Music

Music is at the heart of Westonbirt School and over two-thirds of students play one or more musical instruments. There are several choirs and our Great Hall still houses the magnificent original organ that was built with Westonbirt House in the Victorian era.

Music is thoroughly enjoyable, practical and inclusive. Our aim is to encourage creativity and to develop confidence and self-esteem through a variety of performance opportunities. In Years 7 and 8, pupils participate in 2 double music lessons per week, including a Singing and Performing Arts session. In Year 9, students receive 2 music lessons per week.

Music lessons at KS3 incorporate performing, composing and appraising as well as the study of different musical genres from Baroque and Classical, to Musical Theatre, Reggae and Popular Music. Composition work is carried out using the software Sibelius and GarageBand in our Music Technology Suite.

Concerts and services are regularly scheduled in the school calendar and musicians and singers from the school frequently perform within the local community. Singing evensong at Gloucester Cathedral is a prestigious annual event and one which involves all vocalists within the school, whilst the Mid-Somerset and Cheltenham Festivals offer all performers an opportunity to compete against pupils from other independent schools.

Whilst performing is at the very heart of the school we also believe in enhancing pupils’ musical experience by offering trips to local concert venues and theatres throughout the year.

Students wanting to further their studies at GCSE level are expected to take at least one individual instrumental or singing lesson each week and attend at least one musical ensemble at school.