September 2018 Music Thread

Romany oh yes just looked at overall results and a big drop. Any particular reason? Saying that it does seem Chets and Purcell results are both quite volatile compared to other schools. I suspect ability of each year can vary hugely given small number and % of overseas students sometimes with weaker English.

I think I meant starting rather than attracting there... autocorrect issues!

Patrick no real advice but I’m sure this is how most of the kids his age attracting at boarding school are feeling/reacting. It sounds like you’re managing everything really carefully and the school sounds great. I’m sure he’ll find his feet - it’s just going to take some time!

hello all.

Patrick, so sorry to hear about little Patrick, I'm sure he'll settle soon.
I think the schools are really good on the pastoral side, not home sickness but other problems saw the school step in straight away to find support for dd, when she needed it.

On the school side, I think they must all be different, I hear that Wells is the only school that have the emphasis on academic rather than music, although their music is excellent, I wouldn't consider it specialist music in the sense of the others. Dd school doesn't emphasise academics either, the balance is definitely in favour of music with a bit of academic thrown in. They usually do quite well in the tables though, although this year they went right down

Thanks for the suggestion, Taggie. Not sure if they have any space for parents as those who do 'school run' during weekdays are minority there. But there are plenty cafes around so I can probably pop in and spend some time there before setting off.

Patrick could you ask the school whether you could go somewhere for an hour or two and work on a laptop/phone after dropping DS off? DS2's choir/school make that provision for chorister parents and it makes a massive difference, not having to fight back home in the rush hour.

So glad he settled well this morning. He may have needed to 'test' that his mum could take him home whenever he needed to, especially as he is seeing many DCs who are not in that position.

Thanks, Loose and Green.

DS was happy to go back to school this morning and told me he would stay at school tonight. But then I stupidly forgot to give him the clothes for the rest of the week so I have to go back to drop them again later... He may say he will go home if he sees me. Will see. The driving is killing me though! Taking him to school is no problem but coming back to London is absolute nightmare...

DS told me about some of his brave friends who don't go back home for Christmas nor Easter and see their parents only once a year. Totally hat off to them for the determination and strength...

Fingers crossed miniPatrick will find it such a blip and after another night at home he will be ok tomorrow. It is a big move, fom primary straight to boarding. The school supports sound amazing too! @folk: sending you a message now, thanks do much

Patricks I'm impressed with the school - that's very reassuring for you and DS. Of course he misses you and I think just knowing he can come home will make him feel much happier whether or not he settles on boarding or commuting.
I like that he's miffed that his important music lessons are being interrupted by other inferior subjects. Looks like he's in the right school!

Thanks, cat and Taggie. The school is brilliant. They obviously handled this many times. They said I can attend their twice a week in-school events if it helps (so DS can see me!), and can take him home any night as needed. But we have to make sure the frequent journey wouldn't tire him. It's only 40 mins one way but he has such a long day... DH is thinking to move closer to school if DS decides to be a day student. Fortunately we can live anywhere for DH's job (I'll have a bit of effect but then my contribution to our finance is so little, ha ha).

for patrick and mini patrick. I’m sure he will settle soon once he is fully integrated into the school routine. But it is hard on you in the meantime. Lovely that the school is being so accommodating

Aw, it's a big change for him Patrick; and you're obviously very close, he's bound to miss you a little bit.

Floot, DS was surprised by the amount of academic work involved. So he realised his dream school is still 'school'!

He's started jd this Saturday and met his old friends there. He also had a lovely afternoon with another friend from primary school on Sunday. Then of course he had special mummy time (DH was away, shock horror!). I can imagine it made Monday return hard.

But I didn't get a call nor text at his lunch break (he has a looong break) so hopefully it's a good sign that he is feeling stronger now (fingers crossed!).

Aw, Patrick. It must be hard being a weekly boarder and perhaps feeling torn in two a bit.
If it's any consolation, DS is really happy at his ( day) school and was desperate to start there last year, but said after the first few weeks, " it's just school, though" - meaning, it's great, but it's still just lessons and homework to do. 🤣 When he was getting ready to start this term, he again said it would be fun for a couple of weeks, bring back with his friends, but then it would he same old, same old. Given the choice, I'm guessing most 11 and 12 year old boys would happily stay at home, seeing friends and doing whatever forever!
It's great you can pick him up and have him at home if needed, and that the school is supportive of that. I'm sure he'll adjust to the short weekends with you in time.

Thanks Trumpet.

So many people warned him it would be all about music all day every day that his expectation had probably been built upon it and mildly disappointed by the actual amount of time on music in his week.

Patrick. I'm sure he'll be fine in the end and will settle into his new routine and like you say it's good that he has that flexibility . So pleased he's enjoying all the music ( I knew he would )

ealing

Actually it's kind of expected isn't it? 2-3 weeks into it is about the time when the novelty of being away starts to wear off. To be honest I am relieved what I'm dealing with is homesickness rather than him being in a wrong place or with wrong people. Because we are in a lucky position where changing to a day is possible if needed, whereas changing school at this stage needs more complex procedure.

Aw, bless him Patrick: So young and yet so mature!

I think homesickness has started. DS said he would like to stay at home one more night, suggesting he would miss Monday and return to school on Tuesday. I needed to make sure if it was pure homesickness or something else so had a good chat with him last night and early this morning.

My first thoughts were music being too much or friendship, but he said he was happy with everything other than wanting to spend more time at home (or with me, basically). In fact, only complaint about the school would be less music than he wished. 'It's not enough', he said. I suppose there would be no school where he could get more music than where he is so at least he is in a right place for that aspect.

In the end we decided he would come home tonight, or any night whenever he wants to come home. He didn't say he would want to stop boarding so he probably wants to see how he'll change over the next few weeks/months. Thankfully the school was very understanding and we live close enough to have the flexibility (40 mins one way).

I was feeling very sad that he had changed so much for such a short period of time and felt he'd grown up too quickly. But now my heart is aching for the totally opposite reason! The joy and heartache of raising a child...

BettertoChange,
Putney has a not so great grand piano. I remember someone was also complaining the one in Barnes too...

I think listing what needs to be practised is a really good way of making sure practice is focused and not just playing through pieces.
I've just ordered a new cello scales book for DS2 but to be brutally honest he needs to go back and sort out some of the earlier ones. Maybe an old scale and a new one per practice session!
DS1 has sent me a photo of his new A level timetable with lots of music lessons on it. He's going to be very busy!

DS's piano teacher wants him to play on a grand piano for his exam. I wonder if anyone knows the following centres have grand piano or not, Barnes(X362), Putney(X400), Ealing(X141). Many thanks!

Thanks so much Folk, I will copy your notes idea too!xx

raspberry lovely to meet you too! DD really enjoyed the day, they all did so well and the concert was great, we’ll definitely try to go to some more events