Music is an integral and thriving part of school life. Taught as a specialist subject within the school curriculum from Nursery through to GCSE and with over 60% of the school receiving private instrumental lessons it plays an important part in the education and development of the pupils.

A very busy programme of extra-curricular music provides a huge number of opportunities for pupils to participate in and experience music of all genres and styles. Ensembles such as the ukulele club, school big band, bluegrass band, orchestra and the junior and senior chamber choirs are just a few examples of groups on offer to the pupils.

Every term has a busy schedule of performances, concerts and events; the Music calendar is buzzing with the Senior Musical, Prep Christmas Concert, Pre-prep Nativities, Prep Production, Original Works Evening, Carol Concerts, Ensembles Concert, Combined Schools Concert at GLive! in Guildford, Pre-prep Spring Concert and Dance Show and Music Assemblies. House Music sees every Senior and Prep pupil in the school performing and visiting professionals provide workshops and wisdom for Stretch and Challenge pupils. Regular trips to musical events including concerts, musicals, the opera and ballet expose pupils to a wide range of musical experiences.

In the classroom Music as a subject focuses on composing, listening, appraising and performing; pupils are exposed to a wide range of genres and periods through initiatives such as composer and artist of the week, technology such as Garageband, Noteflight, Sibelius, Logic and Cubase aid composition and creativity and pupils are given the opportunity to try different instruments through orchestral and pop programmes. Music is a popular subject at GCSE with approximately 25% of the cohort each year choosing it as an option.

Please do visit our Performing Arts in Action page to see what our pupils have been up to.

Performing Arts in Action

Mr N Rye - Director of Music and Performing Arts