Canford Music Scholarships booklet

CHRISTOPHER SPARKHALL Director of Music

MAJOR CONCERTS

I hope that, at Canford, we succeed in igniting the flames of a similar passion in all of our young musicians.

The Music department involves a wide range of pupils from across the school, but our scholars lie at its heart. The quality and quantity of their achievements is extraordinary, and their contribution to the school’s music makes it what it is. We aspire to be the best we possibly can, and the professional way in which the pupils work, all the while having fun, makes it a huge pleasure to be leading the music here.

It is a particular joy to see the development of talent as pupils move from Shell to Sixth Form. The level of skill which our musicians demonstrate every day, and the way in which they continually improve, is clear to see. I am often asked what I look for in music scholars and I have come to the view that passion and commitment are a potent combination.

I hope these brief insights into Canford Music help illustrate those essential attributes in our scholars and, of course, the very significant accomplishments that they bring about. I am hugely proud of the musicians at Canford and I hope you would like to find out more about our scholarships.

Christopher Sparkhall MA (Oxon), ARCO Director of Music

Our biggest events involve a great number of pupils, and our concerts in ‘Lighthouse’, Poole in March (below) see over 100 pupils take to the stage. We explore a wide range of music, from major symphonic orchestral repertoire to large-scale choral works; from film scores to jazz - and we always play from the full professional scores! Our Music scholars play crucial roles in leading our ensembles, and in taking solos during our concerts. A particular highlight for the Music scholars is accompanying our musical show in the pit orchestra. Canford is one of the only schools to give pupils this opportunity, and the demands of this experience teach them a lot about a professional approach to performing.

LIFE AS A MUSIC SCHOLAR

“When I was told I had been offered a scholarship I was so pleased that all the hard work had paid off. I play the clarinet, bass clarinet and piano, am part of the orchestra and both the Chamber and Chapel Choirs as well as having individual lessons. I think I am someone who enjoys many aspects of music and thankfully, the more complex pieces

I have been able to play, the more enjoyable and rewarding the hours of practice can be. Being a Music scholar at Canford has allowed me to work with lots of different people and enjoy a number of opportunities.

Naturally, big concerts come to mind as highlights, but my favourite memory is being part of the show band for the musical. I see my music in the same way that I, and possibly many others, see sport. It is something which offers great experiences, has given me strong friendships and offers a variety to my life that I would sorely miss without it. “

Alby Stevens, Upper Sixth

Our annual Jazz Concert (below) has become a firm favourite with pupils and parents alike. A more relaxed evening, the standards of music are extremely high, and the opportunity to sing a solo, accompanied by the jazz band is one to which the pupils aspire.

MUSIC EXAMS

The new ARSM diploma, launched in 2017, has been a real success at Canford. Our music scholars now have a qualification beyond Grade 8 which suits them well, and it is no surprise that over half of our diploma results so far are at distinction level. Achieving a letter-bearing qualification whilst still at school is a super acknowledgement of their hard work, talent, and of the time they and their teachers put into preparation and practice.

Music scholars are surrounded by other capable musicians, and of the 28 Grade 8 exams taken in the last academic year, 80% achieved merit or distinctiontestament to the thriving musical life of the school.

Our GCSE and A Level results are similarly impressive, with most Music scholars achieving top grades in these academic exams.

Music has always been my passion!

ARSM Diploma successes at distinction level

MUSIC BEYOND CANFORD

MOVING ON FROM CANFORD - MUSIC AT UNIVERSITY

A number of our Sixth Form go on to study Music at university each year, with Manchester a favoured destination; six Canfordians have gone there in recent years. We’re always particularly proud of pupils who gain scholarships to their chosen university, and recent OCs have been awarded music scholarships at Durham, Oxford, Cambridge, York and even the ‘DeWitt and Billie Marie Brenna Scholarship’ to the University of Colorado, Boulder! Last year saw two OC musicians gaining places to read music at Oxbridge. We have also sent musicians to conservatoire on performance-based courses.

SCHOLARSHIP PRE-AUDITIONS

The Director of Music is happy to hear potential Music scholars play at any point. The informal pre-audition is designed to be low-key, and is a chance for you to get to know us as much as for us to get to know you. A good time for a first pre-audition might be in Year 7 or even at the end of Year 6, with a follow-up in the Christmas Term of Year 8.

We will give some informal feedback, identifying both things that went well and areas for improvement as preparations for the ‘real thing’ get underway. It’s also a good chance for you to ask questions and to find out more about Music scholarships and Music at Canford.

Whilst the emphasis at the pre-audition is on informality, and on the pupil showing music at which they are currently working, in order for it to be a useful occasion, the following elements should normally be presented:

MUSIC MAKING BEYOND CANFORD

We are glad to support our Music scholars in finding external opportunities to perform and to learn. Samuel Hopkins is now in his fourth year as a member of the National Youth Orchestra, whilst a number of scholars have, over the years, been members of the highly regarded Wessex Youth orchestra. Summer courses, such as ‘Music Makers’ or the Eton Choral courses are ones on which we encourage our musicians to go.

THE FRIENDS OF CANFORD MUSIC

Parents are as important to the musical life of the school as the pupils, and parents of scholars are very much a part of the department. We hope to see you regularly at performances, and the establishing, five years ago, of the ‘Friends of Canford Music’ has helped to develop a really warm welcome – their feedback has certainly improved the quality of the interval wine!

A number of Music scholar parents serve on the committee, and help out from time to time with the organisation of concerts and events. Most importantly, though, we know that the pupils here really value their parents coming to hear them play (whatever they may, occasionally, say to the contrary), and your support is a vital part of our music-making.

• One piece on each instrument (and one song, if appropriate)

• A selection of scales on the main instrument

In addition, there will be some aural tests and sight-reading of an appropriate level.

It is important to note that no indication can or will be given at a preliminary audition as to the likely outcome of the Music scholarship auditions themselves.

If you would like to book a pre-audition please contact Sarah Holloway (Music Administrator) on 01202 847486 or by email: slh@canford.com

LAGO D’ORTA, ITALY - ANNUAL TRAINING CAMP

Sam Hopkins, Double Bass

ARRANGE A PRELIMINARY AUDITION

THE 13+ MUSIC

SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Please take careful note of the audition requirements and ensure that the correct elements are prepared.

THE MAIN AUDITION

• Applicants should prepare two contrasting pieces on their main instrument/voice* and one piece on each supporting instrument/voice. We would request that, for reasons of time, further pieces are not prepared beyond these requirements.

• Where an applicant has been preparing scales for an exam recently, we will be glad to hear these as part of the audition, and it will be to their advantage to demonstrate a command of this important aspect of musical skill.

• Sight-reading of approximately grade 6 standard.

• Aural tests will follow the pattern of ABRSM grade 6.

• The audition concludes with an informal interview between the applicant and the department’s music staff. This will include an element of ‘theory’ knowledge based on looking at a score. Questions might be about terms, signs, key signatures or other performing indications.

Please note that these audition requirements mean that candidates will be at Canford for approximately 90 minutes to complete the audition process, including some time to warm up, at the end of which time they will be free to depart.

*Singers and pianists may offer these as their main ‘instrument’, but they must also offer a supporting orchestral or wind band instrument at a minimum of grade 5 level.

THE EXPECTED STANDARD

Although we will accept applications from those who have passed Grade 5 with merit or, ideally, distinction, most successful scholarship applications are from those who have passed at least grade 6 with merit or distinction. In all of their playing we are looking for both accuracy in performance and a strong sense of interpretation or ‘musicality’. Of equal importance to the playing standard reached is commensurate ability at sight-reading. Above all, we are looking for scholars who show enthusiasm and passion for their music-making.

AWARD APPLICATIONS

FURTHER INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

We are keen that financial circumstances should not be a bar to applications for music awards, or to successful award winners taking up a Music scholarship at Canford. We encourage parents for whom this may be an issue to explore an application for financial assistance with the Admissions Office (01202 847207, admissions@canford.com) who will also be happy to explain the process and timings.

With regard to the system of preference order for schools within the Music scholarship process, there is no ‘bias’ against applicants who do not put Canford as their first choice. That said, there is a finite fund available for Music awards and in a year with a strong field of applicants, it is possible that this will be exhausted by applicants who have put Canford first choice.

The value of Music scholarship awards is based on performance in the scholarship audition. Canford does not have a fixed number of awards, nor set values (as some schools do). However an ‘average’ number of awards might be four per year, and a ‘normal’ year might see values awarded ranging from 10% to 35% of fees. Whilst awards are available to 50% of fees, this level of award is reserved for the very highest standard of musician. Such an award would only be given to a candidate who demonstrates exceptional accomplishment and musicianship in their scholarship audition.

Music scholars receive free tuition on two instruments (or voice). These lessons must be taken from Canford’s staff. Music scholars must study Music at GCSE and then in the first year of A Level (the Lower Sixth), and are expected to play a full part in the musical life of the school, playing in ensembles as required and also including singing in the choir.

It is not necessary for potential applicants to sit the ‘Headmaster’s List’ tests. Successful music award winners will be given a place at the school, subject only to meeting the academic entrance standard in scholarship or Common Entrance. However, discussion with the Admissions Office about the HML process and registration is encouraged, and most Music scholars will have attended a Headmaster’s List test day.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For an initial discussion regarding awards, or any aspect of Music at Canford, please contact Christopher Sparkhall, Director of Music - ccs@canford.com