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.
We also arrange world-class visiting musicians and ensembles to perform at the school, providing wonderful musical enrichment opportunities for our students and often open to the wider community.Β Some of our young musicians are able to benefit from Masterclass workshops before the evening performance.
Concert Band
(Years 7 to 13) This very popular wind band performs a mixture of contemporary and jazz influenced pieces and is a great introduction to ensemble playing, for the younger students, with support and guidance from the older students
Junior and Senior Choirs
(Years 7 to 13) Juniors learn three-part harmonies (SSA) performing popular song arrangements and classical repertoire. In addition, Seniors combine with the North Devon Choral Society for musical performances.
Intermediate Strings
(Years 7 to 9) A full string orchestra, including violas, violins, cellos and double bass, which performs a selection of popular arrangements.
Chapel Choir
(Year 7 to 13) Performs up to nine church services a year concluding with a large-scale choral work accompanied by a professional orchestra. Chapel Choir is by invitation only. This is a choir to aspire to, for our less experienced singers.
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.
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. Look out for the annual jazz evening - Swing at the Sands.
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
The Vision for Music at West Buckland School
Mr N. Smith, Director of Music, studied at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire and holds both a degree in Music Performance and is a Post Graduate in Advanced Music Performance.Β He has been a professional flute player in different Scottish orchestras, conducted numerous orchestras and choirs, including the Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra for six years.Β A teacher for 33 years, Director of Music for 20 years, Mr Smith aims to instil the value of a love for music in those who want to learn.Β He is passionate about teaching and loves inspiring others to make music and push themselves to go as far as possible with their talent.Β Β Together with Mr Burstow and the team of instrumental teachers, the Music Department is well equipped to provide the very best opportunities to aspiring young musicians enabling them, in turn, to share their passion for music with others.
The rich and diverse range of opportunities for young musicians at West Buckland School reflects the passion and ethos of Mr Smith. The wider community are invited to enjoy evenings of music, with many visiting professional musicians coming to West Buckland School throughout the year, including soloists, ensembles and orchestras.
Upcoming events are soon to be listed on this page.Β Please check back in February to see the diary of events.
Instrumental 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 as well as piano, organ, voice, percussion and guitar. Lessons last 30 minutes and are scheduled throughout the school day.Β Scheduling is created so that no single academic lesson is impacted each week, but the instrument lessons are rotated through different times of the school day.
Lessons are an additional cost, invoiced at the start of each term.Β For prices and availability of a specific instrument, please enquire.
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 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, percussion, guitar and vocal lessons.
Individual lesson β Β£19-Β£25/lesson (30 mins)
Music theory lesson β free of charge
Some musical instruments can be loaned from the
Music Department at a cost of Β£40 per term.
Note, prices are subject to change and will be confirmed at time of your enquiry.
Music Scholarships
At West Buckland School, we offer Music Scholarships for students entering Years 7, 9, and 12. Open to both current and new students, these scholarships provide a unique opportunity to develop your musical abilities while becoming part of a community that celebrates and nurtures talent.
Join a vibrant environment where your passion for music will flourish, supported by expert guidance and surrounded by like-minded peers.
Discover more about our Music Scholarships and how to apply by clicking below:
Alumni
We invite you to visit West Buckland School for a tour of the facilities.Β Be sure to visit the Music Department.Β Here you will see the destinations of some of our past Music students displayed on our Celebration Board, spanning back over many years.
Recent Alumni and their destinations are:
2021
Ben L. – Durham University
Max L. – Guildhall School of Music & Drama
2022
Alexander B. – Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
2023
Sion G. – Royal Holloway University
Becky N. – Cardiff University
2024
Zac A. – Birmingham University
We look forward to following them as they further develop as musicians and into their future careers.Β And who knows, we may well be inviting some back to perform to our students β it is always wonderful to have former students return to us to share their talent and passion with current students.
πΆ Chapel Choir Update πΆ
After their wonderful performance at last termβs Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, the Chapel Choir returned to rehearsals with renewed energy!
Theyβve now begun preparing for one of this termβs major highlights: Choral Evensong at Exeter Cathedral on Wednesday 4 March.
#wbsmusic #wbsmiddle #wbssixthform
πΌ We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in Autumn`s ABRSM and Trinity music examinations:
πΆ 5 students achieved Distinction
πΆ 3 students earned Merit
These achievements reflect their countless hours of practice, perseverance, and love for music. Well done, everyone!
#ExcellenceInMusic #ABRSM #Trinity #wbsmusic
β¨πDoor Number 8 of our WBS Countdown to Christmas β¨π
We are delighted to share this lovely performance of Silent Night by our talented Prep String Group. This piece was practised for their appearance at East Buckland Church for the Prep Final Assembly.
Merry Christmas from the Prep String Group.
#WBScountdowntoChristmas #SilentNight #PrepStringGroup #wbsprep #wbsmusic
π WBS House Drama at its finest! π
What an incredible showcase of creativity and talent across all year groups:
β¨ Year 7 wowed us with Prepared Sketches, each ensemble devising scenes around the theme βMessage in a Bottle.β
π₯ Year 8 brought Spontaneous Improvisation Battles, featuring one-on-one house competitions.
π¬ Years 9 & 10 impressed with Prepared Scenes from Scripted Plays.
π Years 11β13 rose to the challenge with Improvisation from a Shakespearean scene followed by Improvisation from a stimulus.
π€ Finally, to top it all off, the day ended with an epic Lip Sync Battle, complete with backup dancers.
π A massive well done to all participants for making this event unforgettable! #HouseDrama #CreativityInAction #wbsdrama #wbsmusic #wbsmiddle #wbssixthform
πΆ WBS Music Scholars Visit Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra πΆ
Our Music Scholars had the opportunity to attend a performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. As part of the WBS Music Scholarship programme, students regularly attend local concerts and recitals, and this one was truly special.
During the interval, they had the good fortune to meet world-renowned cellist Johannes Moser, making the evening even more memorable!
π A lovely message from an audience member who was truly impressed by our scholars:
`What a pleasure it was to meet the youngsters. They were so polite, and a pleasure to speak to, also all very well dressed. They are a real credit to the school.`
#WBSMusic #MusicScholarship #classicalmusic #bournemouthsymphonyorchestra
Upcoming Events
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A thriving coeducational independent day and boarding school in Devon for boys and girls aged 3-18, located on a beautiful rural campus between Barnstaple and Exmoor.
