Music

Key Stage 3

All pupils have two lessons per week of class music. Projects undertaken involve composing and improvising, supported by listening and appraising. Work is done individually and in groups to allow different performing skills to be developed. Sibelius 2 and Cubasis software packages are available to help composing.

Key Stage 4

Music at GCSE is a popular option with just over 20 pupils per year. The AQA course integrates composing, performing and listening. Most candidates achieve A*, A and B grades. Instrumental lessons will greatly enhance enjoyment and success in the course.

Extra-curricular Music

About 30% of the students at Judd participate regularly in the wide extra-curricular programme. The aim is to cater for a wide range of talents and stages of development. Built into the scheme is the idea of progression and promotion as skills and experience develop. Performers are placed according to skill, not age. The aim is to give a professional training and a wide performing experience in a crowded schedule of concerts throughout the year.

These include:

• Orchestral concerts
• Formal and informal musical evenings
• Carol services
• Chamber music recitals
• A level recitals
• Junior recitals
• Choral concerts with parents
• Summer Prom Concert
• Jazz Cafe
• Band Explosion

The aim is always to move students towards a professional style and standard. The atmosphere within the Music Department is one of life and musical energy. Enthusiastic and talented students spark each other off into ever more ambitious musical projects. For example, three advanced pianists decided to each play a movement of Piano Concerto no. 2 by Shostakovitch with the senior orchestra.

Instrumental Lessons

The music staff includes 20 instrumental and vocal teachers.

• Piano
• Trumpet
• Organ
• Trombone
• Violin
• Horn
• Viola
• Drum kit
• Cello
• Voice
• Flute
• Guitar
• Oboe
• Saxophone
• Clarinet
• Bassoon

Opportunities in Music

Join

• Junior Singers
• Large Choir
• Senior Chamber Choir
• Junior Orchestra
• Judd Winds
• String Orchestra
• Senior Orchestra
• Big Band
• Varied rock groups

Enjoy

• Concert visits
• Master-classes
• Visiting recitalists

Recent Performances

• Tours to France
• Tchaikovsky Symphony 5
• Elgar Enigma Variations
• Wagner Mastersingers Prelude
• Beethoven Piano Concerto 1
• Shostakovitch Piano Concerto
• Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf
• Crusell Clarinet Concerto
• Bach Violin Concerto in E
• Poulenc Gloria
• Constant Lambert Rio Grande
• Bernstein Chichester Psalms

Music in the Sixth Form

The Edexcel course at AS and A2 levels attracts about 10-12 students each year, with boys and girls new to Judd being very welcome. Various performing and composing options are included. Students must be capable of reaching between Grade 6 and Grade 8 level by the end of the course. Every year several students go on to music courses at Oxbridge and other universities. Students take a lead in school music and have the opportunity of taking part in high quality ensembles, even playing concerto movements with the Senior Orchestra. A wide variety of musical styles is welcomed. Most students achieve grade A or B.

The English Schools Orchestra and Choir