Music

From Handel to Hancock

We regard music as an essential part of any boy's education, and pride ourselves on outstanding facilities, a huge range of activities and a long and distinguished history of musical achievement. By performing and listening to music ranging from Handel to Hancock your son's horizons and musical appreciation will be broadened in many ways.

The department is led by the Director of Music who has two permanent staff and is supported by eighteen peripatetic staff. The Music House facilities consist of classrooms, practice rooms, a music technology room incorporating keyboards and computers for compositional purposes.

All boys in Years 2-8 have two music lessons a week. Other activities include one-to-one instrumental lessons, ensemble practices, music assemblies, after-school keyboard clubs and other small groups.

Boys can audition for the Junior Choir and the Choristers who perform at the Christmas Carol Service and the Summer Concert. The Choristers also represent the school at festivals in the UK and abroad.

The instrumental groups such as the Violin Group, the String Orchestra and Main Orchestra enable boys to learn ensemble skills at different levels. Specialist ensembles such as cello, string quartet, jazz and percussion groups allow for greater focus on particular instruments.

Every year the school holds both formal and informal concerts, a House music competition, a composition competition, Associated Board exams and a variety of music tours, trips and festivals.