Music at Alcester High School is taught to all Year 7 - 9 pupils as part of the National Curriculum and is available as an option in Years 10 and 11 leading to a GCSE qualification. The lower school programme involves a great deal of practical work and 'hands on' experience as well as listening and original composition. Instrument and vocal practical work is based with theory and aural being taught as an extension of this. Listening is also closely allied to practical work with a very wide range of music being listened to over the 3 year period. It is essential that pupils have access to an instrument at home. It is our belief that a general study of music not only increases confidence but, amongst other things, also develops self awareness, imagination and the ability to accept and work with others.

OPTIONAL INSTRUMENTAL TUITION

We can currently offer individual and group tuition for the following instruments:-

FLUTE CLARINET OBOE SAXOPHONE VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO DRUM KIT PERCUSSION TRUMPET HORN PIANO STEEL PANS
TROMBONE VOICE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD ELECTRIC AND CLASSICAL GUITAR

We limit group sizes to 2/3 and encourage individual tuition wherever possible. Most of our staff are from the County Music Service but we have found it necessary to employ our own private staff to cater for the high demand. The cost of lessons is kept to a minimum and whilst the school does subsidise these we ask for a parental contribution. Under certain circumstances this charge can be waived. All lessons take place during the normal school day and utilise a rota system to minimise the disruption caused to the normal timetable of the pupil.

THE EXTENDED CURRICULUM

The school provides a great many opportunities for pupils to develop their performing abilities. We try to ensure that all pupils who so wish are allowed to use the musical skills that are taught at Alcester High School. It is our aim to stage, in conjunction with the Drama department, a major musical/pantomime once per academic year and to organise concerts at other times at which students may experience the art of public performance.

With the level of music technology now available some Year 11 pupils will be offered the opportunity to take an A/S level in Music Technology.

We offer the following activities which vary throughout the year:

ORCHESTRA STRING ORCHESTRA CHOIR WIND BAND BRASS GROUP SHOW BAND
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES JAZZ BAND

We insist that those who take advantage of subsidised lessons at school also join school ensembles as a matter of course. In this way we ensure that skills taught in lessons are used and that the process of making music with others enriches the pupil.