Wednesday 10 March 2010

Music at Westbourne

 

Music Timetables now available

>> Piano
>> Singing - Tuesdays
>> Flute - Mondays
>> Drums - Fridays
>> Oboe - Mondays
>> Violin - Thursdays
>> Guitar - Tuesdays
>> Guitar - Wednesdays (Junior School)
>> Guitar - Wednesdays (Senior School)
>> Guitar - Thursdays

Music is a very important part of life at Westbourne School, with the Music Department  encouraging pupils in both our Junior and Senior School to develop their skills in performance, composition and listening. All pupils, from Reception through to S11, are taught by specialist music teachers and the focus of the lessons is to give the pupils a rounded knowledge of the main elements of music and musical processes. 


We have dedicated practice rooms and performance spaces in both the Junior and Senior Schools and pupils are encouraged to use the spaces for individual practice as often as they need. In the Senior School we have nine networked computers, all with sampling and sequencing software, to enable all pupils the opportunity to develop their music technology skills.

 
We are lucky to be joined by ten excellent peripatetic teachers who specialise in their individual instruments.
 
 
Throughout the year pupils are offered the opportunity to perform at concerts and events both in school and out of school. Every pupil is encouraged to take part in performances and all abilities and musical styles are included.


Music in the Junior School
 
Music in the Junior School is accessed by all, with all classes having at least 2 lessons of Music each week. In addition to this, pupils are able to take instrumental lessons. Currently approximately 50% of the Junior School receive instrumental tuition, with many of these pupils learning more than one instrument. 
 
Music is seen as part of our life in the Junior School with singing taking place every day, an outdoor music area for playtime and a number of musical opportunities for every child to participate in.   There is a developing programme for Outstandingly Able musicians which this term sees seven children in J4, J5 and J6 take the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 1 Theory Examination. In addition to this, children regularly take the ABRSM practical examinations, as well as taking the Sheffield Music Service Music Exams and, in guitar, the Rockschool examinations. Children love this chance to shine and strive to have their photograph taken with their certificate for the “Wall of Fame” in the Music Department!
 
Performance is part of musical life, and in order to banish nerves and develop confidence, it is vital that our Junior School musicians are given the chance to perform to an audience in both formal and informal circumstances. To this end, we hold 2 informal concerts each term, as well as a formal performance (carol service, concert or play) at the end of term in J3-6 and a nativity, concert and play in Reception, J1 and J2. All children are encouraged to partake and they clamour to be included in informal concerts.
 
The Junior School Choir is kept busy with concerts at the Cathedral as part of their Outreach programme, leading our Carol Service at St Mark’s, Broomhill, singing at St John’s, Ranmoor, for the Homestart Charity, and, excitingly, preparing for our first ever Choir Tour to Belgium in June. 
 
Activities currently on offer musically in the Junior School: 
J1/2 Recorders
J3/4 Recorders
Advanced Recorders
J2/3 Choir
J4-6 Choir
J3–6 Ocarina Club
Rock Band
Soul Band
Samba Band
J1/2 Ocarinas
Flute Choir
 
Outstandingly Able Pupils are invited to attend
We run theory classes, currently in their first year.  From next term, we will have Beginners Theory, Grade 1 Theory and Grade 2/3 Theory classes each week.  Pupils are invited to attend by the Head of Junior Music in consultation with other members of the music staff.
 
An invitiation is also extended to join composition class, which has been very popular.  there are currently eleven pupils taking theory lessons and ten pupils in composition.  We are also proud to have instrumentalists playing with the Sheffield Independent Schools Training Orchestra on a Friday evening.