A number of instrumental groups: wind band, brass, strings and guitar ensembles and two recorder consorts meet weekly, usually after lunch or dur ing assembly. Boys may join these when they have reached an appropriate technical standard to cope and usually find ensemble playing immensely rewarding and enjoyable.
There is a Pre-Prep choir, Junior choir (Years 3 and 4) and Chapel choir (Year 5 and above). The latter leads the singing for Sunday Chapel (roughly alternate Sundays in term time) and the annual carol service, as well as representing the school further afield.
A major music and drama production takes place every Christmas term, with a cast of 60 or so volunteers from Years 5-8. Similar opportunities exist in the Pre-Prep and Junior Departments. There is at least one formal evening instrumental and choral concert each term and a number of informal lunchtime recitals which provide performing experience for boys at any stage of their musical development.
Individual tuition is provided in piano, guitar and the full range of orchestral instruments. Approximately 150 individual lessons (Years 1-8) take place each week. An Associated Board examiner visits the school each term and Theory of Music examinations also take place.
A pleasing number of Merits and Distinctions are regularly obtained and failures are almost unheard of. Most years see at least one Music Award to a senior school.
