PETERBOROUGH AREA ACADEMY
NEWSLETTER
AUTUMN TERM 2010
Dear all,
Welcome back to the new autumn term. I hope you have all enjoyed a lovely summer break.
As you are all aware, there was some uncertainty over the future of our centre at the end of last term. I am delighted that we are able to continue this year, and even have the opportunity to include some groups we were not able to run last year. It is excellent news that attending the academy is now free for ALL Peterborough students.
STAFF
At the end of last term we said goodbye to Karen How. She has gone back to studying, and we wish her well. We have a number of additional staff joining us this year. We welcome back Rachel Hanks, who will take the Junior Brass Band, and Satwinder Suali Singh, who will take the Indian Drumming session. We also welcome two new members of staff this year: Mark Harding, who will take the Guitar Ensemble, and Steve Beeston who will take the Choir and Woodwind lessons. You will be familiar with the rest of the team I am sure, Alex Moore, Neil Browne, Stan Hansel, Paul Purcell, Tim Palmer and Jan Wyndham-Hall.
Tim Palmer will be on tour until the beginning of October, and until then Steve Beeston will kindly be looking after the Percussion Ensemble for us.
ENSEMBLES
As I have already mentioned, we have one or two new groups this year also: Indian Drumming, Junior Brass Band, Guitar Ensemble and a Choir. We also have the space to run a Keyboard Ensemble. As you can see it is quite a change, and I am very pleased that we are now able to offer our students such an exciting array of groups and sessions to choose from.
The structure this year is as follows:
16.30-17.25
Starter/Junior Strings, Keyboard Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Indian Drumming, Junior Brass Band.
17.00-18.00
Junior Concert Band.
17.30-18.25
Guitar Ensemble, Choir, Senior Concert Band, Junior Orchestra.
18.30-19.30
Youth Orchestra
PARENTS COMMITTEE
Our parents committee do a wonderful job, and we would not be able to operate without them. We need as many pairs of hands as possible to help out at concerts and event – if you are interested please see me or Sue Goodale. It would be especially helpful if one or two parents would be able to help while centre is operating on a Wednesday evening. I know some of you often wait around for your children, and if any of you feel like getting more involved, we would be delighted. Meetings are only a few times a year and will involve being an extra pair of hands on concert days. The more volunteers we have, the lighter the duties will be!
STUDENT SAFETY
As we now have a large array of ensembles, students will be entering and exiting the site at different times, so please ensure you are able to pick up your child as promptly as possible. All students should be picked up from the foyer at the front of the building. Please do not ask your child to wait in the car park now the nights are drawing in. If for any reason you are delayed, please use my Cambridgeshire Music mobile number to let me know on 07826 905216.
FIRE REGULATIONS
In case the fire alarm sounds whilst we are at the Academy your rehearsal leader will take the group out onto the Astroturf where the register will be taken. We will re-enter the building when we are given the all clear. The emergency telephone number on site is my Cambridgeshire Music mobile number 07826 905216.
OPEN EVENING
We will be holding an open evening this term, giving parents, teacher and friends to opportunity to come along and see what we do on a Wednesday evening. It will be the 6th October, and everyone is welcome to come along to the rehearsals- please bring as many family members/friends along as you can.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Although we are some weeks away still, it will no doubt arrive very quickly, and our Christmas concert this year will be Wednesday December 1st. We will start the concert at 6.30, so as not to finish too late mid-week. Further details of this will follow by letter nearer the time.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
AUTUMN TERM 2010
September 15, 22, 29
October 6*, 13, 20 (*open evening)
November 3, 10 17, 24
December 1* (*Christmas concert)
SPRING TERM 2011
January 12, 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16
March 2, 9, 16*, 23, 30 (*Bob Burke awards night)
SUMMER TERM 2011
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 8, 15, 22, 29
Best wishes,
Hannah Caller
07826 905216