School life
Music
Music forms an essential part of the school curriculum and there are also lots of additional ways to get involved outside the classroom. Whether striving for perfection or just picking up the basics, whether four or fourteen, we want all pupils to have fun studying and making music.
Class music
- Infants (Reception – Year 2): 30 minutes of class music and 30 minutes of collective singing
- Juniors (Years 3-6): one hour of class music and 30 minutes of collective singing
- Seniors (Years 7-9): 70 minutes of class music
- Years 10-11 (GCSE) receive just over two hours of class music in small classes
Pupils benefit from use of the latest music composition software – Garageband and Logic – on iMacs, as well as Sibelius on the department’s PCs.
Instrumental lessons
Pupils can have instrumental lessons from Year 2. Lessons are charged directly by the instrumental teachers and are currently available for the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, singing, trumpet, trombone, French horn, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, ukulele, recorder, drumming, guitar (acoustic, classical and bass).
Blanchelande College enters its pupils for ABRSM and Trinity College music exams.
Groups
Pupils have the opportunity to join a wide variety of music groups.
- Choir: the school has choirs for infant, junior and senior pupils, and a harmony group for seniors by audition
- Groups for keyboard players (seniors) and recorder (juniors)
- The School Orchestra (open to pupils who have reached Grade 2)
- Ensemble groups for GCSE students
Pupils also have the opportunity to set up their own bands with their friends.
Additional activities
Pupils have opportunities throughout the year to showcase their musical abilities.
- Concerts
- Carol Service
- School liturgy
- Talent shows
- Eisteddfod
For more information about music at Blanchelande, contact Mr Neil Houston.
Email [email protected]
