Sound Bytes: Celebrating World Music Day Through the Power of Performance

World Music Day, also known as International Music Day, is celebrated on 21st June each year. It is a global event that honours the power of music as a universal language and celebrates musicians, performers, and composers from all backgrounds and genres.

At school, we marked the occasion on Friday 19th June with our regular Sound Bytes Session. Students performed live for an enthusiastic audience of peers and staff, showcasing a range of musical talents. The atmosphere was full of energy, support and joy.

Our performers included:

Zohid Muhammed 9N - “Spring” (Antonio Vivaldi) - Guitar

Hannah Lane 9H - “Surfer Ticket” (A Certain Ratio) - Drum solo

Inaya Basu Roy 9H - “I don’t wanna be you (Billy Eilish) - Voice

Y9.5 BTEC Band - “Stitches” - Band

Amanda Ashwin 10N -”Couple Minutes” (Olivia Dean) - Voice

Safiye Rateb & Mina Muhisi 10 - “Until I found You” (Stephen Sanchez, Em Beihold)

The performances highlighted the creativity and confidence of our students, and we encourage them to continue exploring music as both an enjoyable activity and a way to support mental wellbeing.

Research shows that playing and listening to music can boost brain function and improve mood. For more on this, check out this TED Talk on the benefits of music for the brain here.

Ways to celebrate music beyond this event include:

● Sharing favourite songs/ playlists with friends and family

● Enjoying some light hearted karaoke sessions with your friends and family

● Dusting up those scales and notes and playing music together.

● Making some music - your voice and your body are fantastic instruments that you can use to do this.

We look forward to more music events and performances! Viva la Musica!

Grace Nangabo (Dip ABRSM)

Head of Music

Yesterday, the blue-shaded outdoor area came alive with rhythm, melody, and a shared love of music as students gathered for Sound Bytes, a special World Music Day edition celebrating the vibrant musical talent within our school community.

Featuring performances from students across the Music Studio programme, including enthusiastic Year 9 musicians, the event showcased an impressive range of talents. From soulful vocals and expressive piano pieces to energetic guitar riffs and dynamic drum performances, each act added its own unique voice to an afternoon filled with creativity and joy.

More than just a concert, Sound Bytes became a celebration of the way music brings people together. Teachers and students alike gathered around to enjoy the performances, capture memorable moments, and support the young musicians as they shared their passion with confidence and enthusiasm. The atmosphere was one of encouragement, appreciation, and community spirit, with music creating connections that transcended year groups and backgrounds.

The event was thoughtfully organised by Mrs Grace Nangabo, whose dedication and passion for music provided students with a wonderful platform to perform, collaborate, and celebrate the universal language of music.

As the final notes faded into the afternoon, one thing was clear: music has the remarkable ability to unite, inspire, and create lasting memories.

James Njuguna

Art and Photography Technician