Music
Music plays an important part in the school’s life, offering a wide range of opportunities for all our children.
Emphasis is placed on the development of practical skills, the most important of which is singing. From an early age the pupils are encouraged to take part in class singing and this leads in turn to the development of a sense of pitch and pulse and the use of percussion instruments.
In Prep 3 the pupils have class ocarina lessons. At the same time, the children are made aware of how music is organised and composed, a strand which is developed as the pupils move towards the senior part of the school, through the use of keyboards. The department is also developing ICT throughout the music curriculum with the use of dedicated computers and a range of software suitable at present for Key Stages 2 and 3.
Individual Music Lessons
A large number of pupils take individual music lessons. Most orchestral instruments are offered, as well as theory of music, piano, voice, keyboard, guitar and drums. Pupils are prepared for Scholarships and Associated Board Music Exams. There are several choirs and school ensembles.
Performance
The opportunity to perform is vital if pupils are to develop their musical talents. Regular instrumental concerts are held as well as large-scale events such as our bi-annual ‘Picnic in the Park.’ Please refer to the Performing Arts page form more details, including information about musical and dramatic productions.