Mr Julian Smith, a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent 2009, attended a virtual music class to help pupils explore the theme of ‘instrument families’

During a virtual music lesson, Mrs Hayward was joined by a special guest for her Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 lessons. Mr Julian Smith, a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent 2009, attended the virtual class to help pupils explore the theme of ‘instrument families’ by introducing them to the saxophone family of instruments. Pupils were fascinated by the difference in pitch and tone from each instrument. Mr Smith said, “As a professional musician, who has been affected greatly by the pandemic, I had the idea while at home. I have a number of spare saxophones lying around and not being used, so I thought that it would be nice to offer my services as an instructor to interest pupils at my daughters’ school, Heathfield Knoll. I also thought that an educational but fun Zoom meeting, where I performed on all saxophones, might encourage them to give it a try.” Mr Smith went on to say, “Having a musical skill can stay with you for life if you keep practising, and can be a hobby for fun or become a profession. Starting at around 10 years old is a perfect age to begin.’ At Heathfield Knoll, over 30% of pupils have extra tuition for voice or musical instruments. Normally pupils would be able to explore different instruments in an assembly with our talented team of peripatetic teachers demonstrating their instruments. Due to COVID restrictions, this was unable to happen this year. Mrs Hayward thought creatively and invited staff to showcase their instruments with pupils during a series of Zoom lessons. Mrs Hayward commented, “Learning a musical instrument is a highly beneficial and satisfying hobby. Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 were introduced to the woodwind family by our brilliant flute teacher, Miss Foster and by guest professional saxophonist, Julian Smith. Mr Smith has an affiliation with the school and kindly offered his time to demonstrate the saxophone family to our pupils as well offering the loan of his spare instruments to any wishing to begin learning the saxophone. All our teachers and Mr Smith delivered fantastic sessions that the pupils enjoyed very much.” To view Mr Smith’s lessons please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoOD3kBTmi4

8th April 2021

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