On Friday 2nd May the Music Department were excited to welcome 20 flautists, and their parents and teachers. The young flautists were aged between 6 and 17. They went to Science, Drama, History and English classes and enjoyed them immensely. Some of the younger students visited Charlton Kings Junior School and took part in a singing assembly. The most advanced flautists joined the Balcarras GCSE and A-Level music students in a workshop with Max O’Hara, talking about life as a Jazz Musician and improvising over a chord progression. To round off their morning Mr Best brought the drones to the Hall - everyone got to fly. Lunch included the traditional English scones with clotted cream and jam.

In the afternoon we started our rehearsals for the 5pm concert. The Finnish flute teachers Marttiina Niemi and Janina Lehto led pieces along-side Balcarras’ very own Mrs Hopkins. Balcajazz led by Mr Armstrong, Orchestra led by Mrs Vacher, with Mr Howell accompanying. There were collaboration pieces between our visitors and each of the Balcarras ensembles. We finished with The Cancan, combined with Mary had a Little Lamb and accompanied by the Quirky Quintet, the audience went out singing and dancing. Perhaps the most important part of the day was yet to come; after the concert, the pizza arrived. It was joyful to see the families from Cheltenham and Helsinki sat on the grass outside Balcarras, eating pizza and relaxing in each other's company.

We have made new connections and new friends, we are planning to visit Helsinki in 2027.