Orchestras & Ensembles

Sunday Times Schools Guide 2025 - Independent Secondary School of the Year North West

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.

Senior School Instrumental Ensembles

There are three large Senior School instrumental ensembles:

  • Big Band
  • Orchestra

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. Current smaller ensembles 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.

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Sixth Form Options Evening

-Thursday 30th January 2025 – 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Senior Assessment Days

-September 2025 Entry (Year 6 applicants) – 20th, 21st & 22nd January 2025

Prep Taster Days

Various dates available throughout January and February 2025