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 encouraged to attend rehearsals on a weekly basis.
'Sinfonia'
Director(s): Mr. Assen, Mr. Thompson
Rehearsals: Wednesday lunchtimes
Location: Humpreys Hall
Our school chamber orchestra is a newly formed ensemble that performed for the launch of the Bicentenary year at Speech Day. Repertoire includes Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) and Rondeau (Purcell).
'Keynote'- Senior Concert Band
Director(s): Mrs. Martin
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): Mrs. Martin
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.
'Simply Strings'- Junior String Ensemble
Director(s): Miss. Pattinson
Rehearsals: Thursday after school
Location: Ensemble room
A smaller string ensemble, which caters for those playing at pre grade 4 level. The group has performed a variety of repertoire in school String Concerts and has occasionally joined forces with Vivaldi to perform at other concerts throughout the year.
'More Than Swing'- Jazz Band
Director(s): Mrs. Martin
Rehearsals: Thursday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
'More Than Swing' is a long established jazz band that provides a musically challenging experience to the best saxophone, brass and rhythm section players. Repertoire includes traditional swing band standards such as 'The Chicken' (Ellis), 'It Don't Mean a Thing' (Ellington and Mills) and 'Fantasy' (Earth, Wind and Fire). Pupils learn advanced ensemble skills and the lead players develop improvisatory solos. More Than Swing perform at the Christmas and Spring concerts, and Caterham School Fete in the summer.
'Touch Of Brass- Brass Ensemble
Director(s): Ms. Temple
Rehearsals: Thursday lunchtimes
Location: Humphreys Hall
This new brass ensemble will be featured at the school's Bicentenary Service at Westminster Abbey performing fanfares and supporting the massed choir. In contrast, they explore many styles and are building a diverse repertoire of music.
'Quartz'- Clarinet Group
Director(s): Mrs. Martin Mrs Quinton
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 regularly competes at the Redhill and Reigate Festival, and is a featured ensemble at Lunchtime Live concerts.
'Spirit Fingers'- Saxophone Group
Director(s): Mrs. Martin
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. It is a valuable addition to the Wind and Brass Department with players often going on to perform individual parts in More Than Swing. 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' is a recent addition to the list of music ensembles at Caterham School. 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 is currently working on a vibrant and energetic cover of the theme from 'Pulp Fiction'.