MUSIC

The Music Block houses seven practice rooms, (all of which are furnished with pianos), together with the teaching room and is mainly used for individual music tuition and practice sessions. Violin and piano lessons continue to be very popular from young junior students up to Sixth Form Grade 8 players. However, the instrumental provision here allows students to learn most instruments from flute and clarinet to saxophone and harp, bassoon and drum kit! Classical and electric guitar, keyboard and French horn – all tastes can be accommodated with regular opportunities to perform in the orchestra, string and woodwind ensembles or choirs.

There is a strong tradition of musical excellence, both instrumental and choral in the life of the School. The Director of Music is assisted by a large team of visiting instrumental teachers.

In the Junior School there is a choir, a String Ensemble and an Orchestra and, in the Senior School, two Choirs, one Middle School and one Chapel Choir (Years 7 to 13), an Orchestra, a string quartet and various other ensembles.

The Junior School presents an annual Musical Soiree and the Seniors offer various concerts each year, including a Scholars’ Concert as well as an Inter-House Performing Arts Competition.

Students may begin instrumental lessons at any stage of their school life and Music Scholarships are available at Year 7 level. Auditions for these are held in the January preceding September entry.

Music plays a significant part in the life of the School. Learning through practical work lays the foundation for students wishing to choose the subject for GCSE or A Level. The music scholars set high standards that inspire other students.

Choral singing has, for many years, been particularly strong at Farringtons. Tuition and grade examinations are available on a wide variety of instruments and many students take up these opportunities. Several go on to take part in ensembles, local festivals and public concerts. Seven individual practice rooms are available for students to use in their free time and there are grand pianos in other areas of the School.

GCSE Music is offered to students who have already begun to learn an instrument. Interest in the subject is essential and a working knowledge of basic music theory is ideal. The course enables students to study a wide range of musical styles and also prepares students for the Advanced Level course in Music. The OCR course is divided into Performing, Composition and Listening.

The AS and A Level Music course extends the GCSE skills of performing, composing and listening, in ways which emphasise their interdependence. At AS Level, performance is assessed by way of a recital of solo pieces and performing on a second instrument or performing in an ensemble. Candidates are also required to submit a folio of compositions completed throughout the course and to study three topics from different periods.

In the A2 assessment candidates perform a second time, demonstrating an interpretation of the works offered, submit another portfolio of compositions and sit a history paper.

Lizzie Reed - Outstanding Musician of the Year

Junior String Group

Junior Music Room & Choir

Performances at Junior Prize Giving

Junior School Choir