Music

Music is integral to our life at The Marist, contributing to spiritual and pastoral wellbeing through its co-curricular provision and providing academic success across the Key Stages through its curriculum. Based in Chanel House, a beautifully converted building from the original Frognal Estate, the department consists of 2 music teaching rooms and a range of practise rooms. The Music Technology Suite is fully equipped with Macs hosting Garageband and Sibelius, and we were delighted to open our new Recording Studio in 2019.

Music is taught at all levels in the school. Years 7, 8 and 9 cover a range of genres through performing, composing, and appraising. In addition to the curriculum, we also offer instrumental lessons from 13 different peripatetic instrumental teachers. The curriculum provides challenge for both experienced musicians, as well as pupils just beginning their musical journey. Both GCSE and A Level Music are taught, with plans to widen this offering to Music Technology in the future.

Co-curricular ensembles including Jazz Band, School Orchestra, Choir, String Quartets, Senior Ensemble for advanced players, as well as Songwriting and Music Technology workshops, ensure the department is a thriving hub of activity. The Senior Ensemble and choir tour regularly and have visited many European destinations including the Rhineland. The music department also works with drama to produce Musical performances which have included ‘Annie’, ‘Calamity Jane’, and ‘Oliver’.

Important dates in the calendar for Marist Music are the Christmas Carol Service, the Camerata Evening, and the Summer Concert, which offer opportunities for our ensembles to perform and showcase the talents of our Music Scholars. We also have events such as Open Mic Nights and the Lourdes Concert, where there are performance opportunities for a range of musicians and abilities. An annual highlight of the calendar is the Inter-House Singing competition in December, which is fiercely competitive and involves every member of the Senior Phase.

There is never a dull moment in the Music Department, and we welcome visitors with impromptu performances from whichever class is having a lesson at the time!