Music is an important feature of life at Aldwickbury, with opportunities for any boy to become involved at a level appropriate to his age and level of ability.
All classes from Reception to Year 8 have at least one lesson a week – most have two lessons – with a specialist teacher. Western Classical music has pride of place, though other traditions and genres are encountered too. Singing in unison and in parts is undertaken at all levels, as it is the most fundamental and accessible means of making music.
Other areas covered include:
- Recorder playing from Year 3 upwards
- Classroom percussion from Reception upwards
- Classroom ensemble work from Year 5 upwards
- Guided listening to recorded and live performances for all age groups
- Demonstration of musical instruments – often by older boys for younger groups
- Composition (including ICT) and improvisation from Year 3 upwards
- Notation and musical literacy appropriate to a group’s stage of musical development – some written work in Years 7 and 8
- History of Western Music in Years 7 and 8
- Music from other cultures
