Ensembles and Lessons

Approximately half of the pupils in the school learn a musical instrument, and many learn two or three. We have pupils at all levels, from beginner through to diploma and beyond, and our visiting teachers are highly qualified, often enjoying a performing career alongside their work as teachers. Taking music exams is not obligatory, but many pupils, guided by their teachers, will choose to pursue the ABRSM music exams and results are excellent. It is notable that many pupils see Grade 8 before they leave as a ‘goal’ and work hard to achieve this: as a result, we usually have at least 25 instruments being played at or beyond this standard in the school at any one time. Music lessons usually last 35 minutes and take place weekly; longer lessons are possible for pupils when required.

A system is in place to ensure that pupils in the Fifth and Sixth Forms do not miss academic lessons for instrumental tuition, and to ensure that pupils in the Shell and Fourth Form have only one instrumental lesson each week that ‘rotates’ through the academic timetable.

Strings

Canford’s string players are offered a variety of exciting ensembles appropriate to their abilities. In addition to the main school Orchestra in which most post grade 5 pupils play, the Senior Strings consists of players of grade 7 standard and above. They often perform concerti, offering our most talented musicians an opportunity to play with orchestral string accompaniment. Younger players are usually members of Junior String Ensemble. Most string players are also involved at some point chamber music, and particularly in string quartets.

Wind and Brass

Canford’s wind players take part in one (or more) of several ensembles ranging from the Symphonic Wind Orchestra, which performs both works from the more serious concert band repertoire as well as lighter arrangements, to the Concert Band, the Jazz Band, the Orchestra and numerous chamber groups.

The larger ensembles will perform in our major concerts, as well as taking their performances to local prep schools, whilst smaller ensembles will perform at a variety of occasions and events through the year.

The Assistant Director of Music (Instrumental) has particular responsibility for Wind and Brass music and ensembles.

Singing and Choirs

Singing is an important and popular activity at Canford.  With over eighty pupils currently having individual lessons, it is seen as a rewarding and stimulating part of the music curriculum.  Individual lessons cover a range of different skills including technical exercises, flexibility, confidence in performance and the opportunity to enjoy a broad range of repertoire. Singing is equally popular with both sexes and a variety of groups exist in which individuals can show off their varying talents.  Chapel choir currently numbers nearly seventy members, with a further 30 junior girls singing in the Cantabile Choir.  There is a thriving Chamber Choir for a small group of auditioned singers to explore some of the more advanced choral repertoire. There is also an adult Choral Society for parents, staff and other friends of the school.

The annual school musical has also stretched our singers in recent years.  Highly professional annual productions have included ‘Kiss me Kate’ and ‘Evita’.

Piano, Percussion and Guitar

Piano remains the most popular instrument amongst pupils, and there are six teachers of this instrument. All abilities are catered for, and pupils are encouraged to perform in both formal and informal concerts. There are limited opportunities for ensemble work, particularly for more advanced players. Both Jazz Bands provide a chance for pupils to play in a group, and the more capable pianists are encouraged to develop their accompanying skills.

Percussionists benefit from a new Percussion Studio, and we have ambitious plans to equip this with more tuned percussion as funds become available. Most pupils arrive having learnt drum kit, and our teacher encourages them to explore a wider variety of percussion instruments, whilst still developing their talents as kit players. All of our major ensembles require percussion players and there are opportunities for timpani, drum kit, tuned and unturned percussion playing in a wide range of musical styles.

Our Guitar teachers cover the full range of musical styles, from traditional ‘Classical Guitar’ to acoustic contemporary, electric and bass. Pupils are encouraged to perform both as soloists and as part of groups, and our contemporary musicians put on a live ‘gig’ in the Layard Theatre each year.