About
the Music Department
| Our
overall aim is to provide a wide range of musical
experience to cater for all the tastes and talents
within our school community. |
 |
The
National Curriculum for Music at Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9),
concentrates mainly on developing the child's natural
ability range thorough listening, appraising, composing
and performing. A great deal of emphasis is placed on performance
during the lessons (both vocal and instrumental), mainly
because it acts as the link between an idea, and the communication
of this idea within a group. This takes the form of developing
rhythmic co-ordination, pitch sense and vocal capability
through a varied range of music.
The National Curriculum stresses the need to develop the
pupils potential by focusing on what they CAN do rather
than diverting them with areas that they struggle with.
This leads to a more confident approach, that ultimately
creates a more all round musician
Throughout
the year, the pupils will participate in group and
solo composition work that will be assessed along the
guidelines set for the end of Key Stage 3 (Year 9). Pupils also have the opportunity to take the Access to Music level 1 or 2 qualification. This
all ties in very closely with the style of assessment
used in our GCSE and AS level Music courses.
Each
year group has a combination of topics including World
Music, Classical and Contemporary Western styles as well
as a variety of notation methods. By Year 9 pupils can
use functional harmony, chords and write songs. Pupils
use ICT resources to extend research and listening and
have excellent access to ICT to use our music technology
resources. The music room has 15 computers with Sibelius
3 and Cubasis software which are incorporated into teaching
in all year groups.
Instrumental Tuition
We
have an experienced and lively group of instrumental
teachers offering tuition on a wide range of instruments
including: Flute, Recorder, Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto and
Tenor), French Horn, Cornet, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium,
Baritone, Tenor Horn, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano,
Drum Kit, Guitar (Electric, Acoustic
and Bass) and Singing.
Extended Curricular Activities
There
are many extended curricular activities overseen by staff
within the department such as: Concert Band, Guitar Workshop,
Singing Club, String Group, Flute Group, Brass Group, Samba Band
and Jazz Band. They rehearse during the lunch hour and
after school with a view to performance at school events
and venues in the local community. There are also groups
run by the students themselves that often stem from KS3,
4 or 5 work. Firm connections with Dereham Sixth Form
College encourages musicians to continue their musical
studies and experiences and are an excellent role model
for younger players and singers.
