Music
Junior Choir
Description of the activity
Junior Choir is open to all students in Years 7-9. We normally sing a wide range of musical styles, including pop and musical theatre. So far this year we have participated in the North East Festival of Languages, by learning a song in French and learnt a song in Chinese to send to our partner school in China. The Junior Choir perform in our summer and Christmas concerts each year to give students the opportunity to display their talents.
Reasons to participate
Singing supports students’ confidence and also benefits their mental health. Music gives students lots of opportunities, including forming friendships with students in other year groups who share similar interests and enabling them to pursue an interest outside of the music classroom.
Day, time and Venue
We rehearse every Tuesday lunchtime from 12.45pm in Room MC3.
For more information, please contact: Miss Lockey in the Music Department
Senior Choir
Description of the activity
Senior Choir is open to students in Years 10-13 and auditions are held each year for new members to join. The Senior Choir have performed in venues regionally, nationally and internationally. Regionally, they have performed at the Sage, Gateshead and Durham Cathedral, as part of the North East Festival of Youth Choirs. Nationally, they have competed in Music for Youth, which involved a performance at the Birmingham Symphony Hall and internationally they have performed in prestigious venues across Europe including St Mark’s Basilica, Venice.
Reasons to participate
Members of the Senior Choir demonstrate increased confidence, as a result of singing and experiencing an opportunity to engage with students from a range of year groups. Music enables students to pursue their wider interests and often supports their learning, as it promotes positive mental wellbeing.
Day, time and Venue
We rehearse after school every Thursday, 3.45-4.30pm.
For more information, please contact: Mrs Dudley in the Music Department
Windband
Description of the activity
Our windband is open to all students in Years 7-13 who play any woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. Students who have tuition in these instruments in school are strongly encouraged to attend, but students having tuition outside of school are also welcome. We perform a range of music, including film music, musical theatre and traditional band pieces. The windband perform in the summer and Christmas concerts each year and members of the windband also support the annual school production, as part of our pit band.
Reasons to participate
Music gives students an excellent opportunity to form friendships with students from all year groups, from year 7 to 13. Performing as part of a band setting, supports students who are learning an instrument to develop different skills, as a result of playing in a group.
Day, time and Venue
We rehearse every Monday lunchtime from 12.45pm in Room MC1.
For more information, please contact: Miss Lockey in the Music Department
String Group
Description of the activity
The string group is open to all students in Years 7-13 who play a string instrument. Students who have tuition in these instruments in school are strongly encouraged to attend, but students having tuition outside of school are also welcome. We perform a range of music, including film music, musical theatre and orchestral works. The string group perform in the summer and Christmas concerts each year to give students an opportunity to display their talents.
Reasons to participate
Music gives students an excellent opportunity to form friendships with students from all year groups, from year 7 to 13. Performing as part of a group setting, supports students who are learning an instrument to develop different skills, as a result of playing in a group.
Day, time and Venue
We rehearse every Wednesday lunchtime from 12.45pm in MC1.
For more information, please contact: Mrs Tomlin in the Music Department
Annual School Production
Description of the activity
Every year we invite all students in Year 7-13 to audition for a school musical. Previous musicals have included Oliver (2013), The Sound of Music (2018) and School of Rock (2020). We are currently rehearsing for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which will be performed in October 2022.
Reasons to participate
Participation in the school musical gives students an excellent opportunity to form friendships with students from all year groups, from year 7 to 13. Students develop their confidence through performance and gain experience in musical theatre further to their learning in the classroom.
Day, time and Venue
We rehearse after school each Wednesday from 3.30-5pm.
For more information, please contact: Miss Duncan or Miss Lockey in the English or Music Departments
Arts Award
Description of the activity
Any student in Year 7-13 is able to complete an arts award. There are Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, which are dependent on a students’ experience in the arts. Arts award is aimed at students who are already involved in the arts, for example playing a musical instrument, singing, dancing or drama. Students create a portfolio with sections relating to their experience with the arts, arts leadership, arts inspiration and their experience as an audience member.
Reasons to participate
Students receive a recognised qualification for their work and for the skills they have developed through their experience with the arts. Students foster their creativity by producing their portfolio and have the opportunity to form friendships with other students throughout the process. Students also receive the opportunity to share their arts skill with others, by teaching them a song, to play an instrument or dance.
Day, time and Venue
We meet every Wednesday lunchtime from 12.45pm in MC2.
For more information, please contact: Miss Duncan, Mrs Dudley or Miss Lockey in the English or Music Departments
