Music

We have a large range of performance opportunities for those learning an instrument, such as 2 Big Bands, 2 choirs, orchestra, jazz group, barbershop, pop bands, string, brass and flute groups. We have visiting instrumental teachers on all almost all orchestral instruments as well as piano, voice and drums.  Trips regularly go to hear Glyndebourne Touring Opera and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. We also have visits from professional musicians such as the RAF Central Band and performances from the Two Moors Festival. We are a busy and thriving department.
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KS3 Curriculum Content

We cover the three key targets of the National Curriculum – Performing, Composing and Listening. The tasks are varied in terms of the instruments used and the styles covered.
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YEAR 7

Subject	Module content
Christmas Composition	Group work to write lyrics, and song about Christmas. Best pieces perform in Christmas concert. Singing in preparation for Year 7 choir in concert.
Basics of notation and keyboard skills	Learn the basics of pitch and duration. Play Ode to Joy on keyboard.
Folk Music	Characteristics and performance
Composing using software	Using Garageband or Reason to create music
Pop bands	Work in groups using drums, bass guitar, vocals and keyboard to create versions of I Need a Dollar

​YEAR 8

Subject	Module content
Composing	Write a piece based on a story
Notation and Keyboard	Performance of Largo
Musical Futures	Perform pop songs as a group
World Music	Studying traditions from Africa, India and Japan

​YEAR 9

Subject	Module content
The Blues	Students learn the characteristics of the genre and compose and perform
Perform Christmas songs	Work as a band and perform classic hits
Reinforce knowledge of notation and keyboard skills	Individually learn to play a piece on keyboard using a range of notes including sharps/flats and syncopated rhythms. Play bass notes/chords with left hand
Musical Futures	Students work in bands to create pop songs and versions of hits.
Composing	Using a chord sequence for a pop band or using software to create a dance track.

​KS4 Curriculum content

​YEAR 10

Subject	Module content
Dance Music	Learn the characteristics of Salsa, waltz, Irish jig etc
Descriptive music	Film music, and descriptive pieces. Composing and discussing examples
My Music	Composing for your instrument and performing a solo

​YEAR 11

Subject	Module content
Shared Music	Looking at a range of music from Gamelan, classical string quartet, jazz, choral music etc. Perform and learn characteristics.
Practical Portfolio	An ensemble performance and composition.
Creative Task	Preparation for a timed composition task

​KS5 Curriculum content

​We currently use the OCR Board. In Year 12 students study 3 classical and 3 jazz set works. In Year 13 the focus is Film Music. In both years students have to perform a recital to a visiting examiner and compose a piece for several instruments as well as completing technical exercises.
Our ensembles have travelled extensively, visiting many European cities including Prague, Barcelona and Edinburgh. The Big Band has also spread it’s wings further afield and has recently toured Hong Kong and New York.
 
Several CD’s of the Big Band have been produced, the latest of which – ‘What Next’ is currently available from student reception.
 
Visiting teachers provide instrumental tuition ranging from brass, woodwind and strings through to piano, drums, guitar and voice. These lessons are taught weekly with each teacher charging a termly fee.
 
Please click here for further information on lessons, prices are subject to change.