Music

Music plays an important part in the life of the school and during the academic year every child will have had the opportunity to participate in the music programme. Many children enjoy creating, learning and performing music and it has a vital role to play in the development of the individual.

Class Curriculum

The class curriculum from the earliest years is based on the art of performing, listening and appraisal. Performance may range from a class song to a class ensemble or an individual solo played by someone who is keen to perform in an informal situation. Children are given knowledge of music notation and instruments and listen to a variety of music, learning how it is formed and of the geographical, historic and artistic style that may have influenced the composer.

Instrumental lessons

A high proportion of children learn an instrument and in addition to the Piano tuition is offered on the main stream orchestral instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Violin, Viola and Cello. Saxophone and Guitar are also taught and the children learn the Recorder as a class activity that helps develop their knowledge of formal music notation. The children are taught by well qualified and experienced peripatetic teachers who are also active as performers and who are very commited to their pupils musical being. Many children move up successfully through the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity College of Music although examinations are not obligatory and will not suit every individual.

Group Music Making

Pupils have many opportunities to make music together and there are a number of ensembles that rehearse on a regular basis. The Senior Ensemble of woodwind and brass players, the Junior Orchestra for the string players, woodwind and brass pupils and the School Choir which rehearses twice a week. Other small ensembles meet on a more informal basis.