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Music

Music is something everyone can enjoy at Rushmoor.  The main aim of the department is for pupils to enjoy creating, performing and listening to music. We believe that music is a subject that is accessible to all, providing opportunities for success at all levels of intellectual development.

We use the latest music software in conjunction with our specialist music computer suite which enables pupils from years six and above to multi-track and record midi and audio files, burn to CDs, create mp3s, compose to movie files and create drum, bass and dance loops - to name just a few!  These new computer facilities are made available to pupils during lunchtimes and after school so that any pupil can enjoy the amenities of an entire recording studio at their fingertips!

Music is taught by a specialist teacher from the foundation years right through to years 10 and 11 where it is an option for GCSE.  Besides our fantastic music suite we also make use of recorders, guitars, keyboards, an array of percussion instruments and, of course, our voices! A wide variety of topics is covered in the classroom including folk music, blues & jazz, modern, pentatonic, the history of music, melody and chord writing, pop music, the science of music and even West Ends musicals!  The ability to read and write music is also taught at various levels.

 

In addition to class room singing and learning many pupils take advantage of the excellent peripatetic music teachers that visit Rushmoor School.  A team of seven musicians visit during the week to teach piano, voice, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, euphonium and percussion to name just a few!  These pupils are encouraged to perform in assemblies, classes and concerts throughout the year. They may also be entered for graded exams with either the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, or with the Trinity Guildhall exam board.

Extra-curricular music activities are held every week for all budding musicians, not just those who learn at Rushmoor School!  A band and choir rehearsal is held weekly, and other smaller ensembles are run where any opportunity arises.  These ensembles also then perform in assemblies and concerts throughout the year.

 

Finally, there will also be opportunities for pupils to perform and visit musical performances outside of school, through working with the local community (such as the Christmas Tree Festival in Bedford) and also by attending professional concerts and theatres.

 

David Day

Head of Music