Vocal Ensembles
Orchestras
This is an SATB full chorus of up to 100 singers, and gives the opportunity to perform a large choral work once a year with a professional orchestra and soloists. The choir is made up of Leweston students, parents, teachers, governors and singers from the local community. There are weekly rehearsals on a Wednesday evening from October to March. Recent performances include:
The Symphony Orchestra is organised in partnership with Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Prep, the International College and The Gryphon School. Entry is by audition at the start of each academic year.
Leweston Choral Society
2013 ‘Zimbe!’ by Alexander L’Estrange, with professional jazz band and the composer 2014 ‘Requiem’ by Mozart, with professional period instrument ensemble and soloists 2015 ‘Sacred Concert’ by Duke Ellington with professional jazz band, soprano soloist and tap dancer 2017 ‘Gloria’ by Vivaldi, with professional period orchestra and soloists
Schola Cantorum
This is an auditioned choir for Years 9+ which performs to a high standard. A considerable level of musical ability and commitment is required. There are weekly rehearsals on Mondays and Wednesdays and the pupils sing for Mass every week. Schola Cantorum performs one major concert a year as part of the Sherborne Abbey Festival, in addition to performing in school concerts and fund-raising concerts in the local community. Their other major annual commitment is the School Carol Service in Sherborne Abbey. The choir have a high profile in the school and wider community, and recent highlights include performing specially commissioned pieces by Patrick Hawes and Pinda Dhanoya, and a tour to South Africa in collaboration with the sports department in 2013.
Symphony
Sinfonia
The Sinfonia is another joint endeavour with the local Sherborne schools. It performs two concerts each year, and most members progress to the Symphony Orchestra once they have attained a high enough standard. Again, entry is by audition at the start of each academic year
Leweston Training Orchestra
Our Training Orchestra is for all Senior and Prep School pupils learning an orchestral instrument, no matter what level of expertise. Its purpose is to encourage instrumentalists to play as part of an ensemble, and to build their confidence and expertise in order to enable them to audition for Sinfonia when they reach the required standard.
Music Department Weekly Activities Day/Time Activity Venue MONDAY
13.05 13.35-14.10 16.30-17.45
TUESDAY
All pupils in Years 7 and 8 sing in the junior choir, Cantemus, which rehearses every Monday lunch time. The choir performs at the Joint Sherborne Schools’ Concerts, the Carol Service in Sherborne Abbey and the Summer Concert. Cantemus also competes at the Taunton Festival of Music and Drama, which it has won for the past three years.
08.05 13.35-14.15 16.30-17.00 17.15-18.30 17.30-18.45
Show Choir
WEDNESDAY
Cantemus
This is open to the whole school. It is choral singing in a less formal setting, with the repertoire chosen by the pupils.
Musical Theatre
Pupils from Years 10 and above are invited to audition for our bi-annual Musical Theatre productions. They are popular with pupils and are of incalculable educational and pastoral value. Benefits are derived from cross-curricular activities including drama, costume and stage design, art and painting as well as the obvious social aspect. Our last two musicals ‘The Lion King’ and ‘9 to 5’, were sold out for every performance.
Sixth Form Choir
The Sixth Form Choir is non-auditioned. It performs mainly acapella repertoire, with a focus on Barbershop. It performs in the Carol Service and the Christmas and Summer concerts.
08.15-08.45 17.00-19.00
THURSDAY 08.05
FRIDAY
13.35-14.15
Baroque and Chamber Music Ensemble Cantemus Schola Cantorum
EL
Recorder Consort MS Worship Band SC Sixth Form Choir SC Joint Schools Sinfonia SG (transport departs Leweston 17.00) Joint Schools Symphony SS (transport departs Leweston 17.00)
Schola Cantorum Choral Society
Flute Group
Jazz Band
SC SC
MS
SR
These rehearsals will take place each week throughout the term. Key: SC - School Chapel • MS - Music School • LR - Lecture Room • EL – Eleanor Library • SR – String Room • SS - Sherborne School • SG - Sherborne Girls
Theory and Aural Lessons
Theory and aural lessons are available to all pupils during lunchtimes to support work done in both instrumental, singing and academic lessons.
LR LR
Leweston School Sherborne Dorset DT9 6EN T: 01963 211015 E: admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk www.leweston.co.uk
Music Department 2018 - 2019
Director of Music Dr Rachel E. Milestone PhD, MMus., BA (Hons), LRSM
Our Musical Mission
Extracurricular Activities
The Leweston School Music Department offers specialist music teaching and an individual approach to every student. We aim to foster interest and excitement in all aspects of music through:
Jazz Band
• Giving opportunities for self-expression • Developing performing, composing and listening skills • Encouraging qualities of self-discipline and co-operation • Offering high-profile performance opportunities both in and out of school • Enriching pupils’ musical lives through musical tours and trips • Giving an excellent foundation in academic music through to University or Music Conservatoire level
Music Scholars Music scholarships are offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and also for entry into the Sixth Form. The scholarship entitles the holder to free music tuition on their first instrument. Award holders have the opportunity to perform regularly both as members of musical groups and as soloists. Scholars also have the opportunity to attend music/theatre trips and benefit from specialist individual instrumental teaching and masterclasses from high-class professional musicians. Music scholars are expected to make a full and active contribution to the musical life of the school. The school offers scholarships for outstanding ability in any instrument, including voice. More information is available on the school website.
Academic Music Years 7 – 9 Listening and appraising, composing and performing
• Equipping pupils with a practical and working knowledge of the language of music, through different styles in varying cultures • Learning an instrumental skill to enable them to participate in group activity • Acquiring a basic theoretical knowledge from partaking in practical work
Years 10 – 11 GCSE Music
• Instrumental and vocal set works giving a breadth of knowledge of styles and genres • Performing a solo and ensemble piece at intermediate level • Building on composing skills from Key Stage 3 and using Sibelius notation software to write two compositions in two contrasting styles
Years 12 – 13 A Level Music
• Instrumental and vocal set works of different styles and genres • Performing a short recital at advanced level • Composing two longer compositions, one to a set brief
Instrumental ensembles
The Jazz Band performs in the major ensemble concerts including the Joint Schools’ Concerts, the Sherborne Abbey Festival and the Christmas and Summer Concerts. Pupils in the Sixth Form are invited to sing as soloists with the band and the parts are specially tailored to each player and their instrument.
Worship Band
Worship Band is for instrumentalists and singers of all abilities. It meets weekly to practise one hymn or worship song which they then accompany in the forthcoming Wednesday Mass.
Baroque Ensemble
Featuring some of our advanced musicians, the Baroque Ensemble specialises in performing music from the Baroque period. Emphasis is placed upon historically accurate performance styles. The ensemble plays in concerts throughout the year.
Recorder Consort
Recorder Group is for all recorder players, from beginners to the advanced. It meets weekly and performs in the Sherborne Abbey Festival and the Christmas and Summer Concerts.
Flute Group
Like Recorder Group, Flute Group is for all flute players, from beginners to the advanced. It meets weekly and performs in the Sherborne Abbey Festival and the Christmas and Summer Concerts.
Instrumental Lessons The value of individual music lessons cannot be estimated too highly, and the pupils’ rapport with their teachers goes a long way towards instilling a happy and positive atmosphere in the department. A team of 16 visiting music staff teach pupils instruments including clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone, recorder, guitar, violin, viola, cello, piano, organ, harp, drum kit and singing. All students in Year 7 are given the opportunity to trial an instrument as part of their class music lessons. Pupils are entered for the Associated Board and Trinity Grade Examinations, and the Taunton and Mid Somerset Festivals.