The music department is a thriving and active department with two classroom teachers and seventeen peripatetic teachers. The subject is well established at GCSE and is currently offered at AS/A2. Students from other schools may also attend A level lessons as part of a consortium arrangement.

All students in years 7, 8 and 9 follow a course which involves them in the three principal musical activities of listening, composing and performing. The subject then becomes an option leading to GCSE and A level.

A large number of students learn instruments at school and tuition is offered in voice, piano, guitar, percussion, violin, viola, 'cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, tuba and trombone.

There are twenty extra-curricular music groups and ensembles which meet each week and include orchestras, bands and choirs.

Resources

The department consists of two main teaching rooms (one of which is equipped with music ICT) and four practice rooms. The main school hall has a very fine Kawai grand piano.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3 - Yr.7

Students explore the constituent parts of the orchestra and listen to works such as Britten's 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra', Saint-Saens 'Carnival of the Animals' and Prokofiev's 'Peter and the Wolf'.

Some basic musical functions such as drones and ostinatos form the basis of the first compositions which are performed in class. Later on, further compositional techniques such as form, melody writing and word-setting are explored.

Compositions are performed within a classroom context and there is also an opportunity for those who learn instruments to play in class.

A wide range of extra-curricular activities takes place and all year 7 students are encouraged to take part.

Key Stage 3 - Yr.8

During year 8 the three main strands of performing, composing and listening/appraising are continued.

Seasonal music compositions are contrasted with compositions by Vivaldi and Vaughan Williams. The compositions are performed within the classroom context. The ability of music to create "atmosphere" is explored in conjunction with music by Bartok, Mendelssohn and Mussorgsky. Work on chords, triads, major and minor is underpinned by listening to music by Stravinsky and Schubert. Alternative ways of writing music are developed, especially the use of graphic scores.

A project on opera is linked with the composition of a classroom opera which is performed.

World music starts to feature as a listening and composition topic, especially music of the Afro-Caribbean tradition. More advanced music patterns and sequences are linked with music by Vivaldi and Stockhausen.

Key Stage 3 - Yr.9

In year 9 larger projects are undertaken including the assimilation of more advanced music forms such as the Rondo and the recognition of musical style.

A study of medieval music looks at the use of modes and early notions of harmony and tonality.

A study of Jazz leads from Spirituals through Rag-time and Blues into the 20th century. Jazz compositions feature highly.

The nature of music in the 20th century leads to a re-examination of what sound is and experimentation in new forms of composition.

World music is further developed with Japanese, Chinese and Gamelan music being listened to and performed.

Other aspects include:

Key Stage 4

For GCSE, the Edexcel specification is followed.

Again, this involves candidates in the principal activities of Performing, Composing and Listening.

In Performing, both solo and ensemble performances are required while the submission of TWO compositions is the course work element. The Listening examination consists of extracts of recorded music from many genres.

Two hours per week is devoted to Music if this option is chosen. Candidates taking GCSE Music are expected to take part in at least one of the many musical activities within the school.

Key Stage 5

For A and AS level, the department follows the OCR specification.

AS level involves giving a short solo recital, performing in an ensemble (or another solo on a second instrument), composition work and the study of music within an historical context (this involves both Classical and Jazz Set Works).

In the Upper Sixth, the student gives a longer recital on one instrument and completes a "Performance Investigation" a project based on different interpretations of a piece in their recital (or a piece connected with their recital).

Students compile a folio of compositions over the academic year and this is submitted to the Board.

Further historical study is also made based around the Romantic Movement in the 19th Century. Assessment for this section is by examination in June.

Contents of Course

Students give a recital on their chosen instrument(s), produce a folio of compositions and harmony and study some historical periods. There are no limits on the instruments (or voices) and types of repertoire performed. Compositions may be for a wide range of instruments or voices and in any style. The historical periods studied cover a broad range e.g. orchestral music in the 19th century and jazz in the 20th century.

AS level consists of three units for assessment: -

• Unit 1 - practical examination based around a solo recital and a choice between performing in an ensemble or performing on a second instrument (or voice) or performance of own compositions.
• Unit 2 - folio of harmonic exercises and a composition. There is considerable choice in resources and subjects for the composition.
• Unit 3 - “introduction to historical studies”. Candidates study orchestral works and jazz pieces from the first half of the twentieth century.

A2 level music in Year 13 consists of a further three units for assessment: -

• Unit 4 – a more advanced recital than Unit 1 plus a short written project.
• Unit 5 – further study of harmony and composition
• Unit 6 – further historical study focusing on the study of a special historical period from a choice of four plus a series of questions based on recorded extracts.

Learning Methods

During lessons, the writing of harmony will be covered and there will be listening to and discussion about the music of the historical periods. Time will also be devoted to composition and some performance. Instrumental lessons must be continued throughout the course. Regular homework concerning harmony and history will be set. Students will be expected to carry out background/further reading and listening at home.

Expectations of Students

Considerable independent reading and listening is expected together with playing a full part in the musical life of the school.

Careers Implications

Music combines well with both arts and sciences. There is a growing tendency for both further and higher education courses to combine music with mathematics and physics.
Many students go on to be professional musicians, work in education, publishing, arts administration, computer technology, the theatre and music therapy. Some go on to an unrelated career using their A level as evidence of wide-ranging ability.

Extra-curricular Activities

There should be an activity to suit every ability. These ensembles usually meet once a week. If you are interested in joining an ensemble, then you should see Mr Jones or Miss Eddy. For some ensembles taken by a visiting teacher, a small charge is levied.

Choirs:

• Chamber Choir - Monday lunchtimes
• Cantabile Choir - Tuesday lunchtimes
• Years 8 & 9 Choir has now joined Cantabile Choir
• Year 7 Choir - Thursday lunchtimes
• Senior Choir - Thursday lunchtimes

Orchestras & Bands:

• Symphony Orchestra - Tuesday after school
• Junior Orchestra - Thursday after school
• String Orchestra - Friday lunchtimes
• Concert Band - Friday after school

Smaller Ensembles:

• Saxophone Ensembles - Wednesday lunchtimes
• Brass Ensemble - Friday lunchtimes
• Clarinet Ensemble - Friday lunchtimes

Ensembles are open to girls who have lessons privately as well as those who learn in school.

• Theory Club (for those wanting to improve their theory) - Tuesday lunchtimes
• GCSE Club (for those wanting extra help) - Friday lunchtimes

Instrumental and Vocal Lessons

Lessons in most orchestral instruments and voice are available during school time (on a rota basis). Percussion/drumkit lessons are available after school on a Thursday: places are limited.

Fees are charged for instrumental and vocal lessons. Details of these and an application form for lessons are available from the Head of Music. Girls taking GCSE and A Level music are allowed lessons of 15 minutes each week without charge. Some pupils may be eligible remission of fees. Please contact the Head of Music about this.

Pupils learning an instrument at school are expected to take part in an appropriate ensemble.

Dates

Full details of concert dates appear in the school calendar each term. The usual pattern of concerts is:

December: Carol Service and Christmas Concert

March: Spring Concert. A Level and GCSE Recitals, Secondary Schools' Music Festival

July: Summer Concert

Coursework

Dates for the handing in of coursework are set for the end of each term.