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Musical Activities
The music department offers a wide range of organised group musical activities which include the orchestra, chamber ensembles for string and wind instruments, junior and senior choirs, a madrigal group, and jazz, flute, string and clarinet groups.
Individual music tuition is available and as varied as the playing of the harp to rock guitar. Some individual instrumental lessons are arranged in extra curricular time and the opportunity for individual practice is encouraged for all musicians at this time. The school is a centre for Associated Board and Rock School exams.
The opportunity for performance is important for all musicians and vocalists and a varied programme meets the needs of all levels.
Internally, vocalists lead the school in the morning assemblies as members of the choir, perform in concerts for parents and take to the stage during the Inter-House Performing Arts Competition and most spectacularly in the annual musical.
Our good links with the local community have meant that pupils have performed major works, by joining forces with larger choirs. Recently Missa Solemnis by Beethoven and Carmina Burana by Carl Orff have been performed. The reputation of the choir is such that they are much in demand for local weddings as are some of our senior soloists.
Likewise our musicians enjoy many of the same openings, starting from individuals performing in morning assemblies to the more experienced performers being members of the professional orchestra accompanying the school musical. Each year the parents are invited to a summer concert when performers of all levels and disciplines can be enjoyed.
Each year, participation, in musical festivals gives the opportunity for both vocalist and instrumentalists to compete. The Mary Wakefield and South Cumbria Festivals have been regular venues and most recently the Carlisle Music and Drama Festival has been added. Many of our students have enjoyed great success at these festivals.
Workshops
To extend the expertise and inspire the pupils, weekend and day long workshops are arranged. Atarah Ben Tovin is a regular visitor and other specialists such as the Scottish Flute Trio have led flute weekends whilst Richard Ingham recently led a Jazz Weekend and previously Deborah Catteral, trainer of the National Youth Choir inspired our vocalists. Most recently a percussion day gave specialist guidance in orchestral and African drumming.
Trips to concerts and other musical occasions are provided for the students. Classical events held at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester have been much enjoyed and a visit to Music live at the N.E.C. Birmingham led to the formation of student led group who now perform at top the bill at our own school prom.
International Music Tours are one of the highlights offered to our musicians. In 2004 a large group left for Venice where they performed for local audiences, enjoyed the culture and occasionally some sun and relaxation.
The school are supportive of students playing in local and national orchestras and are always looking for new opportunities: the next venture is to be the formation of a Ceilidh band.
