The aim of the music department is to provide pupils with a broad experience of music through learning in the classroom supported by; workshops, instrumental tuition and extra-curricular activities. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in music making by means of performance, composition and listening.

 

 

The music department is well resourced with electronic keyboards, tuned and un-tuned percussion, Samba Drums, Electric and Bass guitars, Drum Kit, Acoustic guitars and 6 PC’s complete with music notation programmes. There is also a full store of Wind instruments for individual tuition purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A useful revision tool for Standard Grade and Higher pupils: http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/nq/resources/learnlisteningonline/accesstoint2/index.asp

 

 

 The units studied in S1 are designed to equip pupils with basic skills and understanding that can be further developed in S2. These topics include Reading the notes, Rhythm and Pulse, Instrument Families and World Music. In S2 pupils spend more time working on performance skills particularly in the unit, Music and Film. Throughout first and second year, pupils have the opportunity to perform using keyboards, percussion, Glockenspiels and Samba drums.

 

In S3 Pupils can opt to study Standard Grade Music. The course requires pupils to perform on two different instruments, compose a piece of music and complete a listening exam. Higher music is similar in structure but requires an advanced level of ability and knowledge in all areas of the course. This is notable in the performance unit; which requires pupils to perform at a Grade 4 standard, for 10 minutes on their first instrument and 5 on their second.

 

 

 

 

The music department has a range of activities available to all pupils in the school.

 

Tony Spencer provides instrumental tuition on both woodwind and brass. Lessons take place using a rota system during the school week and are offered to all pupils. Tony also works with examination pupils, accompanying and providing guidance.

 

On Wednesdays at 3.35pm the Wind Band meet, after which ‘Academy Swing’ rehearse for an hour. The players from Academy Swing, led by Tony Spencer, perform regularly around Bute and have on a number of occasions toured Argyll and Bute demonstrating their skills to pupils from other schools in the region.

 

Thursday lunchtimes is the meeting time for ‘Buteiful Voice’; the school choir. Buteiful Voice is open to all pupils and members of staff.

 

Guitar tuition is provided by Tim Saul who works with an established Guitar group on a Tuesday after school and runs a beginners club on Wednesdays.

 

Lawrence Deveney provides Drum kit and percussion tuition on a Monday.

 

Mrs Nurse provides vocal tuition to pupils who have opted for Standard Grade and Higher Music.

 

Pupils are encouraged to perform and write music in a variety of styles. This has added to the diversity of concerts providing us with other ensembles like folk groups, small pop and rock combos, Latin American groups and wind combos.

 

A recent addition to the concert calendar is the Feast of Talent evening. This allows pupils studying Music to showcase their talents.