Instrumental Groups
We are pleased to offer a range of instrumental groups that give our students the opportunity to perform together and experience repertoire outside of their set grade pieces. The ensembles are led by music staff and visiting music teachers whose specialisms encompass all wind and brass instruments. A high standard of playing is maintained and pupils are expected to attend rehearsals on a weekly basis.
'Sinfonia'
Director(s): Mr. Assen, Mrs Richards
Rehearsals: Wednesday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
Our school chamber orchestra played a major role in the School's bicentenary celebrations performing for HRH Duke of Kent and at a celebration concert at St. John's Smith Square where they accompanied Rutter's 'Magnificat' for the massed choir.
'Keynote'- Senior Concert Band
Director(s): Miss Riches
Rehearsals: Friday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
Our senior concert band is for players from the lower and senior school and all woodwind and brass instrumental players are welcome. Repertoire is chosen in order to engage and challenge the pupils, with previous pieces including Crown Imperial (Walton), Aztec Fire (Bocock) and Bolero (Ravel). The wind band is a showcase for the Wind and Brass department and plays at the Christmas and spring concerts.
'Whirlwind'
Director(s): Miss Riches
Rehearsals: Friday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
This new ensemble welcomes wind and brass players who are studying their instrument at lower grades. The repertoire is varied and enjoyable and gives every player the experience of playing in a group.
'Vivaldi Stings'- Senior String Ensemble
Director(s): Mrs. Aldren, Mrs Quinton
Rehearsals: Tuesday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
A full string orchestra for more advanced players of all ages. In the past they have performed several times a year presenting larger scale works, mixed string ensembles and smaller chamber groups. Vivaldi covers a wide range of music styles; it has occasionally commissioned works for specific groups and aims to provide appropriate repertoire and performance opportunities for all players. The group has also performed regularly with the school choir and has accompanied several soloists.
Touch Of Brass- Brass Ensemble
Director(s): Ms. Temple
Rehearsals: Thursday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
This brass ensemble was featured at the school's Bicentenary Service at Westminster Abbey performing fanfares and supporting the massed choir.
They gave a memorable performance at St John's Smith Square as part of the School's bicentenary celebrations.
'Quartz'- Clarinet Group
Director(s): Mrs. Martin Miss Riches
Rehearsals: Wednesday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
'QUARTZ' Advanced Clarinet group provides an intensive course in ensemble playing for four chosen players. Advanced repertoire is explored with an emphasis on articulation, phrasing and dynamic contrast within the context of working as a quartet. The group has competed at the Redhill and Reigate Festival, and is a featured ensemble at Lunchtime Live concerts.
Director(s): Miss Riches
Rehearsals: Monday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
'Spirit Fingers' Advanced Saxophone group provides three alto players and one tenor player with the chance to perform close harmony repertoire, whilst also refining their ensemble and individual performance skills. Spirit Fingers performs as Christmas and Spring concerts as well as in our Lunchtime Live series.
'Take Your Pick'- Electric Guitar Ensemble
Director(s): Mr. Broadley
Rehearsals: Thursday lunchtimes
Location: Room 4
'Take Your Pick' It gives young electric guitarists and bass players an opportunity to improve their reading and ensemble performance skills, in a group more akin to a classical ensemble than a rock or jazz band. This develops more complex musical skills and ensures that our guitarists learn more than chords allowing them to perform in pit bands, essential for our annual musical production. The ensemble has performed vibrant and energetic music such as the theme from 'Pulp Fiction'.