Music - Creative Arts
Durham School boasts a long and proud tradition of music making. As a department, we aim both to provide musical opportunities for every pupil member of the School, and also to stretch and inspire our existing musicians.
The department is staffed by two full time and fourteen visiting teachers. Facilities for music include seven practice rooms, brand new pianos, a music technology room with 12 midi workstations, a small concert hall and a large rehearsal studio. Concerts also take place in Big School (seating 300) and the school chapel, which houses a three manual Harrison & Harrison organ. There is a close link with Durham Cathedral, where regular services are held and concerts are also given in the Sage music centre in Gateshad.
There are many ensembles, including an orchestra, junior orchestra, junior string group, chapel choir (often augmented for performances of larger works), chamber choir, concert band, swing band, plus saxophone, clarinet and flute groups. Frequent opportunities are afforded to perform in concerts, including an annual house competition, in which every member of the School takes part . Six CD recordings have been made in the last ten years and musicians have toured six different countries over the same period.
Regular musicals are staged in the School's theatre. Recent shows have included Godspell, The Little Shop of Horrors, Me and My Girl, Grease and Les Misérables.
Our pupils have consistent success in public examinations and many go on to take up places reading music at university or music college. They have the additional benefit of being involved in masterclasses and workshops and living in a city full of culture, with easy access to Newcastle.
Curriculum
Years 7 - 9: Music is compulsory at this level. Each set is divided into two, according to musical ability. All pupils are taught to play keyboards reading staff notation, compose their own pieces and use the most up-to-date music technology including 'Sibelius' software. They are encouraged to draw on techniques from the study of a wide range of musical styles.
GCSE: It is beneficial to candidates if they have achieved a minimum of Grade 2 standard on an instrument - or voice - by the end of Year 9. The OCR course is followed and the web link provides detailed information on the course components.
AS and LEVEL: Candidates are expected to have gained at least a Grade B at GCSE or passed Grade 5 theory. A minimum of Grade 5 standard is required for the performance module at the end of the AS year. The Edexcel course is followed and the web link provides detailed information.
For additional information about any aspect of Music at Durham School, including details of music scholarships, please contact Mr Roger Muttitt (Director Music) at r.muttitt@durhamschool.co.uk.
Creative Arts
next event
Monitors' meeting
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
More forthcoming events.
recent news
Sixth Form Musician gains Oxbridge distinction
David Quinn awarded Organ Scholarship at Oxford
Read more recent news.
photo gallery
See more photos of the senior school in the photo gallery.
Testimonials
"The longer school day has provided our son with a rich mix of academic studies and musical and sporting interests. His abilities and interests have been nurtured and encouraged in a wonderful school community. Taking a full part in what life at Durham School has to offer has enabled our son to mature into a well adjusted, happy and confident young man."
Mrs Cowie Smith and Mr Smith