Music

Opportunities to excel

The Britten-Pears Music School is a hub of activity throughout the week and features recital, rehearsal and teaching/practice rooms. Elsewhere there is a fully digital IT suite for composition. Through all of the musical activity within the music school, the School performs a pupil-led programme of concerts every year. Whether you are an established musician, a hobbyist or a ‘yet-to-be-discovered’ talent, you are welcome in our best in class Music Department.

The staff want nothing more than to enthuse, share, collaborate, nurture and guide the next generation of musicians into the wonderful world of music.

Curriculum format

All pupils in Years 7 and 8 study music as part of the curriculum and are taught to develop their creative skills in listening, performance and composition. They will encounter a wide variety of musical styles as part of a dynamic and fun musical experience. In Year 9, pupils may choose to continue their musical studies and to explore the subject in more depth towards GCSE – this is highly encouraged for the musically interested. A-level music is an option at Sixth Form.

Performances and groups

Our Music Department puts on a regular programme of events throughout the year, priding itself on the extensive range of music and professional quality of its events. There is rarely a moment when the music school is not resounding with rehearsals, performances or individual practice or lessons.

A regular series of lunchtime recitals is held each term for all year groups and the Music Department also runs a regular Music Festival.

A wide variety of music groups is also available for students to get involved with. All groups are actively involved in the School’s extensive concert life, and perform at least once a year.

• Chamber Choir (a senior choir)
• Vocal Fellas (an upper voices choir of boys)
• Vocal Bellas (an upper voices choir of girls)
• Junior Choir (all Year 7 taught as a curriculum lesson)
• Chorum (a vocal ensemble for the most able)
• Symphony Orchestra (a standard of Grade 5 is generally required)
• Seckford Strings (a junior string orchestra)
• Chamber Orchestra (a string ensemble for the most able)
• Concert Band (a standard of Grade 4 is generally required)
• Swing Band (an auditioned senior jazz band)
• Training Band (for beginner to Grade 4)
• Pop and Rock Bands
• Percussion Ensemble
• Brass Ensembles
• A variety of string quartets and other chamber music / vocal groups.