M U S I C D E P A R T M E N T

I N F O R M A T I O N F O R P A R E N T S A N D P U P I L S 2 0 1 8 - 1 9

www.swps.org.uk

BUILDING CONFIDENCE, INTEGRITY & EXCELLENCE

Our aim is to provide an enjoyable and challenging environment in which students can experience a wide choice of both contemporary and traditional music on both an informal and formal basis.

Our music activities and lessons take place in our purpose built music department. Our facilities include:

10 practice rooms each with acoustic piano 1 large classroom 1 music technology classroom with 12 workstations 1 recital room 2 grand pianos

We are proud of the opportunities and rich, varied programme of musical activities that we offer. Students involved in our activities not only develop musically but grow in confidence and easily form new friendships.

This leaflet will provide details of our programme including the major events we have planned for our 2018/2019 calendar.

We look forward to welcoming your child into our department and seeing you at one of our forthcoming concerts.

Our department is alive with the joy of music; from lessons and group rehearsals to informal clubs and regular concerts, music can be heard throughout the day.

We want all our students to enjoy music whatever their level of musical experience.

Welcome to theMusic Department

02

Choirs YEAR 7 CHOIR

All Year 7 students belong to this choir.

The emphasis is on enjoying making music

together and learning to perform in public.

It’s traditional for the Year 7 Choir to sing in

our two school carol services in December.

Directed by Mrs Tham-Williams, this choir

rehearses on Monday lunchtimes in the

Jarvis Room.

SCHOOL CHOIR

This choir meets in the Jarvis Room during

Tuesday lunchtime and is for all students

interested in part-singing and performing

classical, pop and musical theatre songs. No

audition is required. The choir is directed by

Mrs Tham-Williams.

CHAMBER CHOIR

This is our choir for advanced singers. Entry

is by audition. The Chamber Choir is directed

by Dr Bebbington and rehearses on Mondays

after school in the Jarvis Room.

Some of our senior members recently

attended a performance of ‘Die Walküre’

by Grange Park Opera at West Horsley

Place, Surrey.

In March 2017 the Chamber Choir and guests

performed Mozart’s ‘Requiem’, accompanied

by the Chamber Orchestra.

03

04

OrchestrasSCHOOL ORCHESTRA The main school orchestra is for students

who are at least Grade 4 standard. Recent

performances have included ‘Finlandia’ by

Sibelius, ‘Night on a Bare Mountain’ by

Mussorgsky and themes from Jurassic Park

and E.T. More advanced members of the

orchestra are also members of small chamber

ensembles which also rehearse on the same

afternoon. Directed by Mrs Scrutton, it

rehearses on Wednesdays at 3.30 pm in

the Jarvis Room.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

For more advanced instrumentalists, entry into

the Chamber Orchestra is by invitation.

In March 2017 it accompanied the Chamber

Choir and guests in their performance of

Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ and in February 2016 the

orchestra provided the accompaniment for the

school Drama and Music production of “Oliver!”.

This year the orchestra will accompany solos by

four of our Music Scholars.

The orchestra rehearses on Friday afternoons in

the Jarvis Room and is directed by Mrs Scrutton.

JARVIS ORCHESTRAThis orchestra is for all students starting to learn an instrument up to about Grade 4 standard. Emphasis is on having fun and

developing confidence in group playing. The Jarvis Orchestra rehearses during Friday lunchtime and is directed by Mrs Tham-Williams.

05

Groups ADVANCED STRING GROUPS

Led by Ms Townsend, entry is by invitation,

for students who are Grade 7 and above.

This small ensemble rehearses after school

on Tuesdays.

SWING, FUNK & SOUL BAND

Led by Mr Rickards, this is a mixed ensemble

including drums, base and singers. Entry is

by invitation and rehearsals are after school

on Tuesdays.

FLUTE CHOIR

The Flute Choir is for players from Grade 4

upwards. It meets on Wednesday lunchtimes

and is directed by Mrs Clark.

SAXOPHONE GROUP

For saxophonists! Please ask the group’s

director, Mr Rickards, for information about the

standard required to join. The group rehearses

on Thursday lunchtimes.

06

ADVANCED CHAMBER GROUPS Groups are directed by Mrs Clark and take

place on Wednesdays after school.

CLARINET CREW

The Clarinet group for students who are

Grade 2 and above. It rehearses on Friday

lunchtimes and is directed by Mr Rickards.

FLUTE FACTORY

This is a fun group for beginners. Rehearsals

are on Wednesday lunchtimes with Mrs Clark.

BRASS GROUP

Directed by Mr Rickards, this group of brass

players meets on Wednesday lunchtimes.

From cornet to tuba, any standard, everyone

is welcome.

GUITAR GROUP

Directed by Mr Beaman, this group runs

during Tuesday lunchtime.

AcademicDuring their weekly lessons students in Years

7 to 9 experience a range of music through

listening, composing and performing. This

includes studying the Blues, Film Music, Ground

Bass, Indian Music, Ragtime as well as the more

classical genres such as Mozart and the Minuet.

Music technology skills are developed through

the use of Sibelius and Cubase software.

Regular collaboration with the Drama

Department provides valuable links with other

subjects and school productions.

Students can take Music as a GCSE and can

continue studying Music as an A-Level option in

the Sixth Form. Both courses follow the

AQA syllabus.

07

A significant number of our students have private one to one lessons with close to

200 instrumental lessons taking place each week. The school can provide lessons on the

following instruments.

Cello

Clarinet

Classical guitar

Double bass

Drum kit/Percussion

Electric guitar

Flute

French horn

Keyboard

Oboe

Piano

Recorder

Saxophone

Singing

Trombone

Trumpet

Tuba

Viola

Violin

Instrumental Lessons

FEES 2018-19

£22.50 per 35 minute lesson, usually

ten a term.

SCHOOL TRIPS The music department provides students

with the opportunity to hear high quality

music performed live. Recent trips have

included attending performances of

‘Miss Saigon’ and ‘Amadeus’.

Some of our senior Chamber Choir

members watched a performance of ‘Die

Walküre’ by Grange Park Opera, at West

Horsley Place Surrey.

Application forms are downloadable

from the school’s website:

www.swps.org.uk/schoollife/co-curricular/

performingarts

08

Music StaffSWPS is very proud of its highly experienced

instrumental teaching staff. Many are in

demand as soloists, as well as performing

with top orchestras, chamber groups and as

professional session musicians. Others are

MS TOWNSENDStrings

MRS CLARKFlute & Theory

MR BEAMANGuitar

MR STANLEYPiano

MR RICKARDSSaxophone & Clarinet

well-known composers and arrangers. SWPS

is fortunate in that its instrumental staff also

use their expertise to run and coach many of

our school instrumental groups.

MRS MCGIBBONSinging

MRS BURSTONSinging

MRS DAVIES Theory

MRS ROCKHILLViolin & Percussion

09

MISS JULIE AHERNEPiano

MR SUVINIViolin

MRS MITCHELLCello

MR WOOLLEYPiano

MISS H BARKEROboe & Recorder

Lessons are on a rota basis in Years 7 to 9

and fixed thereafter. Students on rotas can

only miss one academic lesson each week.

Associated Board Music examinations take

place each term in school,enabling students

to perform in familiar surroundings, as well

as to practise with their own instrumental

teacher as accompanist. Results are

usually outstanding.

DR BEBBINGTONChamber Choir Director

10

AUTUMN CHAMBER CONCERTThursday 11 October

Jarvis Room

7.00 pm

An opportunity to hear a range of impressive

solo & ensemble items from students

throughout the school.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTWednesday 5 December

Main Hall

7.00 pm

A chance to hear our choirs, orchestras

and larger ensembles, with solos by our

music scholars.

CHAMBER CHOIR PERFORMANCE IN FLORAL HOUSEFriday 7 December

Floral House

1.00 pm

A popular selection of well-loved carols sung

in a private session for the residents of the

local elderly care home.

NINE LESSONS AND CAROLSSt Peter’s Shared Church, Chertsey

Monday 10 December @ 7.00 pm &

Tuesday 11 December @ 7.00 pm

A traditional Christmas service with readings

and popular carols sung by the School,

Chamber and Year 7 Choirs. The congregation

joins in with the singing of traditional

Christmas carols. Followed by mulled

wine and mince pies provided by FOSWPS.

Admission is free but tickets are required.

Early booking is advised as this event is

always fully booked.

SPRING CONCERTWednesday 27 March

Main Hall

7.00 pm

SUMMER CHAMBER CONCERTThursday 9 May

Jarvis Room

7.00 pm

An opportunity to hear impressive solos

and outstanding ensembles from throughout

the school.

Concerts & Events 2018-19

All performances help our students find the

courage to overcome nerves, to take to the

stage and to enjoy the thrill of being in front of

an audience. This sparks a confidence in their

talents and abilities so they can rise to any

challenges that come their way. In addition

to the events listed below, other performance

opportunities include the FOSWPS Christmas

Fair, Grandparents’ Morning, Parent Information

Mornings and Open Evenings.

11

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS

Lunchtime Concerts are held in

the Jarvis Room. Concerts start

at 12.55 pm. Concerts@1 include

performances from all year groups.

Everyone is welcome.

Admission is free.

Booking required.

LUNCHTIME CONCERTSYear 8 Thursday 8 November

Year 8 Thursday 15 November

Year 8 Thursday 22 November

Year 8 Thursday 29 November

Scholars’ Concert Thursday 24 January

Year 7 Thursday 31 January

Year 7 Thursday 7 February

Year 7 Thursday 14 February

Concert @ 1 Thursday 28 February

Year 7 Thursday 7 March

GCSE & A Level Performance

Thursday 14 March

Coursework Thursday 21 March

Concert @ 1pm Thursday 6 June

Admission

BUILDING CONFIDENCE, INTEGRITY & EXCELLENCE

For further information please contact The Music Department

Tel: 01932 574900Email: music@swps.org.uk

All Music events are usually free of charge but for larger concerts tickets must be booked before the event. We use Eventbrite for our event bookings. Everyone is very welcome to attend.

Tel: Ticket Hotline 01932 574973 Email: music@swps.org.ukPost: Via the Music Post Box located outside the Staff Room

Details are correct at time of print. Up-to-date information

can be obtained on the school website www.swps.org.uk

ST. PETERS WAY

A317

TO VIRGINIA WATER CHERTSEY STATION TO ADDLESTONE

Chertsey

Addlestone

ST. PETERS CHURCH

White LodgeCentre

St. PetersHospital

CHERTSEYBRIDGE

Public library

SalesianSchool

JUNCTION 11

To StainesEgham & Windsor

To Thorpe &Virginia Water

To Lyne &Chobham

To Sunbury &Shepperton

To Weybridge &Walton-on-Thames

To Ottershaw& Woking

To ByfleetNew Haw

R

OAD

G

UILDFO

RD STR

EET

A3

20

GUI

LDFO

RD CHERTSEY ROAD

A31

8

C

HER

TSEY

RO

AD

HOLLOWAY HILL

B388 A320 PYRCROFT ROAD EASTWORTH ROAD A317

HERIO

T ROAD

A320 S

TAINES ROAD

WIN

DS

OR STREET LONDON ST

FREE P

RAE R

D

POU

ND

RD

B375 BRIDGE ROAD

F

OR

DW

ATE

R R

OAD

B

387

W

EIR

RD

RIVER

THA

MES

M25

SIR WILLIAM PERKINS’S SCHOOL

GUILDFORD ROAD | CHERTSEY | SURREY KT16 9BN01932 574900 | music@swps.org .uk | www.swps.org .uk