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.
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:
🎶 Exciting News! 🎶
We’re thrilled to announce a new choral project at West Buckland School! Starting in the Spring term, we’ll begin rehearsals for the world premiere of Requiem Aeternam, a stunning new composition by our very own Mr Dominic Carter.
The premiere performance will take place on Saturday, 5th July, and we’d love for you to be part of this historic event!
📅 First Rehearsal:
🗓️ Wednesday, 15th January
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Memorial Hall
This project is open to all singers—whether you’re an experienced vocalist or a beginner, we’d be delighted to welcome you! Copies of the composition, published by Halstan & Co, are available for purchase.
For more details or to sign up, please contact our Director of Music at [email protected].
Let’s make history together! 🌟 #WestBucklandMusic #ChoralProject #RequiemAeternam #MusicAtWBS #wbsmusic
🎻 Huge congratulations to Vincent B, Year 13, who has been offered a place at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to study the cello on the BMus course next year! 🎶
With only a handful of cellists across the country earning this honour, this is an extraordinary achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder of Vincent. 👏✨
Wishing him all the best as he prepares for this exciting next chapter in his musical journey. 🌟
#WestBucklandSchool #RoyalWelshCollege #MusicSuccess #wbsmusic
On Thursday evening, the Chapel Choir took a break from rehearsing for tomorrow`s Advent Service to record two beautiful pieces for their application to the prestigious Barnardo`s Choir of the Year Competition.
A special thank you to Ben W in Year 12, who showcased his exceptional Music Technology skills by expertly recording the session. Well done to everyone involved! 🎤✨✨
#WestBucklandSchool #ChapelChoir #BarnardosChoirCompetition #wbsmusic
🎶 Afternoon of Music 🎶
Today, our talented students transformed lunchtime into a musical showcase, filling the school with beautiful performances. 🎹🎻🎷
Thank you to everyone who performed and supported – what a perfect way to break up the day! 🌟
#WestBucklandSchool #DiscoverTheExtraordinary #MusicMatters #StudentTalent #wbsmusic
🎵 Prep School Music Afternoon 🎶
This week, our prep students impressed us with their l performances, showcasing their skills through singing or playing an instrument. A fantastic display of talent and dedication – well done to all involved!
#WestBucklandSchool #PrepSchoolMusic #YoungMusicians #wbsprep #wbsmusic
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.
