School Subject News Music | Music |
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT
This is a school rich in opportunities for young musicians. Whether they are singers, players, composers, or simply lovers of music, the Inst Music Department can offer them a wonderfully diverse and colourful experience. It is the aim of this Department that all pupils should: Enjoy making music Have the opportunity to participate in musical performances of a high standard Be able to play an instrument or sing sufficiently to participate in group music-making Have the experience of playing several kinds of instruments Collaborate with pupils of different age-groups Be able to listen with discrimination Have the opportunity to hear a wide range of music Become acquainted with the concepts of form and architecture in sound Have the experience of listening to extended pieces of music Be equipped with the curiosity to explore further the world of music Have the experience of creating their own music Be able to express their own feelings and ideas through music Have the opportunity to pursue musical studies to an advanced level.
Performing Music
There are enormous numbers of boys involved in musical activities at Inst. The fact that these activities are voluntary gives ample testimony to the loyalty and commitment which the Music Department inspires. Spectacular performances, greeted by (the now customary) standing ovations, represent highlights of the school year, and of many pupils’ school career. Choir A choir of 120 voices would be huge for most schools, but for a Boys’ school it is unprecedented. The age-range is 12-18 (the younger boys providing the upper voices - Treble and Alto - for the older ones). In this way, the juniors can perform alongside the seniors at all the major events of the year - wonderful experience for them. The repertoire is as wide-ranging as is possible, from the great classics (this year Haydn, Mozart and Britten), to more contemporary styles (Radiohead, U2 and Queen). The standard is extremely high, and the Choir has made numerous television and radio appearances. They have also won many awards, including the UTV School Choir of the Year. Orchestra The Inst Orchestra is also a very large group (between 70 and 80 players) and combines junior and senior pupils. All the music is specially arranged to cater for different abilities, enabling the younger ones to perform alongside the older and more experienced ones, and to learn from them. In this way, we find that they develop much more quickly as musicians (and as people). The repertoire is as wide as that of the Choir, and the standard is similarly high, resulting in many trophies at Music Festivals over the years. Jazz Band This is an elite group of jazz specialists, and has become one of the highlights in our concert programmes. They have also won many festival trophies and are much in demand for outside engagements. Ensembles There are many other smaller ensembles in our thriving Music Department, including a String Group, Clarinet and Saxophone Quartets, Recorder Ensemble etc.
Why Study Music? At the more advanced level, a qualification in Music can lead to a number of musical careers: Performing, arranging, conducting, composing, teaching (instrumental and academic), recording, sound-engineering, music therapy etc. An A-level in Music can also be combined with other subjects to gain entry to non-musical courses such as Law or Accountancy. But what career advantage is there for those who simply want to participate in music and enjoy it? Well, consider the qualities which all musicians develop through practising their art: Self-discipline Perseverance Co-operation (with groups) Creativity Improvisation (the ability to react quickly and make decisions) Self-confidence Risk-taking Self-expression The ability to communicate Analytical thinking Structural thinking Leadership What employer would not value these qualities in an applicant?
Music Classes at Inst Here is a brief synopsis of the learning and teaching activities in each year: Years 8-10 Pupils engage in a variety of listening, composing and performing activities to explore the following themes:
Years 11 and 12 Pupils work towards a GCSE qualification in Music (CCEA). A detailed syllabus may be viewed on CCEA’s own web-site (www.ccea.org.uk). Here is a brief synopsis: Component 1 : Composing and Appraising (30%) Candidates must create two contrasting compositions Component 2 : Performing and Appraising (35%) Candidates must present one solo and one ensemble performance Component 3 : Listening and Appraising (35%) Candidates take an examination of aural perception based on core and optional areas of study. Years 13 and 14 Pupils work towards AS and A-level qualifications in Music A detailed syllabus may be viewed on CCEA’s own web-site (www.ccea.org.uk). AS Unit 1 : Making and Appraising Music (64% AS - 32% of A-level) Candidates select from the following options: Core solo or ensemble performance + composition Core solo or ensemble performance + multi-tracking Core solo or ensemble performance + sequenced arrangement Core composition + solo or ensemble performance Unit 2 : Responding to Music (36% AS - 18% of A-level) Test of aural perception Written examination A-level Unit 1 : Making and Appraising Music (30%) Candidates select from the following options: Core solo or ensemble performance + composition Core solo or ensemble performance + multi-tracking Core solo or ensemble performance + sequenced arrangement Core composition + solo or ensemble performance Unit 2 : Responding to Music (20%) Test of aural perception Written examination.
Music Staff Head of Department : ---------------------- Mr P.M.Bolton Assistant teacher : -------------------------- Miss K. O’Hara Peripatetic Staff : Strings/Piano ------------ Mrs A. Reid Mr J.Simmance Mr G.Newman Brass ------------------- Mr J.Blakeman Woodwind ------------ Mr C.Irvine Mr B.Overton Mr G.MacAtasney Mr R.Crowe Guitar ----------------- Mr M.Newman Mr G.Newman Drums/Percussion----- Mr C.Robb
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