Music
Music is for ALL at Aldro.
Players of all abilities are given the opportunity to take part in making music with others in the many ensembles that rehearse weekly. Big Band, Orchestra, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Training Choir, Junior Choir, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Brass Band…. there is something for everyone! A ‘give it a go’ attitude permeates throughout the music department at Aldro and the chance to perform on stage in the plethora of concerts is the ultimate reward!
Performances
During the year there are many opportunities for the children to perform from Teatime Concerts, Advanced Musicians Concerts, Termly Concerts, Regatta and of course Aldro's Rockfest in the summer term, where every child has the opportunity to perform a song of their choice, regardless of whether they have additional music lessons. At the last concert performances ranged from Seven Nation Army to Smells Like Teen Spirit - is was a fantastically vibrant event that the children absolutely loved!
More advanced musicians are given opportunities to expand their musical portfolio with regular opportunities to perform and to receive professional feedback from highly regard professional musicians, for example in a performance masterclass with visiting musician Dr Gabby Painter, violinist with Academy St Martin in the Fields.
Music in the classroom
In curriculum lessons, pupils engage in composing, listening, and performing activities that are both stimulating and challenging. Musicians are encouraged to use their instrumental skills within these tasks to develop their creativity and explore through their instruments. Collaboration is key in the music classroom where pupils of all abilities are actively stimulated by one another’s ideas and creations.
We are extremely fortunate to have four choirs at Aldro: a Junior Choir, Training Choir, Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir.
The Junior Choir is for Forms 3 and 4 and is part of the weekly curriculum, Training Choir is an optional activity for children in Forms 5 and 6 and the Chamber Choir is by invitation only to Form 7s and 8s.
The Aldro Chapel Choir is at the heart of every Chapel Service. Formed of auditionees from Form 5 to Form 8, the choir rehearse weekly under the professional leadership of the Director of Music. The choir explore part-singing through a huge range of sacred and secular anthems.
Tours
The chapel choir are busy outside of school too, having performed recently at Charterhouse with a performance of St Matthew's Passion and last year on tour at Disneyland and a hugely well-received recital at La Madeleine church in Paris city centre - a hugely memorable trip for all those involved.
Music Scholars
Pupils are supported, mentored, and encouraged to work towards a music scholarship at their chosen senior school. The Director of Music works closely alongside the team of Visiting Music Teachers to guide pupils through this musical journey. The department has excellent relationships with senior school music departments which helps to guide the preparation for pre-auditions and the scholarship audition itself.
