Performing Arts
The department is lead by a full time Head of Performing
Arts, supported by a full time Director of Music, and three
part-time teachers of music and drama. In addition to which
15 visiting professionals teach pupils on an individual
basis.
The PAC or Performing Arts Centre (opened by Sir George
Martin in June 2004) comprises a fully equipped drama
studio, a music technology department, numerous music
practise rooms, recording facilities and an outdoor
performance area. The Performing Arts programme aims to
involve all pupils in the creative processes of music, drama
and dance, in order to promote individual aesthetic growth
and fulfilment. In Years 3-5 pupils have 2 x 40 minutes
(double period) of music every week taught by a full time
specialist music teacher. In these sessions pupils complete
work in units, each incorporating the three basic aspects of
music making: Performance, Composition and Music
Appreciation. Each unit seeks to lead pupils to create,
re-create and appreciate music.
In Years 6-8 pupils have 3 x 40 minutes (triple period)
of Performing Arts every week. Pupils are taught the
fundamentals of dance, vocal production, dramatic
performance, music technology and composition. During their
three periods a week, they focus on one or more of these
subjects with a final performance always being the main
objective. The lessons work on a rotational system with each
class being taught by specialist Performing Arts teachers
either as a whole or in smaller groups.
At some stage during Years 6 - 8, each pupil is involved in
at least one play or musical, produce a CD of his/her own
composition using Logic Audio and experience the Performing
Arts through workshops and out-of-school visits. Recent
projects have included various CDs including ‘Amesbury a
Musical Portrait’ and ‘The Living Years’. Dramatic
performances have included ‘Bugsy Malone’, ‘The Lion The
Witch and The wardrobe’, ‘Unman Wittering and Zigo’, ‘Body
Talk’, ‘Godspell’, The Dracula Spectaula’ and ‘Macbeth’.
There are various school choirs, a ‘Big Band’ and ensembles.
The Chapel Choir is one of only two preparatory school
choirs in the country to ‘robe in red’ by royal consent.
They sing at Choral Evensong and by invitation at weddings
and local functions. In recent years they have toured in
Italy, Germany, France, USA and Sweden.
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