Music
Music is central to life at Stanborough. Through music lessons and extra-curricular activities we aim to develop a lifelong love of music. Students are encouraged to develop their skills in composition, performance, listening and arranging. Students have many opportunities to take part in extra-curricular music through choirs, musical ensembles, concerts and tuition and we celebrate the energy and talent we have at Stanborough whenever we can.
Head of department: Mrs E Jackson
Email: ejackson@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
What will students study?
In KS3:
Students learn the basics of music theory including reading pitch and rhythm notation, and develop their performance, listening and composition skills through various music topics, including keyboard skills, song writing, African drumming, Music Technology and working as part of a band. Students are encouraged to develop their confidence and creativity through all their work.
In KS4:
Students can choose to study GCSE Music, for which we follow the Eduqas syllabus.
Students study a wide variety of musical styles through performance and composition, and learn to analyse music using musical language. Students receive 50% off the price of instrumental/vocal tuition if they take GCSE Music, and do not need to have studied an instrument before to do well.
In KS5:
Students can choose to study A Level Music (Eduqas) and/or Music Technology (Edexcel). These two courses are very different and offer diverse insights into music.
In Music A Level students study Western traditional music, through studying the development of the symphony from 1650 to 1800, Expressionism and 20th Century Music, Musical Theatre across various composers and decades and popular music genres. Students have to present two to three compositions in various styles and perform between six to twelve minutes to a visiting examiner on the instrument/voice of their choice, as well as complete a listening and theory exam based on some prepared and some unprepared music. This course develops further the skills learnt at GCSE and builds towards possible study of Music at University.
For Music Technology, A Level students study the advancement of technology and its uses by music producers and performers. Students will have to demonstrate their understanding of production techniques, microphone placement, the science behind sound waves, use of mixers, use of effects, such as reverb and compression, both by using them effectively in their coursework, and by explaining them in exam conditions. Students complete a work portfolio, including a studio recording and composing using music technology software. This course develops skills started at GCSE and develops them in depth towards possible university study of Music Production or Music. Students would be wise to also study physics if they are keen to pursue a career in Music Production.
How can I support my child in this subject?
Encourage your child to take up all the opportunities they can to perform and compose both in and outside of lessons. There are so many extra-curricular activities available to them which they should take advantage of.
Students can choose to take up instrumental/vocal lessons in school by signing up with the Hertfordshire Music Service. Students receiving free school meals can apply for lessons free of charge.
What equipment does my child need in this subject?
On most occasions students will only need a pen, pencil, rubber and their work folder.
Students are welcomed and encouraged to bring their own instruments in to school to play. We have a music store where students can store these.
Celebrating successes in this subject
Every term we have at least one evening concert where you can see all the fantastic music making which is going on in our school. Teachers use reward points every lesson to recognise the effort, attainment and presentation of students. Each term subject prizes are given to students whose work has gone above and beyond what we might have expected. The very best students in each year group are also recognised when they are given the subject prizes in the celebration of achievements evening. Older students to leading roles in ensembles and as Music Prefects.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Visits
We have a wide variety of extra-curricular activities: Concert Orchestra, School Show Rehearsals, Guitar Group, Percussion Group, String Group, Flute Group, Brass Group, Grade 5 Theory, School Choir and Senior Choir. Practice rooms are also available every lunchtime and after school for students to rehearse in.
We perform a musical every year which we rehearse from September and perform in February.
We aim to do a Music Tour in Europe every two years. We also go on regular trips to see concerts and musicals at various venues in Hertfordshire and London.
Curriculum Intent and Vision
INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL LESSONS
At Stanborough, Students can choose to have additional instrumental or vocal lessons, which are taught by our
excellent team on Visiting Music Teachers, who work as part of the Hertfordshire Music Service (HMS).
Tuition is currently available on the following instruments:
· Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet
· French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba
· Drum Kit
· Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Ukulele
· Voice (Any Style)
· Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
· Piano, Keyboard
Other instruments may be available with prior notice.
Tuition is possible for both beginners and more experienced students
Approximate fees for 11 lessons per term are as follows:
Individual 20 minute lessons £154.00
Individual 30 minute lessons £231.00
Tuition takes place during normal school lesson time with students missing part of a different lesson each week wherever possible. Students are expected to catch up on any work missed.
Financial support is available for lessons, including for students who receive free school meals
Please see this link and the Music Charging policy on the Stanborough School website for more information.
http://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/remission
Insurance and Storage
Please ensure that instruments are clearly named and are easily identifiable. Locked rooms are available for storing instruments, but we advise you to add the instrument to your home contents insurance. There is the opportunity to purchase instruments at low-cost or to hire from the school. Please ask the Head of Music for further information.
Timetables
All instrumental and vocal timetables are emailed to students at the start of each term. Students can also find a paper copy of their timetable displayed in the Music Department.
Further information is available in our Music Charging Policy available on the school website.
REGISTERING FOR LESSONS
To register for lessons, please use this link: http://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/register
This is a two step process:
· Sign up with HMS using their Schooblie platform
· Register your child for the lesson or lessons you wish them to take
