Music at Abbotsholme

Music is part of our way of life at Abbotsholme. All pupils are encouraged to appreciate music and all regularly take part in music-making, above and beyond the experiences they have in timetabled music lessons.

Many pupils learn to play an instrument or take singing lessons. We have a dedicated team of instrumental teachers. Many pupils play in one or more of the groups and ensembles that regularly meet, such as the Jazz Band, the Percussion Ensemble and the Saxophone Quartet.

A number of pupils form their own groups and bands. The fact that these are drawn from across different years and from both sexes helps to re-enforce our family atmosphere.  Music of every style, type and genre is encouraged and a rich diversity is positively welcomed. Some pupils thrive on taking music exams and others prefer to set their own targets. Either pathway is encouraged and supported.

Both the Orchestra and the Abbotsholme Singers (school choir) comprise a mixture of staff and pupils, which fosters the special atmosphere of shared experience so typical of Abbotsholme. These perform regularly in end of term concerts and on other occasions.

For pupils who do not play an instrument, we still place great emphasis on developing their musical appreciation and involvement. We sing regularly and heartily in Chapel and each year an Inter-House Music Competition is held. This is one of the highlights of the musical year and brings out a wonderful spirit of shared endeavour in making music and celebrating musical talent.

Pupils also have the opportunity of attending the regular Lunchtime Concerts that are held in Chapel, to listen to other pupils, or attending one of the concerts of the Abbotsholme Arts Society, given by some of the leading professional musicians of the day.

The Music Department aims to involve as many pupils as possible in active music making. We are fortunate in having a separate purpose-built building in which to work, away from other classrooms.

Pupils are encouraged to see music as an essential and integral part of their education. They are encouraged to use and celebrate the talent they have, and to respect and appreciate the talents of others.

Key Stage 3

Each Half Term a project is studied based on the twin concepts of listening and performing.

Year 7              On the way and The music of Java and Bali

                        Major and minor and Working with chords

                        Voices in layers and Ragtime music

Year 8              Rock’n’roll and Sounding together

                        Rondos and recurring structures and 6/8 and compound time

                        The music f Japan and Studying a Baroque concert

Year 9              Ground bass and Variations

                        Vocal chants and Modes

                        Feelin’ the blues and Gospel music

Key Stage 4 – GCSE Music

The Music Department follows the OCR Specification (J535)

The course focuses on the skills of performing, composing, listening and appraising organised into four Areas of Study:

Area of Study 1           My music – studying your own instrument

Area of Study 2           Shared music- how musicians relate to each when performing

Area of Study 3           Dance music

Area of Study 4           Descriptive music

Key Stage 5 – AS and A2 Music Technology

The Music Department follows the Edexcel specification.

AS:      Pupils will learn and use a variety of music and music technology skills including MIDI sequencing and multi-track recording as well as arranging skills. Pupils must complete three tasks which together make the Music Technology Portfolio. In addition, pupils will sit a1 hour 45 minute listening examination which will test their knowledge of popular music styles as well as key elements of music technology.

A2:      Builds on skills acquired at AS, and extends these to include a composition task. Pupils must complete three tasks which together make up Music Technology Portfolio 2. In addition, pupils will sit a 2-hour examination which will test their ability to edit and mix given audio tracks as well as their general technical and musical knowledge.