On Thursday 26^th June, four talented Year 10 students — Izzy, Olivia, Emily and Georgia — took to the stage at Chew’s Yard in Preston to perform as part of the annual Jopson Music Academy Concert. The girls delivered an electrifying drumming performance that wowed the audience and showcased their dedication and musical passion.

Performing at Chew’s Yard — one of Preston’s most creative and lively venues — the concert brought together students from across the academy in a celebration of musical talent and dedication. Among the many highlights, Izzy, Olivia, Emily and Georgia’s drumming stood out for its energy and precision.

Their performance was the result of weeks of hard work and rehearsals, demonstrating not only their individual skills but their support and encouragement of each other. 

Music teacher and Jopson Academy coordinator, Mr. Jopson, praised the group, saying: “The girls were fantastic — confident, powerful and clearly enjoying themselves. They’ve worked incredibly hard and it showed in every beat.”

Congratulations to Izzy, Olivia, Emily and Georgia for representing the school with such enthusiasm and talent. We look forward to seeing what you’ll do next!

Mrs Cattanach, Curriculum Leader for Music

This term, Year 8 students have been exploring the incredible impact of music therapy—and how music can be used to support people’s mental health and wellbeing. Through their lessons, they’ve gained insight into the role of the music therapist and even considered it as a possible future career.

Students began by researching what a music therapist does, including how they work with people living with conditions such as dementia or anxiety. They created informative and thoughtful leaflets explaining how music can unlock memories, reduce agitation, and improve communication for those with dementia. Many students were amazed to learn how deeply music can connect with our brains, even when other forms of communication have become difficult.

As a creative extension of their learning, each student worked independently to compose their own piece of relaxing music. Using music software sibelius students wrote a piece of music for the piano using block and broken chords carefully crafting both melody and accompaniment to create calming tracks designed to reduce stress and promote mindfulness. Their final compositions were both peaceful and soothing.

By combining research, creativity, and empathy, Year 8 have not only developed their musical skills, but also gained a deeper appreciation of how music can be used to make a difference in people’s lives. Well done, Y8. 

Mrs Cattanach, Curriculum Leader for Music

In a creative blend of music, science, and sustainability, our talented Year 7 students have turned everyday household items into functional—and surprisingly tuneful—musical instruments! As part of their homework this term, students were challenged to design and build their own instruments using only recycled or reused materials.

From cereal-box guitars and bottle maracas to straw panpipes and miscellaneous drum kits, the variety and inventiveness on display were nothing short of inspiring. 

To celebrate their hard work,  each student performed using their homemade instruments. The results were fantastic!

A big congratulations to all of our budding musicians and eco-engineers. Your creativity proves that music really can be made from anything—even yesterday’s rubbish!

Our favourites were as follows: 

Mrs Hall’s favourite: Eidee B (7Y)

Mr Ramsdale’s favourite: Freya F (7J)

Mr Ward’s favourite: Grace C (7P)

Mrs Woodhouse’s favourite: Abigail S (7J)

Miss Barnes’ favourite: Harper E-W (7Y)

Mr Herbert’s favourite: Gracie E (7G)

Mrs Honeyman’s favourite: Elizabeth B (7H)

Mrs Sweeney’s favourite: Anna W (7Y) 

Mrs Little’s favourite: Nicole R (7J)

Mrs Cattanach’s favourite: Hazel L (7P) 

The Music Department are always keen to hear of the success of former students and were delighted this week to receive an email from Louisa who was a student with us from 2008 – 2013. 

Louisa will be joining Opera National du Rhin, Strasbourg for their 2025/2026 season.

Louisa will make several role debuts, including the title role of a new production of Poulenc’s Les Mamelles de Tiresias.  She will also appear as the Sandman and Dew Fairy in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretal over the Christmas period and will make her musical theatre debut as Young Heidi in Sondheim’s Follies. In this, she will be performing along side Dame Felicity Lott.

In addition, Louisa will also be working with Opera National de Nancy-Lorraine, singing Olympia in Carrousel, a new children’s opera inspired by the works of Offenbach.

This is a very exciting time for Louisa and is a culmination of her hard work and determination. Many congratulations, Louisa! We are so proud of you! 

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher

On the last day of half term, we had some fantastic performances from students for our final Open Mic for Year 11. There was a really lovely atmosphere in the Quad, the sun was shining and everyone was singing. Special mention to Olivia T (Year 11) who sang the aptly titled ‘Nice to Meet You’, whilst Sophie S (Year 11) sang ‘I’ll be Somewhere’ and Rosie Y and Ruby W (Year 11) sang ‘Thank you for the Music’. We wish all our Year 11 performers well for the rest of their exams and thank them for their musical contributions to the Open Mic sessions throughout their time with us; they have brought such joy to many throughout their performances in both the sunshine and the cold and I am sure everyone will look back on these with many fond memories. Well done to everyone who took part; you were all fabulous! 

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for Music