Music

A programme of extra-curricular ensembles and choirs run weekly in the SWCHS Music Department.  They build on the experiences of individual music lessons and/or classroom music teaching. Our clubs offer the chance to gain experience, performing alongside other musicians of a similar ability and there really is something for everyone.

The department draws on the skills of both the classroom staff and some of the visiting music teacher team to deliver a range of opportunities. The ensembles and choirs are intended to be challenging and enjoyable in equal measure; a place to hone your skills of ensemble musicianship and make friendships.

Some ensembles/choirs are open to any student of the necessary ability (regardless of where they receive tuition) and some are by invite only (more info below).

Those learning in school and at SCYM are expected to participate in at least one ensemble/choir and there is a strong, logical progression in the way they are organised. Music Academy students are also expected to take a prominent role within at least two ensembles/choirs.

With four school concerts each year, all ensembles/choirs will take part in at least two. With this in mind, weekly registers are taken which firstly indicates the commitment of a student and the reward of a music badge, and secondly collates to the emergency fire list at each concert. It is therefore essential that students: sign in on the relevant ensemble register each week and send an email or speak to the relevant ensemble director if unable to attend a rehearsal/concert. Chase up emails regarding lack of attendance at ensemble rehearsals will be sent to students and parents as we very much value commitment and courtesy.

Ensembles and choirs go on an oversees tour every year. This is an exciting opportunity and a celebration of Music at the end of the year.

It is important to note that in order to join any of the ensembles or choirs on offer, students should, in the first instance, contact the Music Department so that members of staff can make sure that the ensemble is appropriate for the student.

SWCHS Ensemble information

Please read the information below regarding our ensembles and if you reach the criteria and would like to join/audition for any, please speak to your classroom music teacher or any member of the Music Department so that they can make sure that the ensemble is appropriate and has availability.

Junior/Intermediate Ensembles

These are open to performers that are working between grades 1 & 5 and act as training ensembles for the more senior groups.

• Intermediate Strings is open to players of orchestral string instruments. They perform music in a variety of differing styles and are directed by Mrs Patterson.
• Intermediate Concert Band is directed by Mr Woods and will build a programme drawn from the standard band repertoire.
• Junior Jazz Band is run by Mr Reed and is for Intermediate Concert Band players that want to further develop their skills in jazz. It also needs a pianist and guitar players to form its rhythm section. Junior Jazz Band members should also attend Intermediate Concert Band.
• Lower School Choir is directed by Mrs Clark and welcomes students from Year 7, Year 8 & Year 9.

Senior Ensembles

Senior ensembles are for students at grade 5 level and above. For balance and to ensure quality, a student may be required to audition for these ensembles and may also be placed on a waiting list.

· Senior Strings is directed by Ms Ball, one of our string teachers and celebrates repertoire that is challenging and fun to play. There is also a String Quartet that takes its members from the larger group and is by invitation only.

• Senior Concert Band is directed by Mr Huston and generally plays music from the Symphonic Wind Orchestra repertoire and is very dependent on advanced sight-reading skills. This group also has an extensive repertoire of lighter items suitable for outdoor performances in the summer term. This is invitation via recommendations from Music staff.
• ·Jazz Band is directed by Mr. Reed and works hard to build a folio of jazz standards in differing styles. Members of Jazz Band are invited from Senior Concert Band. These students will be auditioned and, if successful, will also remain in Senior Concert Band.
• Symphony Orchestra is directed by Mr Sunderland/Miss Law and caters for all string players of grade 5 level, but wind and brass players are invited to join as necessary. This is invitation via recommendations from Music staff. There may be a waiting list for wind and brass due to the size of the ensemble and the balance of instruments. This ensemble also requires percussion players that can read music, especially to play the timpani.
• Show Choir is open to students in Year 9 and above. It tends to perform a lot of fun repertoires from movies and stage shows and is directed by Mrs Clark, our singing teacher. Sight reading helpful, but not essential.
• Chamber Choir is directed by Music Academy students whilst Miss Law is on maternity leave. It draws its repertoire from across the centuries and has some music especially arranged for it. This is by invitation and audition only, although expressions of interest are always welcome.
• String Quartet run by our violin teacher Ms Ball. This is invitation only and is a very limited number!

Smaller Ensembles

Please speak to the ensemble leaders for these smaller groups

• Rhythm Ensemble Mr Fowley runs a group of percussionists, some of whom have drum lessons and others who just enjoy Samba music.
• Classical Guitar Ensemble, directed by Ms Semken.
• Pure Sax run by Mr Meyrick which is a saxophone ensemble.

And finally…….

Our programme of extra-curricular ensembles and choirs run weekly in the SWCHS Music Department. They build on the experiences of individual music lessons and/or classroom music teaching. Our clubs offer the chance to gain experience, performing alongside other musicians of a similar ability and there really is something for everyone.

With four school concerts each year, all ensembles/choirs will take part in at least two. With this in mind, weekly registers are taken which firstly indicates the commitment of a student and the reward of a music badge, and secondly collates to the emergency fire list at each concert. It is therefore essential that students: sign in on the relevant ensemble register each week and send an email or speak to the relevant ensemble director if unable to attend a rehearsal/concert. Chase up emails regarding lack of attendance at ensemble rehearsals will be sent to students and parents as we very much value commitment and courtesy.