Performing Arts & Music
Pupil engagement in Performing Arts spreads joy!
First and foremost Brackenfield School is thoroughly committed to the Performing Arts because of the joy it brings to its pupils. Engagement with the Performing Arts is woven into the fabric of our school. The pupils' appetite for involvement is endless, whether a lead role in a production, a choir member or supporting behind the scenes.
Moonleaf productions
Special mention must go to the dynamic duo that have ignited such a deep rooted love of performance and music in their pupils. Ms Helen Leaf, Director of Music and Mrs Emilie Moon, Head of Infants and Year 2 teacher combine to create MoonLeaf productions, unique to Brackenfield School. Ms Leaf and Mrs Moon produce, write and direct a jam packed schedule of productions and music as well as leading the infant, junior and Brackenfield community choirs.
In addition to MoonLeaf productions, bespoke to Brackenfield's pupils, Ms Leaf writes songs for the Brackenfield pupils to perform. The subjects of these songs have contacted Brackenfield directly to express their heartfelt appreciation. Luminaries such as Sir David Attenbrough, Dame Julie Andrews even Hollywood blockbuster film writers have recognised the quality of Brackenfield's Performing Arts provision.
Infant and Junior Choirs
Participation in the Brackenfield Choirs is not only incredibly popular but also connects our pupils to the community in which they live. The choirs regularly "pop up" on the streets of Harrogate cheering the audiences with their rousing performances. Residents in care homes local to Brackenfield delight in the regular visits that the school's pupils' make. The atmosphere on these occasions proves the power of music to transcend the generations and unify.
Community Choirs
Involvement with Brackenfield's Performing Arts provision need not end when pupils leave the school. Recently Ms Leaf and Mrs Moon set up a community choir for anyone connected with Brackenfield be it alumni, neighbours or supporters of the school. The age range is from 12-nearly 90 and the choir meets monthly.
Musical Instruments
Alongside the plays, performances and music, children at Brackenfield learn instruments, Year 2 enjoy weekly Djembe drum lessons and Year 5’s band were very recently runners up in an ISA competition. Children enjoy lessons in a huge range of instruments from peripatetic teachers, singing lessons and in Speech & Drama.
The Performing Arts lends a uniquely wonderful aspect to Brackenfield Life. Providing a an antidote to the more negative aspects of the digital world in which we live, the Performing Arts continue to be cherished and valued in our school!