Music is at the heart of life at Gresham’s. We work hard to instill and foster a love of music in pupils, providing a wide range of solo and ensemble performance opportunities at all levels. From weekly Chapel Services to the Annual House Music Competition, performing in Theatre in the Woods to recording and producing music in the Strathmore Studio, there are an incredible range of opportunities for all pupils to make music with small groups and the whole school.
As an All-Steinway School, the facilities across the department and performance spaces are world class. Our outstanding Fishmongers’ Recital Hall hosts many concerts, recitals and informal performances throughout the year to offer opportunities for musicians of all abilities and styles to share their music making with the school audiences and wider communities.
Choral Tradition
There is an exceptionally strong choral tradition at the heart of the music department, which is inextricably linked to the life and calendar of our Chapel. There are a range of choirs for all age groups, with the emphasis on engaging pupils from across the whole school in the choral music, with clear pathways for pupils to strive to progress through. Including year group choirs, Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Schola Cantorum and Crickets (close harmony), they feature extensively in school events and celebrations, as well as across the wider community and country.
Music Technology and Media Production
The Strathmore Studio is a hive of activity, with pupils recording podcasts, recitals and professionally released singles. Opportunities for pupils to work in the studio are offered throughout the week, with the ‘Young Media Leaders’ being the exciting and innovative programme operating out of the studio. Pupils have the opportunity to create their own media content, including recording original music and cover versions, feature films and music videos, record and document school events, producing trailers, concert footage and managing live streamed services and events. The hugely successful collective vocal groups ‘Gresham’s Girls’ and ‘Gresham’s Guys’ annually release charity singles, giving all our pupils’ real-world experience of the music and media industries.
Instrumental Ensembles
Part of the excitement of learning an instrument is to perform with others, and there are a range of ensembles and groups for pupils to be a part of. Traditional ensembles such a string group, brass ensemble, orchestra and concert band meet weekly and perform in regular concerts and recitals. Smaller chamber ensembles are formed depending on the needs of the cohort of pupils. More contemporary groups, such as rock, pop, jazz, percussion and contemporary music making opportunities are spread throughout the week, with informal open mic nights, lunchtime concerts and large-scale rock and pop concerts providing an outlet for our musicians.
Individual Music Lessons
The music teaching staff are inspiration, providing a broad range of experiences to the wider department, while many perform professionally on an international stage. Individual lessons are available on a range of instruments and voice, for complete beginners to advanced musicians. We currently offer tuition on the following:
- Voice
- Piano, Organ
- Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass
- Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon
- Harp
- Bagpipes
- Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba
- Music Technology & Production, Songwriting & Composing
- Music Theory
SENIOR SCHOOL MUSIC LESSONs TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Examination support is provided for all pupils through accompaniment rehearsal and aural development, individually arranged with pupils. Group Music Theory classes are provided through the extensive cocurricular programme.
For many pupils, the music department gives them the opportunity to create and play music with other pupils of the same passion and interests. Whether or not they decide to pursue music professionally, we anticipate that through the opportunities for all pupils, their understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of music will stay with them throughout the rest of their lives.
ALUMNI
