All Prep School pupils have one 50-minute lesson of class music each week and the pupils in Pre-Prep have one 30-minute lesson per week. Singing is the key focus of our curriculum as is having opportunities to create music from a young age. Pupils in Class 1, Class 2, Form 1 and Form 2 (Years 1-4) learn a musical instrument as part of the music curriculum. Class 1 learn to play the recorder, Class 2 the violin, Form 1 the pBuzz and Form 2 the ukulele. The Department also houses 10 PC computers complete with MIDI keyboards. All classes from Form 1 have the opportunity to use these to create music using software such as Soundation, Groovy Music and O-Generator with the aim being that children understand the language of music technology by the time they move to their senior school.
We have a wonderful team of visiting music teachers who offer lessons in all of the standard orchestral and band instruments as well as singing and piano. When pupils are ready they perform at one of our lunchtime showcases and/or take a music examination.
A number of ensembles are provided for the children at Abberley to further enhance their studies and give their playing some context. We have a Wind Band, a String Orchestra, Drummers United and Rock Bands as well as our Junior and Chapel Choirs. Playing and making music with others develops social skills and teaches children to listen to each other, while also being a lot of fun!
Performing Arts Newsletter Spring 2020