MUSIC

Director of Music: Mr I Hillier

'Music for all' is the fundamental principle of the department's work. Wherever possible all girls at St George's are encouraged to take part in music at all levels; most find it a part of their time at school which they come to value highly. Participation in many instrumental and choral ensembles inspires loyalty, confidence and appreciation of excellence. Each music group offers opportunities to perform in different styles. The choirs maintain a strong singing tradition and provide an aesthetic dimension to the girl's development, together with essential social contact.

The department is housed in purpose-built accommodation adjoining the Chapel. Dating from 1985, it offers a good environment in which to work and learn, having a large teaching room and 14 instrumental teaching/practice rooms, all with excellent pianos. The Sue Cormack Hall adjacent to the Music school provides an exciting performance area and an ideal venue for musicals and many of our concerts.

St George's offers a Music Scholarship and a number of Instrumental Awards both for First Year and Sixth Form entry. The Director of Music would be pleased to meet prospective candidates by arrangement at any time.

Musicians gain experience in concerts both in and out of school, at informal lunchtime recitals, House events and in the day-to-day fostering of high standards. Instrumental tuition is offered on all orchestral and keyboard instruments as well as singing. Theory and aural classes complement classwork and individual lessons.

The school offers to the potential musician the regular activities of the orchestra, string group, junior woodwind, senior woodwind, flute group, jazz group, guitar and brass groups, senior choir, first year choir and Chapel choir.

Excellence in performing is balanced by a thriving academic programme. All pupils receive class music tuition in the First, Second and Third forms then girls decide if they wish to take GCSE. Our most talented girls often take GCSE a year early in the fourth form and each year a number proceed to AS and A2 level. All results are consistently high, with girls moving on to study Music at degree level.

CHAPEL CHOIR

The school chapel services are the spiritual centre and a focal point of school life and the Chapel Choir has a leading role to play. There are a number of special services during the year including Advent and Christmas, Harvest Festival and Confirmation.

The Chapel Choir is widely in demand and together with regular concerts out of school the choir has broadcast for the BBC and on Canadian Radio and has made a number of recordings. Recent concert appearances included the Cafe Royal in London, Hampton Court Palace and Eton College. A number of new works have been commissioned for the choir and reviews of their work have been first class.

Music in Years 1-3 | GCSE Music | Music in the Sixth Form | Instrumental lessons

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