Music is a performing art, and we encourage all pupils to perform at a level appropriate to their musical development, whether as a soloist, in a small group or within a larger ensemble. During the course of the year there are many opportunities to take part in a range of rehearsals, practices and concerts. Pupils can perform in informal concerts and in larger-scale concerts. There are also opportunities to perform in music festivals, competitions, recitals, assemblies and in Chapel.

Joining an ensemble helps pupils to become better musicians and develop an important social skill. Membership of a group is a fundamental part of music education; it will improve pupils’ sight reading and aural skills as well as giving them the opportunity to experience a greater range of repertoire than they would just in individual lessons. We strongly encourage all pupils to take part in ensembles appropriate to their instrument/voice and level.

There are over thirty musical ensembles meeting weekly, comprising vocal and instrumental groups including: five choirs, a symphony orchestra, a string orchestra, concert band, big band, flute choir, a saxophone ensemble, brass ensembles, guitar ensemble, a jazz improvisation group and some rock bands. In addition, there is a growing number of string, piano and wind chamber music ensembles, and provision is made to support pupils’ aural and theory development. Some twenty concerts/recitals are given each year in a busy performance schedule, in addition to regular outside musical engagements. We have recently introduced a cycle of instrumental competitions, with external professional adjudicators, providing pupils with an additional performance platform and invaluable feedback. A programme of workshops and masterclasses by visiting professional musicians at various points during the year further enhances our pupils’ musical development and outlook. A full-scale musical production is presented each year in conjunction with the Drama Department (such as Guys and Dolls, Les Misérables, The Addams Family, Fame, Little Shop of Horrors, Twelfth Night, Made in Dagenham, Joseph, Tommy, Carousel, Phantom of the Opera,) with full orchestral/band support. The musicals are performed in the Bushell Hall – an excellent auditorium seating over 450 people, with full orchestra pit.

Pupil involvement in national and area ensembles and Festivals

A number of individual pupils are members of area and national music ensembles such as the National Youth Orchestra, the National Children’s Orchestra, the CBSO Youth Orchestra, the English Schools’ Orchestra, the National Children’s and National Youth Choirs, and the CBSO Youth and Children’s Choirs. Each term pupils gain successes in local and area Music Festivals.

Follow our Music Instagram page and look at our Music on a Monday playlist on YouTube to connect with recent performances.