Music
The Music Department at The Gregg School offers a vibrant and dynamic environment where students can explore and deepen their musical talents.
Beyond the classroom, students of all abilities are encouraged to enhance their musica; enjoyment through participation in our wide ranging co-curricular programme, including the Orchestra, Jazz Band, Rock Band, Choir, Flute Choir, and String Ensemble. Concerts for parents at school, house competitions, supporting the school musical and carol service and singing/playing in the community, provide students with valuable performing experience.
Music Scholarships are awarded only to students who are at Grade 3 and above. They are expected to contribute fully to the Music department at The Gregg School.
"Lots of new opportunities led me to performing; I knew I wanted to explore further into what it was like. I immediately felt at home in the band pit, doing what I love. It was an amazing experience performing in a professional theatre and it is something that I will always remember." Year 9 bass guitar player, on performing in Grease at the Theatre Royal, Winchester.
During Year 7 our students learn the fundamentals of reading, composing, playing and appreciating music. Students learn how to become confident performers on the keyboard and other classroom instruments. Those who play their own instruments are encouraged to use them in the classroom. Students are taught how to listen to and appreciate different styles of music as we explore elements of music, theory of music, orchestral music and music from China.
In Year 8 we follow the roots of African music to explore the development of Blues and Jazz in America within their social and cultural contexts. Practical work is based around the twelve-bar-blues structure and students develop their improvisation and song-writing skills. Students further improve their listening, composing and performing skills through studying other topics including the History of Western Classical Music (Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods).
In Year 9, Music further polishes the skills learned in Year 8 and is an excellent grounding for the GCSE course. Topics covered include Music for Film and Animated Film, Musicals, World Music, and Music Technology.
In Years 10 and 11, students can elect to take Music GCSE and the two-year course follows the Edexcel specification for GCSE Music.
Students are able to join a wide range of groups and ensembles:
- Orchestra
- Choir
- Flute Choir
- String Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Jazz Band
- Rock Band
The ensembles rehearse at lunchtimes throughout the year, in preparation for various concerts and events such as the Winter Concert, Carol Service, and Summer Concert. All groups are open to students of any ability.
