Head of Department: Miss Pitman
Students of all ages are involved in the many extra-curricular activities the department has to offer. Our various ensembles follow a busy programme of rehearsals and performances. Members of the public regularly attend our concerts, which are bursting with excellent performances and high standards.
Ensembles meet at lunchtimes and include:
- Musical Theatre Group: Senior choir for Years 9-13 and staff. Rehearsals are on Tuesday lunchtimes in M1.
- Swing Band: Rehearsals are on Wednesday lunchtimes in M1.
- Sandhurst Beatz : Rehearsals are on Thursday lunchtimes in M1.
- Junior Choir: Years 7-9. Rehearsals are held on Friday lunchtimes in M2.
- Brass Band: Rehearsals are held on Friday lunchtimes in M1.
We are always open to suggestions for new ensembles.
Musical Theatre Group
This group is a mixed choir for students and staff - it has always been lovely to see students and staff working together to create music. Rehearsals will begin again the second full week of term and take place Tuesday lunchtimes in M1. It is open to all senior students, whether they are studying GCSE Music or not, and all interested (and available) staff. Being able to read music would be helpful, but it is not at all an essential skill to have if you want to join the choir as all songs are taught by ear. The only requirement we ask of singers is that they enjoy singing with us. Come and give it a go!
Swing Band
Led by Miss Martin the Swing Band play ... swing of course! The music is hot, hot, hot! The flutes and trumpet are in danger of meltdown but the atmosphere is always brilliant. The Swing Band plays a variety of popular music and we are currently working on ‘New York, New York’ and ‘Salute to Old Blue Eyes’. This is a newly formed and young ensemble which recently made its debut performance at the Variety Concert in December 2008. Our Swing Band is a popular choice for instrumentalists eager to be a part of a large, vibrant and enthusiastic ensemble.
Sandhurst Beatz
Sandhurst Beatz is a newly formed percussion group led by Miss Pitman which meets on Thursday lunchtimes. Getting our inspiration from STOMP! We will be experimenting with the Djembe Drums, Boom Whalers and lots of other percussion instruments to create exciting rhythmic pieces.
Junior Choir
Aimed at students in Years 7 - 9, the Junior Choir is the group to join if you want to sing for fun. Every week the number of students attending appears to be increasing as they enjoy singing with their friends. Most of the songs we do are quite short and can be split into parts. You don't need to be able to read music to join –we very rarely use it! We do sometimes sing with members from the Senior Choir in preparation for carol singing at a local old people’s home. Due to popular demand we are going to be singing songs from ‘Mama Mia!’.
Brass Band
We are very lucky to be receiving so many talented brass players from our local feeder schools. Starting in September 2008 this new ensemble is led by Miss Pitman and meets on Friday lunchtimes. They made their debut appearance at the Variety Concert in December 2008.
