Music

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MUSIC

Music plays an enormous part in the life of West Buckland School. There is something for everyone, ranging from the gifted musicians who aim to make music their careers right down to the enthusiastic beginners who are enjoying the fun of singing and playing, and sharing music with others.

Something To Be Shared

At West Buckland we believe that music-making should be a social activity, and that whilst individual practice is vital, there is also a lot of progress to be made through making music with others. It is for this reason that pupils are strongly encouraged to participate in our comprehensive ensemble programme.

Junior Concert Band

(Years 7 to 9) This very popular wind band performs a mixture of contemporary and jazz influenced pieces and is a great introduction to ensemble playing.

Junior Choirs

(Years 7 to 9) Junior girls & a junior boys choir, both three-part harmonies (SSA) performing popular song arrangements and classical repertoire.

Junior String Orchestra

(Years 7 to 9) A full string orchestra, including violas, violins, cellos and double basses, which performs a selection of popular arrangements.

Chamber Choir

(Year 10 and above) Performs up to nine church services a year concluding with a large-scale choral work accompanied by a professional orchestra.

Chamber Orchestra

(Year 10 and above) The orchestra performs original works from the 18th Century (Bach, Mozart and Haydn) as well as some more modern works.

Senior Concert Band

(Year 10 and above) The band performs arrangements of popular classical works, as well as marches and jazz influenced pieces.

West Buckland Jazz

(Year 10 and above) Often in demand for school and public events, the very popular band performs a repertoire of jazz standards from the swing era.

String Quartet

(Year 10 and above) The quartet consists of senior string players at Grade 7 and above, performing a range of classical and popular music.

Music Lessons

Individual music lessons are taught by a team of over twenty visiting music teachers, many of whom are practising professional players. Lessons are available on all orchestral instruments (including the harp) as well as piano, organ, voice, percussion and guitar.

Lessons last 35 minutes and happen throughout the school day.

Lessons cost £19 each.

Theory Clubs

The music department run a series of club sessions for keen musicians, focusing on musical theory.

These are scheduled into the normal school day and add an extra element of interpretation to their music.

North Devon Sinfonia

(Approximately 50 to 70 members) This is a local full-scale symphony orchestra which is directed by Director of Music Emma Kent. It performs four concerts a year and specialises in Romantic and 20th Century repertoire.

String players who are Grade 7 and above and wind and brass players who are Grade 8 and above may join, subject to audition. This ensemble ensures that our more talented players are stretched to their full ability and given the opportunity to perform in a full-scale symphony orchestra on a regular basis.

Prices

Individual Music Lessons

All orchestral instruments are offered as well as organ, piano, harp, percussion, guitar and vocal lessons.

Individual lesson – £19/lesson (35 mins)
Group lesson – £12/lesson (35 mins)
Music theory lesson – £40/lesson (35 mins)

Some musical instruments can be loaned from the Music Department at a cost of £40 per term.