Music

Reception - Year 2

Children in the younger years discover their love of Music through active engagement: Singing, listening and appraising, musical games, classroom percussion and music through movement. We firmly believe that Music is something for all children to enjoy. 

All pupils are taught by a specialist Music teacher who delivers weekly lessons using the educational methods of Kodaly, Dalcroze and Orff. Singing is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum, from Maths through to History and Science. All pupils receive a weekly, focused singing assembly, Year 2 children learn to play the recorder in class and can join the recorder ensemble.
 

We encourage our Year 2 children to have individual lessons on an instrument of their choice (Year 1 at the teacher’s discretion). Opportunities to learn violin, cello, guitar, recorder, flute, piano, ‘p-bone’ and ‘p-trumpet’ are available to our youngest musicians. Taster sessions are provided to help the pupil to choose, alongside discussion with the Music Teacher. 

Pupils have several opportunities to perform throughout the year: The Christmas Nativity, League Music, Harvest Festival and Chapel Services with the Prep School. Pupils are invited to perform in informal Music afternoons to share their progress on their musical instrument and all Year 2 children take part in the Chelmsford Infant Music Festival.

Years 3 & 4

All pupils continue to have a weekly specialised Music lesson. Year 3 children take part in our String Scheme and learn either the violin, viola or cello during their curriculum Music lessons. We then offer half price lessons for one term, to encourage the children to build upon the skills they have developed in class. 

The children are then encouraged to be part of the Training Orchestra, which develops important ensemble skills. Curriculum lessons focus on learning to read musical notation, developing composition skills, learning about a wide range of composers and the instruments of the Orchestra.

Pupils in Year 3 and 4 take part in a weekly choir and also have the opportunity to join the Chamber Choir. Children may join the Recorder ensemble, and are all encouraged to have an instrumental lesson if they have not already started lessons. 

Pupils perform regularly - In class, the Christmas production, Chapel Services, League Music and in termly music concerts. Year 4 children take part in the Chelmsford Junior Music Festival and visit local residential homes to share their love of Music with the community. Music is once again at the heart of the curriculum and is enjoyed by all. ​

Years 5 & 6 

Class Music lessons in Year 5&6 focus on composing and performing. Pupils take part in the whole class brass scheme, learning a brass instrument for a term with the option to continue in the Junior Brass Band. Pupils also learn the ukulele and compose electronic music, developing their creative IT skills. Other topics include the BBC Ten Pieces orchestral study programme, composing raps with an environmental theme, and studying and performing songs from different genres.

The full Music co-curricular programme enables pupils to join the Young Voices and Chapel choirs; the Jazz Band, recorder group, percussion ensemble and Junior Orchestra. All these ensembles perform at concerts throughout the year.

All pupils form Years 3 - 8 take part in the brilliant League Music competition, singing with their League Choir. This brings the whole school together for a celebration of musical performance and excellence.

Music Scholarships and the unique Junior Guildhall/Felsted Music Scholarships are available for entry into Year 7 and Year 9, offering an outstanding musical pathway for talented pupils.

Years 7 & 8

Pupils can perform with the Orchestra, Jazz Band, Steel Bands, Percussion Group and String Ensemble, and pupils are encouraged to form their own bands and groups.

Advanced Years 7 and 8 musicians may join the Senior School Orchestra, with many getting involved in Senior School concerts also.

The Year 7 & 8 curriculum continues to develop the skills of composing, performing and appraising music in different styles and contexts. The many highlights in class include Film Music, Brazilian Samba, Rock and Roll, Programme Music, Minimalist Music, Musical Theatre and West African percussion. All these topics involve contextual study and independent group work.

Co-curricular opportunities increase even further with specialist coaching for the Year 7 & 8 Steel Bands, Chapel Choir and Percussion Ensembles. The school specialises in contemporary and World Music ensembles, but also has a fine tradition for Choral singing and classical ensembles.

Music Award holders take lead roles in weekly Music rehearsals and our Music Scholars often rehearse and perform with Senior School Ensembles. 

All pupils form Years 3 - 8 take part in the brilliant League Music competition, singing with their League Choir. This brings the whole school together for a celebration of musical performance and excellence.

Year 9

Students develop the three important skills of listening, composing and performing. A range of topics are covered that provide students with a broad range of musical experiences and also prepare students for further study at GCSE and beyond.

A full range of individual instrumental tuition is offered onsite by a team of highly qualified professional musicians.

Pupils may join the School Orchestra, Senior Chapel Choir, Wind Group, Jazz Band, Funk Band and various chamber ensembles, and take part in regular concerts. Students may also participate in drama performances and shows, with opportunities for soloists.

All pupils take part in our much loved House Singing Competition, more commonly known as "House Shout‟.

Years 10 & 11

Music can be studied at GCSE Level, you can read more about the course in our GCSE subject guide linked below.

A full range of individual instrumental tuition is offered onsite by a team of highly qualified professional musicians.

Pupils may join the School Orchestra, Senior Chapel Choir, Wind Group, Jazz Band, Funk Band and various chamber ensembles, and take part in regular concerts. Students may also participate in drama performances and shows, with opportunities for soloists.

All pupils take part in our much loved House Singing Competition, more commonly known as "House Shout‟.

Music Scholarships and the unique Junior Guildhall/Felsted Music Scholarships are available for entry into Year 12, offering an outstanding musical pathway for talented pupils.

Years 12 & 13

Music can be studied at A Level and as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Instrumental playing and performance is a component of coursework. More information on this can be found in our Sixth Form Subject Guide linked below.

A full range of individual instrumental tuition is offered onsite by a team of highly qualified professional musicians.

Pupils may join the School Orchestra, Senior Chapel Choir, Wind Group, Jazz Band, Funk Band and various chamber ensembles, and take part in regular concerts. Students may also participate in drama performances and shows, with opportunities for soloists.

All pupils take part in our much loved House Singing Competition, more commonly known as "House Shout‟.