OPUS

OPUS Music at The Abbey

theabbey.co.uk

OPUS Music at The Abbey

Welcome to Opus — a guide to Music at The Abbey.

Music is a dynamic force with a diverse and vibrant programme of performance opportunities. We have a huge range of ensembles and deliver over 500 instrumental and vocal lessons each week.

This interactive brochure contains everything you need to know about the school’s musical opportunities, along with clips of concerts and interviews with scholars.

Section 1 Clubs Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

We look forward to welcoming you to The Abbey very soon.

Helen Bilkey Director of Music Section 9 Productions

Music at The Abbey

We have a vibrant and eclectic programme of Co-Curricular activities which range from choirs, orchestras and chamber ensembles to rock bands, music tech clubs and even a Harp ensemble! The weekly recital series gives students regular opportunities to perform in a supportive environment which is the perfect springboard to launch them into the more formal setting of our large-scale concerts, performances and European tours.

Regular masterclasses and workshops are a feature of the department as well as students composing and performing original music.

Co-curricular rehearsals 2024/25 Double Reed Ensemble

Monday

8:30 - 8:55am

MR2

Percussion Ensemble

Monday

8:30 - 8:55am

Percussion Studio (Annexe)

Tre Voci trio (invitation only)

Monday

8:30 - 8:55am

MR1

Studio Sessions

Monday

11.55-12.55pm

Recording Studio/MR3

The Abbey String Orchestra

Monday

12.00-12.30pm

Hardcastle Hall

Music Theory Club

Monday

4.00-5.00pm

MR1

Lower School String Quartet

Tuesday

8:00-8:30am

MR2

Fifth Form String Sextet

Tuesday

8:30 - 8:55am

Recording Studio/MR3

Brass Ensemble

Tuesday

8:30 - 8:55am

MR1

Saxophone Ensemble

Tuesday

8:30 - 8:55am

MR2

Guitar Ensemble

Tuesday

8:30 - 8:55am

MR3/Mac Suite

Concert Band

Tuesday

12.15-12.45pm

Hardcastle Hall

String Quartet(s) (invitation only)

Tuesday

12.00-12:55pm

MR1 (or Mac Suite)

Harp Ensemble

Tuesday

12.00-12.30pm

MR2

The Abbey Symphony Orchestra (membership by audition)

Tuesday

4.00-5.00pm

Hardcastle Hall

Abbey Interludes - weekly recital series

Wednesday

12.15-12.45pm

MR2

Cello Ensemble

Thursday

8.30-8:55am

MR1

Wind Ensemble

Thursday

8.30-8:55am

MR2

Piano duet workshops

Thursday

12.30-12.55pm

MR1

Lower School Choir

Thursday

12:25-12:55pm

MR2/Lecture Theatre

Aural Preparation Class - Grades 1-5 (5 weeks before practical exams each term)

Thursday

12.30-12.55pm

MR4/Mac suite

Senior Choir (Lower V and above)

Thursday

4.00-5.00pm

MR2

Clarinet Ensemble

Friday

8.30-8:55am

MR2

Flute Ensemble

Friday

11.50-12.20pm

MR1

GCSE Music drop-in - Composing

Friday

12:25-12:55pm

Mac Suite

GCSE Music drop-in - Theory/listening

Friday

12:25-12:55pm

MR1

Aural Preparation Class - Grades 6-8 (5 weeks before practical exams each term)

Friday

12.30-12.55pm

MR4

Rock Bands (invitation only)

Friday

12.00-12:55pm

MR2

CLUBS

OPUS

Section 1

Section 1 Clubs Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions

Section 2

Section 1 Clubs

Music at The Abbey

Double Reed Ensemble A relatively new ensemble which incorporates the oboists and bassoonists of The Abbey Senior School. Students from UIII to UVI participate in this ensemble regardless of standard, with older students helping to mentor younger musicians.

Rehearsals and performances are great fun and we are enjoying a surge in the uptake of oboe/bassoon lessons and ensemble involvement.

Flute Ensemble The Flute ensemble caters for a wide range of flautists from across the school and together they learn a wide variety of repertoire. Through this ensemble, students can also explore other members of the flute family, including the alto flute and the piccolo.

ENSEMBLES

OPUS Senior School Clarinet Ensemble

Wind Ensemble

Brass Ensemble

This ensemble is open to clarinet players throughout the school and we tackle challenging clarinet ensemble music as well as arrangements of well-known pieces.

Membership of the Wind Ensemble is a great introduction to playing in a larger group and players naturally progress to the Concert Band. All woodwind players are welcome and we play well-known pieces from shows and other popular pieces.

Brass Ensemble is open to all players of all standards and the music is tailored to fit the experience of the student. We play lots of different styles and it is also a good way to get involved in a smaller ensemble before joining Concert Band.

Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars

Saxophone Ensemble An ensemble incorporating instruments from across the saxophone family. Repertoire is arranged from a broad range of light, commercial styles including jazz & pop, showtunes, TV & movie themes to Disney and original modern-day compositions.

Harp Ensemble

Guitar Ensemble

It is not often one comes across an ensemble of harps, but here at The Abbey it is a permanent fixture! The Harp Ensemble play a wide range of repertoire and regularly participate in performances, including the annual Carol Service at Reading Minster.

They even came on tour to Paris with the Symphony Orchestra!

The Guitar Ensemble is open to all guitarists in any style. Classical, acoustic and electric players are all welcome at any level in their studies. The ensemble plays a wide range of repertoire and it is a great way to develop musicianship and make new friends.

Abbey Strings

Lower School String Quartet

The Abbey String Orchestra

The Abbey Symphony Orchestra

There are currently four String Quartets across the school community.

These chamber ensembles allow the students to take much more of a lead with their music, as each member of the quartet has their own part which they need to master for the overall performance to work. Ensemble members need to watch and listen to each other really carefully; skills which are invaluable to any musicians wanting to perform together without a conductor or director!

String Orchestra is open to all string players rehearsing every style from the classics to contemporary pieces. It is also the perfect opportunity for any budding viola players to give it a go!

A flagship ensemble, the Abbey Symphony Orchestra boasts 68 members across all the traditional orchestral instrumental families, including a full percussion section and harp. Repertoire ranges from orchestral standards such as the Adagio from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty to more contemporary, upbeat numbers like Tico-Tico. Membership is by audition only and places are hotly contested.

Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

This ensemble is open to string players just starting out on their journey as ensemble musicians. The repertoire is tailored to meet the needs of our newest musicians, giving them an opportunity to play with others whilst building their confidence in music reading and ensemble skills.

Section 9 Productions

Section 2

Section 1 Clubs

Music at The Abbey

Student-Led Ensemble - Tre Voci

Student-Led Ensemble - Troika

This student-led piano trio is an exciting addition to the Abbey chamber ensembles. The trio has a shared intent with mutual respect and creativity, leading to outstanding performances in which their love of music is overwhelmingly clear.

Troika is one of the first student-led ensembles, consisting of three close friends who wanted to play music together, setting the standard for those who follow. They perform a wide range of musical styles in various settings and were thrilled to fulfil their ambition of performing Brandenburg 4 accompanied by chamber orchestra.

Cello Ensemble

The ABCs - The Abbey Barbershop Collective

Open to all cellists, the Senior School Cello Ensemble will discover repertoire with delightful melodies as well as foot-tapping music. It is a great opportunity to learn and develop ensemble playing, communication and to hear some beautiful cello playing. Any questions can be asked and everybody is welcome, as long as one can play with a bow!

The Abbey Barbershop Collective is a group of students selected from the Senior Choir who sing in close harmony and enjoy the challenge of a capella singing, as well as wearing sparkly waistcoats and the additional choreography!

Concert Band

Rock Bands

The Concert Band is open to woodwind, brass and percussionists and performs an eclectic array of music from show tunes and pop songs to film themes and concert marches. As well as performing on a range of concert platforms, the Concert Band undertakes tours, the most recent to Malta in July 2024.

As well as a myriad of more traditional ensembles, the Abbey Music Department invites students from a range of musical backgrounds to join together to form rock bands. There are currently four bands across the school where students from different year groups work together and perform at a range of events. A highlight of the year is the Night of Rock which is a fantastic event and a fitting culmination to the annual Festival of Music week in June.

ENSEMBLES

OPUS Senior School Lower School Choir

Senior Choir

The Lower School Choir is open to all students in the first three years of the Senior School and is a nonauditioned choir. The students learn to sing in up to four-part harmony whilst enjoying singing together.

The choir performs a wide range of sacred, secular and popular music.

The Senior Choir is open to all students in years 10, 11 and Sixth Form. Members of the choir are adept at sight singing and are therefore able to cover a huge amount of repertoire each term. The choir often undertakes European tours with a particular highlight being their performance in St Mark’s, Venice.

Percussion Ensemble

Jazz Band

The Percussion Ensemble is one of our newest groups and is proving very popular. Students learn to play a range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments leading to toetapping ensemble performances.

The Abbey Jazz Band is a vibrant and dynamic ensemble open to students who play saxophone, brass or percussion, giving opportunities to enhance their skills, experience the joy of collaborative musicmaking, and explore jazz and swing styles. A recent highlight was the opportunity to perform alongside the RAF Squadronaires in a fantastic evening of big band music.

Music Technology Club

Music Theory Club

Making the most of the Music Department’s newest facility, this club allows students to experiment with and explore music using our Mac Suite installed with Logic Pro. Students are taught how to compose, record and mix in a range of genres and styles. This club focuses on the needs and requirements of the students and enables them to develop their skills in all things music production.

Music Theory Club is open to all students across the school who would like to learn more about the theory of music. Students work at their own pace and level, supported by music staff who also prepare them for the various ABRSM graded theory examinations if the students so wish.

Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions

Section 3

Music at The Abbey

Emily is a current Music Scholar at The Abbey. Here is what she had to say about her experience so far.

MEET THE SCHOLARS

OPUS

Section 1 Clubs Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions

Section 4

Music at The Abbey

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

OPUS

Our Music Scholars are among our most enthusiastic and committed musicians who are happy to make music a principal focus of their school life.

We rely on our Music Scholars to be role models for other musicians in the school and thus, they are key members of the school’s musical ensembles.

Section 1 Clubs Section 2 Ensembles

Scholars are offered:

Selection and assessment:

• Free tuition at school on one instrument provided by our excellent peripatetic Music team

• Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum standard of at least Grade 4 (for the UIII scholarships), but musicality, potential and enthusiasm are considered to be equally important

• Participation in the annual programme of Music Scholars’ events with the opportunity to prepare performances in collaboration with our Principal Accompanist

• Performance of a solo of their choice on their principal instrument

• Workshops and masterclasses

• Applicants will be required to undertake a short quick study task

• Concert trips to hear major performers

• Interview with the Director of Music and the Head of Instrumental Studies

• Regular dialogue between Music staff and instrumental teachers concerning progress, including discussion of future opportunities for Music Scholars What do we expect from our Music Scholars?

• A high level of musical proficiency and enthusiasm • A commitment to working with other musicians in chamber ensembles • Willingness to be role models for other musicians • Membership and leadership of appropriate ensembles • Full attendance at relevant music rehearsals and at concerts • Willingness to assist the Music Department at Open Events as appropriate

Major Music Award (MMA) This is an additional award available to Sixth Form applicants only.

This is a very prestigious award given to our most committed musicians. Applicants are expected to perform to at least Grade 8 standard and are expected to take Music as an academic A-Level subject. Our MMA holders give extensively to the musical enrichment of The Abbey and this is reflected in the enhanced financial reward. Rigorous auditions are held. We award only one (or occasionally two) of these scholarships annually. The award is free tuition on two instruments in school plus a termly allowance towards sheet music and accessories such as reeds, strings etc.

Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions

Section 5

Music at The Abbey

Our musical year is crammed with events, both large and small, catering for our whole school community.

The annual Carol Service, held at Reading Minster, brings the school and wider community together in a joyous celebration of Christmas.

This year’s service is on Thursday 5 December, when the bells will ring out and refreshments will be available from 18:30 with the service starting at 19:00.

The Scholars’ concert and dinner is an opportunity for our Music Scholars to come together with friends and family, showcasing their individual talents whilst enjoying a delicious three-course dinner.

The Gala concert is a musical spectacular with performances from all the major ensembles, including the combined forces of the Symphony Orchestra and Junior School Orchestra as well as Junior School students joining the Concert Band. Recent memorable performances have included Tchaikovsky’s Adagio from Sleeping Beauty, Goff Richards’ Barnard Castle, and Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass.

ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS

OPUS

Section 1 Clubs Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions

Section 6

Section 1 Clubs

Music at The Abbey

Autumn Term 24 TAPS candelight procession Carol Service Brass Ensemble at Henley Living Advent Calendar Brass Ensemble playing carols at Royal Berkshire Hospital LV GCSE musicians give a concert at Signature Care Home

KEY DATES 2024-25

OPUS Date 2 December 5 December 9 December 10 December 12 December

Spring Term 25 Spring Serenade (small ensembles) Gamelan workshops - Upper III Scholars’ Gala Concert & Dinner Spring Overture Concert (large ensembles) Instrumental/Vocal Parents Consultations JS & SS Instrumental/Vocal JS Parent drop-ins Scholars’ Chamber Recital

Date 28 January 11 February 12 February 6 March March March 25 March

Summer Term 25 Gala Concert Piano Recital Festival of Music Small Ensembles Concert Night of Rock UVI Leavers’ Celebrations Pre-Tour Concert Tour

Date 1 May 14 May 16-20 June 19 June 20 June 26 June 1 July 2-6 July

Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions

Section 7

Music at The Abbey

TOURS

OPUS

Section 1 Clubs Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions

Section 8

Music at The Abbey

In Music, we aim to create a community of musicians who are not only successful in their academic and musical achievements but also benefit from the many emotional, mental and social advantages the subject brings. Students gain knowledge and skills in performance and composition while developing their listening and appraising skills. The topics and projects they access throughout their time here encourage creativity and innovation, giving them the confidence to be independent musicians and to share their own unique styles and interests through their performances and compositions.

Music is compulsory in Upper III and Lower IV and becomes optional in Upper IV. Music is a popular subject at GCSE, with students going on to study Music or Music Technology at A-Level.

CURRICULUM

OPUS

Section 1 Clubs Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions

Section 9

Music at The Abbey

PRODUCTIONS

OPUS

Section 1 Clubs Section 2 Ensembles Section 3 Meet the scholars Section 4 Being a scholar Section 5 Annual Highlights

Section 9 Productions