The Music Department
The aims of the Music Department at Summer Fields are threefold:
First of all, through class lessons, we introduce the students to as many areas of the subject as is possible. This includes the traditional elements of musical history, music appreciation and theory awareness; but, in addition, all pupils gain experience on the violin, cello, recorder and keyboards through yearlong courses as part of their class tuition. Alongside this, all pupils compose from an early stage and they are able to use the suite of dedicated computers in the main teaching room to typeset their work as well as to research topics on the Internet. Class lessons also allow the opportunity to listen to and appraise music from many cultures and countries. Those in their final year undergo a programme of study which includes a course on digital editing, an extended piece of composition and the researching and writing of an entry for an intranet Music Encyclopedia.
Secondly, we help every pupil here to fulfil his individual musical potential. Each week, about 220 lessons are taught by a visiting team of 30 specialist musicians with over 80% of the school learning an instrument. As such, the ability to play an instrument is seen as the norm rather than the exception at Summer Fields. In addition, over a dozen groups take place ranging from a recorder consort to the three choirs and from jazz and rock groups to the two School orchestras. As a result, Summer Fields enjoys an enviable record with regards to music scholarships to major public Schools as well as a very impressive catalogue of Associated Board examination successes.
The Department’s third aim is possibly the most important of all; that is to help each pupil to realise that music is a gift for life. Confidence when playing in public is gained through a range of performance opportunities including informal class concerts, playing solos as part of our weekly acts of worship, coffee concerts for parents and pupils alike, Chapel services, tours and formal annual concerts. This means that all those learning have a chance to showcase their talent regardless of their level of attainment in the hopes that it will encourage them to continue to enjoy their music throughout their lives.
If you wish to know anything further about the Music Department, including information on Music Awards at Summer Fields, then please contact the Director of Music, Gareth Price, or the Registrar, Mrs Christine Berry.
Please click these links to learn more about our Choirs and previous Summer Fields Choir Tours.