DAUNTSEY'S SCHOOL
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Dauntsey's School places great value and importance upon a good musical
education.
Our resources and accommodation for music have steadily grown over many
years and we are justly proud of a distinguished reputation for musical
activities and achievements.
Musical Instrument Tuition
The majority of Dauntsey's School pupils learn to play instruments.
Tuition is available on the full range of orchestral instruments and percussion, as well as piano, organ, classical guitar, electric
guitars and singing.
Supervised Practice is arranged for pupils in the Lower School Boarding
House.
Concerts
An average of two concerts per week are scheduled. The style of these
range from informal evenings of Chamber Music to Rock Band Extravaganzas;
as well as the more formal Choral and Orchestral concerts, often featuring
pupils
performing concertos; or major performances of oratorios, such as Elijah
or African Sanctus.
Stage Productions
Music is also a prominent feature of dramatic productions, in the form
of both incidental music for plays and the presentation of fully staged
operas and musicals.
Music on the Curriculum
All pupils have the opportunity of fully developing their musical potential,
whether as performers, composers or informed listeners. Class music lessons
(for pupils in years 7, 8 & 9) explore a wide variety of music through
listening, composing and performing; the lessons generally adopt a creative
and practical approach in order that pupils learn about the subject through
direct experience.
GCSE Music and A level Music are both popular choices of subject with
many pupils continuing their study of music at University or Music College.
A level Music Technology, a relatively new syllabus, provides pupils with
the primary skills needed by a studio musician. Dauntsey's School is fully
equipped for this course and we have taught the syllabus since its inception.
Associated Board Music Exams and
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama Exams
For convenience, as well as for the comfort and security of familiar
surroundings, pupils normally take their musical instrument exams at Dauntsey's
School. Exam sessions are scheduled for the end of each term and a high
standard of success is maintained.
Ensembles & Choirs
Numerous ensembles meet regularly, enabling participants to develop
musicianship skills as fully as possible.
Ensembles include:
Opening Strings, The Junior String Band,
The Intermediate Chamber Orchestra, The Chamber Orchestra;
Clarinet Choir, Flute Choirs,
(Junior) Wind Ensemble, (Senior) Wind Band;
Junior Brass Group, Senior Brass Group;
Percussion Ensemble; 2 Recorder Consorts;
Chamber Choir, Lower Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Madrigal Group, (Adult)
Choral Society;
Symphony Orchestra; Dance Band.
Chamber Ensembles and Rock Groups also flourish, as well as occasional
activities such as Barber Shop Quartets and Plainsong Choirs.
Music for Parents
Parents, too, are warmly encouraged to make music. Opportunities include:
singing with the Choral Society; developing practical skills through ensemble
playing in the instrumental workshops and William Dauntesey Philharmonic;
as well as "From Scratch" performances (eg of Messiah or Creation).
Musical activities and opportunities do change from time to time depending upon the interests of pupils and the availability of appropriate resources.
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