Music
Our aim is to give all children the opportunity to perform and participate fully in music making activities. We strive to ensure that children reach their musical potential regardless of ability. The music curriculum throughout the School incorporates practical involvement in the three core areas of music: Performing; Composition; and Listening. These elements develop the pupil’s instrumental, creative and aural skills. In Senior School, technology is a vital part of the curriculum with computers, sequencers, mixing desks, multi-track recorders and the recording studio used as a daily part of pupil course work.
In addition to the curriculum, there is a wide and varied extra-curricular programme which gives our pupils the opportunity to perform throughout the year. Large numbers of pupils participate fully in the musical life of the School and standards of performance are exceptionally high. In addition many specialist teachers visit our pupils, providing tuition in string, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments, piano, accordion, voice, bagpipes and pipe band drumming.
Transitus-SII
In Transitus, SI and SII pupils learn to play keyboard, guitar, tuned percussion and drumkit, the focus of lessons being on class music making. Pupils receiving instrumental tuition are encouraged to perform on their particular instrument during group music making. Throughout the Listening Course, the curriculum is taught by topic covering the following styles and genres: Instruments of the Orchestra, Scottish Music, Voices, Blues and Jazz, Classical and Pop music. Pupils also gain experience in technology by composing their own music using ‘Sibelius’ software. Assessment of the course is undertaken through group performance and a short test on concepts.
SIII-SIV Intermediate 2
The course provides pupils with opportunities to develop musical versatility and particular areas of interest. Emphasis is placed on the study of music through practical activities which expose pupils to a variety of cultures and encourage them towards performing and exploring ideas through composition. Pupils also develop critical awareness and evaluative and investigative skills through listening to a wide range of music.
There are two possible routes: Music and Performing or Music and Technology. Pupils who opt to study Music and Technology study sound engineering and production in addition to the core elements of performing, composition and listening. Those studying Music and Performing present an additional second instrument in which they are required to perform a short recital. The final grade is determined from the combination of Knowledge and Understanding and Practical Performance or Folio recorded work.
SV-SVI Higher and Advanced Higher
Pupils study a course leading to Higher and Advanced Higher in Music. As at Intermediate 2 level, pupils can opt to study Music and Performing or Music and Technology. In addition to the core elements of Performing, Composition and Listening, pupils at Advanced Higher must produce a Listening Commentary based on their study of the works throughout the year.
Extra Curricular Activities
The Music Department run a variety of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. In Junior School, Mrs Sutherland rehearses two choirs and the Transitus Orchestra on a weekly basis. Mrs Mitchell rehearses the Transitus Choir.
In Senior School, the following ensembles rehearse on a weekly basis: Senior Girls’ Choir, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Senior Concert Band, Senior Mixed Voice Choir, Jazz Band, Junior Orchestra, Junior Choir and Pipe Band. In addition there are many chamber groups which rehearse and perform as required as well as a Drama Club for SI pupils.
During the course of the year, we participate in many events including local festivals and community events. Many of our pupils have successfully auditioned for the West of Scotland Schools’ Independent Orchestras and Bands, the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, the National Youth Choir of Scotland and the National Girls’ Choir of Scotland. The Junior Choir has also participated in the Scottish Finals of BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year.