Music department

Music is a practical subject where boys perform, compose and listen.

During Year 7, the boys learn about the music of the Indonesian Gamelan and we have a workshop session for Years 7 and 8 when a visiting expert brings in a set of gamelan instruments and everyone has the opportunity to play Indonesian Instruments.

By Year 8 everyone is happy to perform. All boys compose, perform and listen with confidence and perception.

Extra curricular music flourishes, and over half the boys learn to play a musical instrument. There are opportunities to play in the orchestra, numerous ensembles and to sing in the Chamber Choir.

Singing takes place throughout the pre-prep years accompanied by stories and sound effects using percussion instruments. During Year 2, boys read music notation playing tuned percussion instruments and recorders.

In Junior School one music lesson is devoted to recorder playing where the boys revise their skills and learn to play more challenging pieces. Boys also play classroom instruments and attempt basic composing.

Everyone in Years 3 & 4 has the opportunity to sing in the Junior Choir. Public performances continue to be important and all Junior School boys participate in the Junior Miscellany at Christmas and the Junior Concert during the Spring Term.

In Middle School the elements of music such as texture and timbre are studied, and composition is based on this. Boys compose and write down melodies and study Medieval and Tudor music which provides a cross-curricular link with history.