Music

The Music Department aims to develop and nurture the musical talents of all our boys and foster a love and enjoyment for music-making of all styles and genres.  There are a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year, and all boys are encouraged to be involved. There is a strong tradition of vocal music, with our four part First Choir performing at weekly Chapel services, a secular Second Choir, a Junior Choir, and an annual musical on the stage. Three quarters of the boys learn a musical instrument and there is a flute group, a string ensemble, a wind band, and the 'Papplewick Blue Notes' for jazz orientated guitarists.

The boys have enjoyed much success in their Associated Board exams and the more accomplished have been selected to play in the IAPS orchestra. Our electric guitarists and rock drummers are examined by the Rockschool examination board, and bands perform regularly.

We are fortunate in having a purpose built Music School which consists of a large teaching room, a fully equipped Music Technology suite with 20 Apple Mac computers and midi keyboards with notation and sequencing software, twelve practice rooms all with new Yamaha or Weber pianos, a designated drum room, and a library.  There is a two manual and pedal pipe organ in the Chapel and a Yamaha grand piano in the school hall. All boys receive class music lessons with a considerable emphasis on Music Technology in Years 5-8.