Year 8 Music

Year 7 or 8 

Music is studied for one semester in either Year 7 or Year 8. Classes revolve around practical exercises involving guitar, keyboard, percussion, movement and song. Rhythm and melody are studied through listening and performance classes which are designed to encourage creativity. The aim is to promote an interest in all things musical using many and varied styles of music in the course.

This course has been designed to suit both the beginner musician and the more experienced. All course work is based on material from the history of Rock and Roll, through the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. To enable any student to enter the course, regardless of his or her previous musical tuition, all students study keyboard and guitar for a term each. The guitar work involves both rhythm and lead playing of modern works. The keyboard modules promote note reading and help students to compose simple melodies and accompaniments with confidence. Ensemble performance classes also take place allowing inexperienced musicians the chance to try out their newly acquired skills through performing with others. Advanced students are given more challenging parts to play – or, if in enough numbers, completely different ensemble works.

Instrumental Tuition 

Any student may apply for tuition in brass, woodwind, keyboard, percussion or guitar. Instruments are provided and highly qualified teachers come to the school during school hours. All students are billed by the individual teachers each term. Instrumental Ensembles The school runs three bands to cater for all standards and styles including Junior and Senior Concert Bands. Students taking instrumental tuition are normally expected to be in a band after two terms of tuition. Band rehearsals are once a week.

Chamber Group and Orchestra

The school Chamber Group runs with a group of string players playing a range of works from traditional and modern repertoire. The Chamber Group meets once a week to rehearse. The Orchestra meets once a week and players from all disciplines are welcome.

Instrumental Ensembles

The school runs three bands to cater for all standards and styles including Junior and Senior Concert Bands. Students taking instrumental tuition are normally expected to be in a band after two terms of tuition. Band rehearsals are once a week.

Choir

The school has a choir which rehearses at lunchtimes. Any students from Years 7 to 12 are welcome. Repertoire is from a wide range of styles.