Music
Innovative…Inspiring…Incredible
At Reed’s School music education is an integral part of life, with a focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages pupils to explore their musical talents and passions. Music is a key aspect of the curriculum, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for all pupils, starting with timetabled music lessons in Years 7 and 8, providing a strong foundation in the subject.
Year 7 pupils learn violin, viola, cello, or double bass as part of the string scheme that takes place during their academic lessons, and a similar flute scheme runs in Year 8. This increase in string and flute players ultimately fills our ensembles and orchestras, meaning much of our talent is home grown. Additionally, the school's unique scheme to teach every boy the trombone in Year 8 has proven a great success, with over 30% of the school roll taking instrument lessons. This initiative provides pupils with the opportunity to learn a new skill, helps to build their confidence and enhances their overall music education experience.
Singing is the lifeblood of the school's music department, with membership in the choir standing at an impressive 160 pupils, some 20% of the pupils. In addition, singing plays a significant role in the school's Chapel, with all pupils singing at least once a week in this setting. This not only helps to foster a sense of community and camaraderie, but also provides pupils with the opportunity to develop their vocal skills and musical understanding.
Reed's is dedicated to creating bespoke musical opportunities for pupils, such as access to specialist tuition, opportunities to perform in concerts and recitals, and participation in masterclasses with professional musicians. By providing these opportunities, the School fosters a love of music to last a lifetime, and helps pupils maximize their musical and creative potential.
Bespoke musical opportunities are created to maximise pupils’ musical and creative potential.
Recent destinations for Reed’s musicians:
- The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge
- Royal Academy of Music
- Royal College of Music
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama
- Berklee College of Music (Boston, USA)
Performance opportunities at inspirational venues:
Regular large-scale concerts staged at prestigious venues, such as Cadogan Hall, St John’s Smith’s Square and the Royal Festival Hall.
- Jazz and ‘Musicals’ evenings staged at venues like Kings Place, London
- Annual Choir Tour to Europe; recent destinations include Vienna, Bruges, Amsterdam, Cologne and Venice
- Choir performances at St Paul’s Cathedral, Guildford Cathedral, Cologne Cathedral and St Mark's Basilica, Venice
Many ensembles including Reed’s Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Improv Group, Chamber Choir, Vocal Consort, Barbershop Group, Wind Band, String Chamber Groups, Brass Ensembles, Wind Ensembles, Guitar Ensemble, Rock Bands and more.
Regular performances and competitions
- Invitation Concert Series giving Reed’s musicians the chance to perform with top professional musicians. Recent visitors have included Chris Difford, Matt Dunkley, David Hackbridge-Johnson and the Jeremiah Brothers.
- Concerto performance opportunities
- Annual House Music Competitions
- Annual Third Form Music Show
- Strings, Brass and Woodwind Schemes
- A level and GCSE Recital Evenings, often at Steinway Hall, London
- Reed's Musician of the Year competition open to all pupils
Many of our top musicians combine their studies at Reed’s with Saturday programmes at the top London conservatoires such as the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal College of Music.
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