Performance

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Year 5 band

We offer many opportunities for performance, through singing and by playing an instrument, as a soloist and/or as part of a group. The aim is to develop pupils’ appreciation and enjoyment of music, to develop self-confidence, team-building skills and a good feeling of self-esteem. Group activities, whether large instrumental ensemble, choral, whole class, small group, or whole school, help pupils to work together as a team. Concerts, services, choir tours and school productions all help performers to reap the rewards of those efforts through public performance. 

A very high percentage of Sedbergh Prep pupils study music in 1:1 lessons under the guidance of highly qualified instrumental experts. Many choose to take formal examinations (practical and theory) with the ABRSM and/or other recognised external music examination bodies. Our track record in music examination success is excellent, with a 100% pass rate and many candidates regularly gaining Merits and Distinctions. 

Through all performances, pupils are given the necessary training and support to be and to feel as professional as possible. This adds to their sense of pride and achievement.

Singing

Sedbergh School was founded as a Singing School in the 16th Century and, to this day, singing is a fundamental part of Sedbergh life. Both Sedbergh Prep School and Sedbergh School maintain this tradition and are proud of their heritage. At the Prep School whole-school singing is encouraged in all school assemblies and in end-of-term concerts. Children sing during curriculum music lessons and there are several choirs in school, including a Junior Choir and Senior Chamber Choir. All choirs are led by a choral specialist. The Chamber Choir sings at certain Sunday Services in the village or at the Senior School Chapel, several external events each year and tours regularly. 

“….. If we all sang in school every day there would be fewer social problems. You don’t need money to sing. You don’t need to buy an instrument – you have one. Singing develops talent, brings comradeship and enhances lives.”

Stephen Layton
Director of Music, Trinity College, Cambridge

ENSEMBLES AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR MUSIC

Our musical ensembles are varied and abundant, and are tailored each academic year to cater for the needs of current pupils: 

Orchestra 
• Wind Band 
• String Orchestra 
• Junior Strings (V Club) 
• Percussion Club (Movers and Shakers) 
• Flute Choir 
• Plastic Flute Club 
• Saxophone Group 
• Cello Group  
• Chamber Ensembles (for woodwind and string players according to ability and instrument) 
• Pre Prep Choir 
• Junior Choir  
• Junior Chamber Choir 
• Senior Chamber Choir  
• Chamber Vocal Ensembles  
• Workshops such as Gamelan, Samba Drumming, African Djembe Drumming, Choral Days, Opera in a Day and Orchestral Days with international artists such as Dr Atarah Ben Tovim MBE, David Lawrence, Anthony Hewitt, Jess Gillam and members of the National Youth Choirs of GB and Chetham's School of Music.