Last November the 8th, we had the presentation ceremony for the Music21 diplomas in collaboration with ABRSM and Rockschool.
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, is an examination board for the evaluation of music levels, created in the UK in 1889, for private music schools.
The Rockschool level is an indication of musical ability. Each category is fully accredited by the British regulatory body with marks recognised by UCAS for grades 6, 7 and 8.
Both Spanish and British national anthems opened the ceremony. These were interpreted by a selection of Orchestra students from KS3, 4 & 5, directed by Elisabet Rosales. After the welcome speech from Mr. Eric Peters, Music and Performance Leader, Mr Marek Dabrowski, the new Music21 coordinator, paid tribute to the many teachers and especially the students, for the effort and dedication which they show on a daily basis as part of their musical training. We subsequently moved onto the presentation of diplomas by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. These included prizes for piano, practical musicianship & music theory, violin, cello, flute and saxophone, trombone and saxhorn.
Our students were very proud and excited to pick up their diplomas as part of a ceremony which, of course, also included live music. We were able to enjoy F. Chopin's “Nocturne in E minor”, published posthumously and interpreted by the student with the highest Grade 8 mark.
After another piano interpretation by the student with the highest mark from the British Council School who played “Gachou no Koushin” (March of the Geese) from B. Kaneda, we moved onto the handing out of the Rockschool diplomas for drums and electric guitar. The interpretation on electric guitar of “Piece101” from the Rockschool recording, by the student with the highest Rockschool mark gave way to Ms. Gillian Flaxman, the Headmistress at the British Council School who gave thanks and closed the ceremony.
This was an event to match the talent of our young musicians who walked away with both their diplomas as well as energetic applause from the audience. Bravo to them all!