Music at Durham School

Music at Durham School enjoys a high profile within the School and in the wider community. We try to ensure that practical music making is made as inclusive as possible for all pupils, throughout the School whilst striving for the highest possible musical standards at all levels. Academic music is given a high priority and the School’s pupil musicians are encouraged to study music at GCSE and A level. We endeavour to motivate and enthuse all musicians and potential musicians within an environment which promotes high values, a sense of community and, above all, a sense of achievement and enjoyment.

Our team of 2 full time and 15 visiting music teachers are experts on their instruments and are widely respected teachers; pupils benefit from some of the best available tuition in the region. Teaching styles are flexible. Many of our pupils are entered for public exams and competitions; others simply pursue their musical interest for fun or relaxation.

There are many opportunities to play in orchestras, concert and jazz bands, rock groups, and choirs of all sizes. Some groups are open to all, others are auditioned. A huge variety of musical styles is performed, from pop to sacred, and concerts are performed in a wide range of venues, including Durham Cathedral and the Sage at Gateshead. The School’s musicians travel abroad regularly, have broadcast live on radio and have appeared on television. There are six CD recordings available including orchestral, jazz, choral and Christmas music. As well as many concert opportunities, major musicals are regularly staged in the School’s own theatre. Past productions have included Little Shop of Horrors, Me and My Girl and Grease and Les Misérables. Pupils are actively encouraged to participate in every aspect of theatrical productions.

For those who show special promise and have achieved the appropriate standard, generous music scholarships are available of up to 50% fee remission. Awards are made at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Scholarship auditions are held in January or early February and potential candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the Director of Music for an informal preliminary discussion.

Many musicians in the school go on to pursue their musical talents at university or music college, often gaining music scholarships. Detailed guidance is provided on suitable courses to suit all musical tastes.

The best way to appreciate the quality of Durham School music is to come and hear for yourself and prospective pupils and their parents are always welcome to attend our concerts. For further information, contact the School directly or view our calendar pages for details of forthcoming events.

Listen to Music

You can download to the following tracks in mp3 format:

• Fanfare for the Common Man (1487 Kb)
• Let's Do It (1078 Kb)

From the Charity Music Spectacular at the Sage Gateshead.

• Latin Gold (4602 Kb)
• Harry Potter Medley (4695 Kb)
• Keep On Moving (3466 Kb)

(Click the above link to listen, or right click and save the file to download it)

next event

Year 12 anti-bullying talk
Tuesday, 07 October 2008

More forthcoming events.

recent news

Singing for a Choral Scholarship to Cambridge
Music Scholar, Robert Sims, auditions for a choral scholarship at Cambridge University.

Read more recent news.

photo gallery

See more photos of the senior school in the photo gallery.

Testimonials

"My son’s trips away with the CCF have helped to teach him independence, discipline and confidence in being able to look after himself and others. The House competitions have involved my son in singing and helping out with drama productions, something he might never have done if he had not attended this school. We will all be very sad when the time comes for him to leave. "
Jane Rich (son, Year 12)