Music
Curriculum Music is offered to all pupils in Years 7 and 8. From Years 9 to 13 it is taken as an option. There are two lessons per week, one of which is for listening and for investigation into the key elements of music and one (in smaller groups) for practical work.
The teaching is based on a variety of styles, both of the Western tradition and the music of non-Western cultures. Curriculum teaching is enhanced by excellent presentation tools, including DVD and interactive whiteboard.
For practical lessons, classes are divided into two groups, working for half a term at a time either on keyboards/computers or with pitched percussion. In these sessions they will acquire a wide variety of skills, ranging from improvisation, group composition and elementary keyboard skills to the basics of MIDI and audio sequencing, sound recording and sound editing as well as scoring.
Supported by a team of visiting music staff we are able to offer individual tuition on all major orchestral instruments, as well as piano, guitar and singing. Many pupils participate regularly in vocal and instrumental ensembles, preparing for concerts, music for the liturgy and for other events.
In line with other subjects, there are formal tests and examinations at regular intervals.
Extra-Curricular Music
The following ensembles meet regularly (all at lunchtimes):
Windband - Tuesday
Choirs - Thursday
Orchestra - Friday
Smaller ensembles rehearse at various times as mutually convenient.
Concerts and other Events involving music: (by September 2010 we should be able to give dates/times for most of these)
September - Mercy Mass
Late Autumn or Early Spring - Annual concert trip to a major venue, such as Birmingham Symphony Hall, Warwick Arts Centre or ‘The Anvil’ in Basingstoke.
November - Senior Prize Giving
November or December - Informal lunchtime concert for younger performers
December - Carol Service
March - Spring Concert
March or April - Passiontide Service
June - Leavers’ Mass
June - Summer Concert
Associated Board practical exams are normally held at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms
Associated Board theory exams are held according to demand. These are usually around half term.
Links:
GCSE and AS/A2
Visiting Music Teachers
Individual music lessons are normally taught during curriculum time and on a rota basis. However, for pupils from Year 11 upwards we arrange lessons during lunchtimes, after or before school or, if possible, during free periods. Application forms for lessons can be downloaded from this website.
Timetables for individual lessons will be posted on the noticeboards during the first week of term. These may be modified from time to time and it is therefore important that pupils check them regularly.