Music

Staff

Head of Department:

Mrs H McIvor

Teaching Staff:

Miss C Eagleson
Mrs H McMordie
Mrs K Mort

Music Tutors:

Mrs S Adgey, Voice
Ms Smith Nesbitt, Cello
Mr P Comfort, Percussion
Mr R Dawson, Brass
Mrs J Gibson, Bassoon and piano
Dr G MacAtasney, Clarinet & saxophone
Mr R Douglas, Flute
Mrs H McMordie, Piano
Mrs H Marsden, Upper strings
Mr G Myles, Big Band and Concert Band
Mr J Riordan, Piano and theory
Mr M Donaghy, Guitar

Why Music?

Music is a combination of sounds, silence, rhythm, pitch, tone, melody and harmony which communicate emotions and ideas.

Research shows that studying music can help students develop critical thinking, spatial reasoning and cognitive skills. It also helps develop communication skills and encourages creativity and expressiveness. Students who play music as part of a group develop team-working skills, self-discipline and the ability to listen to others.

Our department aims to develop skills and provide experiences which will enable all students to make music to the very best of their ability and with as much enjoyment as possible.

Key Stage Three

All pupils in years 8 -10 receive two periods of classroom music per week. The course focuses on practical and creative musical skills, as well as covering theoretical and historical content. Activities include playing keyboards, ukuleles, guitars and other instruments, composing original music, singing and using music technology.

Year 8

U1 Rhythm
U2 Cartoon Characters
U3 Ukulele Skills
U4 Keyboard Skills

Year 9

U1 Music and Mood
U2 The Blues
U3 Ukulele Skills
U4 Chords
U5 Keyboard Skills

Year 10

U1 Film Music
U2 Electronic Dance Music
U3 Guitar Skills
U4 Pop Songs
U5 Cover Project

GCSE Music

Music is now a popular option for GCSE. Students will follow the CCEA examination syllabus for this course.

The criteria for entry to a GCSE Music class is:

• Grade 3 Pass (ABRSM or Trinity) on a musical instrument or voice

• Grade A in Year 10 summer music examination

A Level Music

Students will follow CCEA Examination Syllabus for this course.

The criteria for entry to an A Level Music class is:

• Grade 5 Pass (ABRSM or Trinity) on a musical instrument or voice

• Grade 5 Pass (ABRSM or Trinity) in Musical Theory

• Grade A in GCSE Music

Extra-curricular

At Regent House School we have a well-established musical tradition that extends back over eighty years. The Music Department at Regent consists of four classroom teachers and twelve instrumental tutors.

The extra-curricular groups include:

• Junior Concert Band

• Senior Concert Band

• Junior String Orchestra

• Senior String Orchestra

• Junior Choir

• Junior Chamber Choir

• Senior Choir

• Senior Chamber Choir

• Big Band

• String Octet

• Brass Ensemble

• Woodwind Ensemble

Theory classes are also available at lunchtime.