to allow us to use their classrooms. This would really require an increase in fees; however, I am determined to keep the fees at the same level next year. I shall try to obtain some sponsorship to cover these increases but if not I shall pay them myself.

Registration for next year will be on 6th September. This will be included in the family day which we have previously held at the end of the Summer Term but will now mark the start of the new Rockschools year. I hope we will be able to play outside in the field but if the weather is not suitable for this we will play inside. All bands will be able to play if they wish. This will provide an opportunity for everyone to have a great time getting together again after the summer holidays.

Full details will appear on the website www.rockschools.co.uk and by email. Please make sure we have you current email address, do send any updates to rosmiles@rockschools.co.uk.

Thank you to the Parents and Friends Association for all their help and support throughout the year. The AGM will be on 27th September so come and give your support to the PFA and find out what you can do to help Rockschools.

Thank you to Ros Miles and all the student staff who selflessly give their time to help at Rockschools.

Have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you all on 6th September.

David Taylor
Rockschools