Music

Aims

Music provides an emotional and social experience, imperative for the rounded development of every child and it is our aim that it should be studied and enjoyed by all pupils in both curricular and extra-curricular activities.  As well as providing a solid academic grounding for those who will then go on to choose music as an option at GCSE and AS/A level, the Department also offers a wide range of instrumental and vocal lessons.  The various ensembles, in which pupils and staff alike participate, are highly valued and are an important aspect of the School life.   

Key Stage Three

Pupils will study music from different cultures around the world, from the Western classical tradition and the development of popular music in the twentieth century. This is done by listening to, discussing, analysing and, in some cases, performing pieces of music in these styles.  Pupils will also be taught how to use Sibelius music notation software, using it as a tool to compose some of their own pieces using it.  They will work in groups or individually and will play classroom instruments and keyboards as well as any instrument they study. Theoretical skills will be taught, reviewed regularly and developed.  Compositions will become more refined and pupils will start to make more informed judgements about the music that they listen to.

GCSE

Pupils studying Music at GCSE follow the Edexcel course which develops musical skills and interests.  Analysing set works from a range of styles and genres of music, providing a portfolio of compositions and performing both individually and in an ensemble are the areas in which the pupils are assessed. 

AS and A Level

Following the AQA course at both AS and A2 pupils will develop performance skills, compose music and learn about harmony. Pupils will build up their aural and analytical skills through wider listening and by studying music from a variety of styles and musical periods. 

Facilities

The Department has two large teaching classrooms both of which are well stocked with keyboards, percussion instruments and each has an Interactive Whiteboard and six networked computers. The School uses Sibelius, the leading software for music notation and composition.  The Radcliffe Hall and Baccarat Room are used as concert venues and rehearsal spaces and there are also six smaller practice rooms.

Extra-curricular Music

Instrumental tuition is available on all the orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, singing and drum kit and pupils will be entered for the ABRSM and Rockschool exams when ready.  Currently, around 230 instrumental lessons take place weekly and Theory of Music classes are also held on a regular basis.  Rehearsing on a regular basis are the Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Girls’ Choir, Gramophones (a Barbershop Choir), Harmony (Year 7 and 8 Girls’ Choir), String Ensembles and Wind Band.  During the school year, the Music Department hosts two large concerts and Holy Trinity Church in Hull is the venue for our whole school Carol Service. There are plenty of other opportunities for our pupils to perform; in musical productions, in the regular lunchtime concerts, and at occasions such as the Remembrance Service, Speech Day and Open Days. 

Staffing

Mrs S L Maynard, B.Ed, Leeds (Head of Music)

Mr A D Norburn, BMus, Birmingham, PGCE, LTCL, ALCM