Music

Music plays a vital part in the life of King’s. Musicians of all levels are encouraged to perform on a regular basis and there are concerts nearly every week. Once a year the whole school performs for the Inter-House Music Festival, a keenly contested competition, in which the Houses present soloists, ensembles and a ‘whole House’ item, always performed to a very high standard indeed.

We are fortunate to have two concert rooms for our choirs, ensembles, orchestra and a variety of bands. The church provides the perfect setting for the Chapel Choir whose performances attract wide audiences. Our Big Band,  Orchestra and Military Band regularly perform throughout Britain and overseas.

Approximately 40% of King’s pupils have lessons on a musical instrument or voice. In addition to these individual lessons, they have the opportunity to sing in the choir, play in the orchestra, military band, big band and a host of smaller ensembles. The Big Band and the String Ensemble have both had recent tours to the continent, while the Military Band has ‘Sounded Retreat’ at Longleat House, in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses, Prince and Princes Michael of Kent. The band has performed recently in The Lord Mayer’s Show.

As you may imagine, the Music School is a hive of activity with lessons, rehearsals and private practice going on throughout the day. A friendly atmosphere is maintained and the constant coming and going of musicians contributes greatly to the character of the department.

Music Scholarships

Generous music scholarships are awarded each year in January, at both third form and sixth form entry level. Candidates for third form entry should normally have at least grade V on their main instrument/voice and be able to offer ability in a second musical area. Candidates for sixth form entry should have at least grade VII on their main instrument/voice. Candidates can meet the Director of Music informally during the previous term for a pre-audition and to discuss the responsibilities and expectations of scholars. More information concerning Scholarships may be obtained from the Registrar.

Peripatetic Staff

The Director of Music and Assistant Director of Music are supported by a superb team of fifteen Visiting Music Teachers who give individual lessons on instruments and in singing. They are all excellent musicians in their own field and come to King’s from such backgrounds as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC singers, the Band of the Royal Marines and so forth. They prepare their pupils for all kinds of performance, from A-level recitals to the first tentative appearance in public. At all levels, they motivate and encourage, giving fully of their expertise.

A list of the Peripatetic Musicians may be found in the front of the school Calendar.