Music

The ability to play a musical instrument, as well as being a source of pleasure to oneself and others, reflects a rounded education. All boys have regular class music lessons, and more than half choose to learn at least one instrument. Our Director of Music has at his disposal a number of part-time teachers able to give instruction in any instrument a boy wishes to learn. Some music practice is possible at school, but time is perforce limited during a busy school day so it is important that boys also have the facilities and opportunities to practice at home.

As a rule, boys have a half-hour lesson once a week, although this can be increased if appropriate. Music lessons are a year’s commitment, so that boys have at least thirty lessons a year. All instrumentalists take grade examinations regularly.

The school has thriving string, brass, woodwind and percussion groups with rehearsal time allocated during the week. The Chapel Choir is our elite choir, singing each week at our church service as well as singing a full choral evensong once a term, usually at a venue away from school.

Throughout the year there are many formal and informal opportunities for instrumentalists of all abilities to perform in public. Boys are entered for various local music festivals and competitions, and at the end of each term the boys themselves organize and put on a concert. There is also a recital once a term given by a member or members of the music staff; these are compulsory for older boys and give them inspiration and a fascinating insight into what it is like to be able to play a musical instrument at professional level.

Drama

All boys have the chance to develop their thespian side in dramatic productions, both large and small, in drama lessons and in form assemblies. Our gymnasium can be converted into a proper little 100 seat theatre, complete with stage, drapes and lighting. The Junior School mounts a major production every year at the end of Hilary term, with every boy taking part. Senior School productions normally take place in Michaelmas term with boys being able to take part either by performing on stage or by being involved in other areas of production such as scenery, lighting, and stage management. Parents are always invited, of course, and derive tremendous pleasure from seeing their boys perform.