Music

Victor Hugo once said that music expresses that which cannot be said, and on which it is impossible to be silent.

The Music Department supports the view that all students are entitled to make music regardless of their ability, and this is seen in the wide range of extra-curricular groups active in the school.

Years  7 to 9

During years 7, 8 and 9, students are given as many opportunities as possible to perform and compose, inspired by listening to a wide variety of music.

All students learn how to read music. From their very first lessons pupils learn to play both solos and in ensembles.  These are, at first, percussion- based.  This in turn leads to pupils performing their own compositions.

Pitch is taught at first, through the use of hand chimes, culminating performances in the Christmas concert or service.

More emphasis is gradually placed on composition.  This is excellent grounding for those who choose to do GCSE from year 10.  Students are taught to play basic keyboard and guitar techniques.  Examples of compositions using these instruments include:

 12 bar Blues
 Setting poetry to music
 We Wish You A Reggae Christmas
 Fanfare and Ostinato

Year 10 and 11 - GCSE 

Students will follow the new AQA syllabus for GCSE Music.  This course is built upon the principles listening, composing and performing. 
 
Year 11

Unit 1: Listening to an appraising music
Unit 2: Composing and appraising music
Unit 3: Performing music
Unit 4: Composing music

6th Form  

The 6th form students follow the AQA syllabus for AS/A level music.  It is a basic expectation of candidates that they can read music and play at least one instrument to a high standard.  Both courses include:

Composition
History and analysis of set works
Performance
Harmony and counterpoint
Listening and appraising
  

Instrumental Teaching Staff

Instrument                            Teacher                        Day

Woodwind                             Stuart Coldwell             Monday
Guitar                                    Curtis Shaw                  Wednesday/Thursday
Clarinet and Saxophone       Nigel Mc Gill                  Wednesday
Piano                                    Joan Zarneh                  Tuesday
Brass                                    Derek Hoyle                  Wednesday
Drum Kit                               Dave Tyas                    Wednesday
Voice                                     David Condry               Monday/Tuesday/Thursday
Violin/Viola/Piano                   Amy Preece                 Friday
Cello                                      Zoe Carroll                    Friday

Lunchtime Activities

 Monday -  Woodwind Group
                  Boys Choir  
   
Tuesday  - Junior and Senior Guitar Ensembles
                   Senior Girls Choir

Wednesday -  Dance Band
                        Saxophone Group

Thursday  - Theory Club

Friday - String Ensemble
             Folk Band
             Recorder Group