Music

"...with an emphasis on practical music making."

The Music department at Rydal Penrhos School is a busy one, with an emphasis on practical music making. Currently, there are more than a hundred pupils learning a musical instrument, and there is a wide selection of musical groups, supported by pupils and staff. These include the orchestra, jazz band, steel band, close harmony group, gospel choir and senior choir as well as a number of smaller ensembles. The groups take an active part in the life of the school, playing in concerts, morning chapel, and public events.

Why study Music or Music Technology?

All pupils study Music in Year 7, with it becoming an optional subject at GCSE and A/IB level. At this point, two courses are offered to pupils by the Music department: Music and Music Technology.

At A-level and IB, Music builds on performing and technical skills from GCSE, and leads to higher level studies in Music, teaching, composing and performing. A significant level of performance (at least ABRSM Grade 5) is needed to start this course. This is a subject suited to pupils who wish to to develop creativity and imagination; develop a wide range of skills including performance, appreciation and composing; encourage development of musical awareness from a variety of styles; build on the skills already covered lower down the school and to provide spiritual, social and cultural enrichment.

Music Technology develops opportunities in studio recording and computer sequencing, preparing a pupil for posts such as sound engineers and technicians in recording studios. Pupils are expected to have reached a reasonable standard on at least one instrument before starting the course. Some knowledge of music notation is also needed.