Music
The fundamental aim we hope to achieve is to stimulate and develop an interest and enjoyment in the various aspects of music, through the activities of listening, composing and performing. Key Stages 2 & 3 of the National Curriculum are used as a basic core for music in the classroom and areas within this are given greater weight depending on pupil interest.
Singing activities form a large part of class music - developing techniques such as phrasing, breathing, enunciation and learning a variety of songs. The whole school meets once a week for congregational singing, to rehearse the following week’s hymns for chapel services.
Much emphasis is placed on the theory of music and basic notation skills as being fundamental for most musical activities.
Pupils also research into the lives and works of various composers and undertake project work on orchestral instruments. An appreciation of music is taught by exposing pupils to Standard Repertoire and following a simple musical analysis of selected works. Music is a highly creative subject and pupils are encouraged to work in small groups using a variety of instruments in practical musical assignments.
Aside from classroom activities, music has a valuable contribution to play in many areas of school life. Formal and informal concerts are held each term and pupils perform in venues outside the school such as local churches, opera productions and Prep school choir and orchestra festivals.
Instrumental lessons are given at the school on a weekly basis by our peripatetic music staff and talented instrumentalists are invited to give regular public performances in activities such as assemblies and chapel services.
Many pupils are entered for instrumental “grade” exams (Associated Board & Trinity College of Music) in their particular instruments. Children with musical skills are encouraged to belong to one or more musical ensembles on offer at the school. Those currently include four choirs, an orchestra, a woodwind group, a band and a jazz piano group.