Welcome to the Music Department

Staff

Miss V Parkhouse - Head of Music Department

The Department consists of a teacher in charge of the subject working closely with the LEA's Music Service and their team of peripatetic teachers, who offer a wide range of specialist instrumental tuition in the school.

We have a tradition of staging musical productions which brings success and enjoyment to many children.

The Department comprises a purpose-built music block which contains a teaching room, ensemble room, five practice rooms, a mixing room and a recording studio.

Key Stage 3

Pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 study a wide range of topics, each including performing, composing and listening activities:

Year 7

I've been to Harlem (sea shanties)

Medieval Music

African Drumming

Year 8

Film Music

The Blues and Improvisation

Latin American Music (Samba)

Year 9

Reggae

The Music of India

Popular Song

KEY STAGE 4

At Key Stage 4 pupils who have opted for Music follow the Edexcel GCSE course. This consists of:

30% Performing (voice or instrument)

30% Composing

40% Listening and Appraising

Students progress through 4 Areas of Study, each of which is subdivided into 3 topics:

Area of Study 1: Structure in Western Classical Music (160-1899)

•  Ground Bass and Variations

•  Ternary Form

•  Rondo Form

Area of Study 2: Changing Directions in Western Classical Music from 1900

•  Expressionism and Serialism

•  Minimalism

•  Experimental and Electronic Music

Area of Study 3: Popular Music in Context

•  Dance music (1985-present day)

•  Songs from Musicals

•  Britpop and its influences

Area of Study 4: Indian Raga, African music, fusions

•  Indian Raga

•  African music

•  Fusions

Each topic contains performing, composing and listening tasks in order to prepare students for all aspects of the course.

As pupils have opted from GCSE music, it is expected that they contribute to the extra-curricular music activities within the school.

Pupils are advised that having instrumental or vocal lessons (in school or out) will aid their progression in terms of the performance aspects of the course.

Instrumental and Vocal Lessons

Pupils are advised that having instrumental or vocal lessons (in school or out) will aid their progression in terms of the performance aspects of the course.

Pupils who wish to have instrumental or vocal lessons in school will have a 20 minute lesson per week, taking place in pairs or in small groups.

Where possible, the lessons are rotated on a timetable to prevent students repeatedly missing the same academic lessons.

As the school contributes to the cost of the peripatetic lessons, it is expected that pupils receiving lessons attend at least one extra curricular club per week and take the opportunity to improve their performing skills by participating in concerts.

Instruments currently offered at the Grange:

· Drum Kit

· Guitar (Acoustic, Electric and Bass)

· Woodwind (Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon and Saxophone)

· Brass

· Strings

· Voice

· Keyboard

(Please enquire at the school with regard to current lesson costs. Some instruments may be available to hire through school).

Extra-Curricular Activities

Monday

3.15 - Band (All Years)

Tuesday

1.30 - Staff and Whole School Choir