We have very strong ties with both Aylesbury Grammar School and the Aylesbury Music Centre (who reside next door to the Department). Several School ensembles are rehearsed jointly with the Grammar School with a Symphony Orchestra of over sixty pupils performing works by Vaughan Williams, Dvorak, Bizet and Walton as well as more light hearted film music. We also have a joint vocal Camerata which rehearses on a weekly basis performing works by Monteverdi and Palestrina. An annual joint concert takes place in the Spring Term where pupils from both schools perform large scale choral and orchestral works. Last year’s concert included Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony and works by Tippet, Michael Nyman and Chic Corea. We also run a very busy extracurricular programme at School with ensembles ranging from Chamber and Gospel Choirs to Swing Band, Jazz Babes and Salsa Band. We place emphasis on older pupils leading the way with many junior ensembles taken by Advanced Level students. A joint Music Club takes place each week with the students from Harding House, the Sixth Form unit of a local school for students with learning difficulties, who subsequently take part in our Christmas and Summer Concerts

 

House Music Captains in Year 12 compose, arrange and rehearse the annual programme for our House Music Festival. This event normally attracts over two hundred and fifty participants. There is an adjudication and celebratory concert.

 

We work closely with other Departments inside and outside of the  School with our recent performances of the musicals ‘Oliver!’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ particular highlights.