Music

A precious lifetime gift for every child to enjoy

Music is about the co-ordination of mind and body, decision-making and balancing of ideas, creativity and self-discipline and the development of skills of the highest order. Such development through music has direct application to many other areas of the School curriculum and beyond. Music at OBH has something to offer all pupils; every pupil has something to give – something to learn from the study of music.

Class music is an integral part of the curriculum and encompasses a wide range of activities. Children learn to respond to rhythm and to move rhythmically, becoming aware of the different moods of music. Through the basic vocabulary of music and simple music reading skills, they explore the nature of sound and create melodies and simple compositions. Individual and group performance is complemented by an understanding of the lives and works of great composers, enabling pupils to relate music to the other subjects which they learn.

Musical opportunities

Learning a musical instrument is seldom easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding studies with which a pupil can enrich a school career. Qualified instrumental teachers introduce different instruments to the younger pupils through demonstrations and concerts and there is often an opportunity for every pupil to start learning in small groups before opting for individual lessons.

The School has an excellent team of visiting instrumental teachers currently offering individual tuition in most musical instruments, including voice. In addition, all pupils have the opportunity to join the School Choir and those who show particular talent for singing are invited to join the Chapel Choir. Instrumental groups have always proved extremely popular with pupils in the past and there are twelve groups to choose from. Each term there are two informal concerts for parents which provide an opportunity for both Junior and Senior pupils to gain performing experience in a very informal manner. Other regular functions are the Advent and Christmas Carol Services in December. The Choirs and Ensembles also play and perform outside School when the opportunity arises.

Music Group Practice Times

Monday
8.20am: Jazz Group

Tuesday
12.30pm: Chapel Choir
12.30pm: Flute Choir
12.30pm: Junior Strings

Wednesday
8.20am: Chantelles

Thursday
10.00am: Pre-Prep Recorder Group
1.35pm: Senior Strings
5.05pm: Year 4 Choir

Friday
8.25am: Orchestra
9.00am: Pre-prep Choir
12.30pm: Concert Band
1.05pm: Force 12
5.05pm: Year 5 and 6 Choir

Saturday
1.05pm: Chapel Choir