Participation in co-curricular music-making is strongly encouraged at all ages. Students involved in the Instrumental Programme attach themselves to one or more instrumental groups as soon as they are able to play sufficiently well to join in. This helps to consolidate their technique, improve their sight reading skills and develops an appreciation of the pleasures and challenges of making music with others. Students who are learning to play an instrument privately out of School are also encouraged to join these groups.
Instrumental Ensembles
The School has a number of large instrumental orchestras including Prep Orchestra and Senior Orchestra. Both ensembles see students rehearse weekly and perform at the Christmas and Summer concerts to guests in Bushell Hall.
Smaller Ensembles
Other smaller groups meet weekly, often led by our visiting music tutors, and the programme will vary from year to year depending on demand.
Smaller ensembles can include:
- Brass Ensemble
- Saxophone Quartet
- Clarinet Ensemble
- Tutti Flutti
- Horn Club
- Folk Band
- String Group
- Ukulele Club
Ad-Hoc Ensembles
In addition to the groups which are described above, many less formal groups and ensembles meet on an ad-hoc basis, either to prepare for some specific occasion or just for the pleasure of playing together. The various annual productions will feature a number of our more experienced instrumentalists in the band, often playing alongside visiting music tutors and other guests.
