Music Scholarships and Awards by Downe House School

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

Music Scholarships and Awards

Downe House has a thriving Music department with a strong reputation and our Music Award Holders are at the heart of this musical activity. They perform as soloists and in chamber groups and are members of instrumental and vocal ensembles, playing with enthusiasm and showing musical leadership to others in the School. Every year many girls are awarded Music Scholarships and Exhibitions and go on to play a leading role in the musical life of the School.

Types of Award

There is a range of Music Awards available.

• Music Scholarship (open to all years of entry)

• Music Exhibition (open to all years of entry)

• Organ Scholarship (16+ only)

• Organ Award (open to all years of entry)

• Chilcott Choral Scholarship (internally awarded)

• Choral Awards (open to all years of entry)

o Lower School Choral Award

o Upper School Choral Award

o Sixth Form Choral Award

The offer of an Award very much depends on the musicianship of the candidate, the standard on the instruments or voice offered, and, critically, their musical potential, flair and enthusiasm for music.

Value of Awards

• Music Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on two instruments each academic year

• Music Exhibitioners receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on one instrument (not voice) each academic year

• Organ Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on the organ and on an additional instrument each academic year

• Organ Award Holders receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons free organ tuition each academic year

• Chilcott Choral Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons free vocal tuition each academic year and fees for one Grade 8 performing examination

• Choral Award Holders receive up to a maximum of 30 lesson free vocal tuition each academic year

It is anticipated that pupils will hold one Award, but in the very exceptional circumstances where a pupil holds more than one Award, free tuition is limited to two studies.

An individually tailored music mentoring and enrichment programme is provided exclusively for all our Music Award Holders to support and nurture their musical development and enrich their experience of music at Downe House. A Music Award includes regular accompanying sessions with the Principal Accompanist, advanced aural coaching sessions and many performance opportunities. Organ and Choral Scholarships include optional Oxbridge organ and choral scholarship mentoring.

Standard expected for a Music Scholarship Assessment

Music Scholarship and Exhibition candidates should offer two instruments (which may include voice) and have at least the following standard for their principal instrument with merit or distinction (preferably distinction):

o 11+ Grade 4-5

o 12+ Grade 5

o 13+ Grade 6

o 14+ Grade 7

o 15+ Grade 7-8

o 16+ Grade 8

• Organ Scholarship candidates should have Grade 6 and above keyboard skills. They should play the organ and one other instrument which could include the piano or voice

• Organ Award candidates should be at Grade 5 piano standard or higher with at least 6 months’ experience of playing the organ

• Chilcott Choral Scholarship candidates should be around Grade 6 voice or higher (internally awarded)

• Choral Award candidates should be around Grade 5 voice or higher

There is no set standard for subsidiary instruments, but the higher the standard the more this will strengthen a candidate’s application.

Procedures

In order to proceed, we will require two references; one from your current Head of Music and a second music reference, usually your instrumental teacher. Awards are made on the basis of an audition and interview in February of the year of entry and references must be received prior to audition. There is no written paper.

Candidates must prepare a short performance. For all Awards (apart from the Chilcott Choral Scholarship), two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument/voice should be prepared. For all Awards, apart from the Choral Award and Chilcott Choral Scholarship, one piece should be performed on each of their subsidiary instruments. In addition, each candidate will be given sightreading/singing, a short series of aural tests and a viva voce. Any compositions or special musical projects which the candidate may have completed would be of interest. For a Choral Award or Scholarship, there will also be a vocal range test.

All music intended for performance with piano accompaniment must be performed with the Downe House accompanist. All candidates will be given the opportunity to rehearse with the accompanist before their audition.

Overseas candidates may request a virtual audition.

The audition is designed to discover potential and the candidate’s enthusiasm for music as much as to assess performance achievement and attainment.

Duties

All Music Award Holders are expected to:

• Take a full part in the vibrant and rewarding musical life of the Department with enthusiasm and commitment, embracing the wide range of musical activities offered at Downe House

• Strive for excellence across all their musical studies

• Display self-discipline in their practice routines and commitment to ensembles

• Take a vibrant role in the musical life of the Department, specifically with ensembles, one of which is usually a choir alongside orchestras and chamber ensembles (or Chapel Services for Choral and Organ Scholars and Award Holders)

• Perform regularly, including at one of the Music Award Holders’ Recitals each year

• Study Music at GCSE

• Meet regularly with their Music/Choral Mentor

• Be a musical or choral ambassador, encouraging others to enjoy music by example and through displaying musical leadership

Chilcott Choral Scholarship

Chilcott Choral Scholarships are awarded through an internal process at 14+ and 16+. It is not open to new entrants. The renowned composer, conductor and singer, Bob Chilcott is closely associated with Downe House Music and takes a special interest in the Chilcott Choral Scholars.

Who should apply?

Candidates will have exceptional choral potential with a strong background of choral singing in parts. They will possess a natural choral instinct and a genuine love of singing in choirs.

They should have a background of singing regularly in a choir(s) and experience of choral singing in parts. As a guide, they may have received individual tuition in singing, may be working towards ABRSM exam grades or RSCM singing awards. They should be around Grade 6 standard or higher. The overriding factor will be a strong choral voice with sight-singing potential and a strong ability to sing in parts. They will have shown considerable commitment and contribution to the choirs at Downe House and display a flair and enthusiasm for choral music. A second instrument is desirable but not essential. It is expected that candidates will have attained their Grade 5 Theory.

The Chilcott Choral Scholarship could form the ideal preparation for a University Choral Scholarship.

Value of Awards

Our Choral Scholars are at the heart of our choral community and are very much valued. As such, the following benefits are extended to them:

• Choral Scholars receive vocal tuition up to a maximum of 30 lessons each year and fees for one Grade 8 performing examination. (If Grade 8 has already been achieved, the equivalent fee can be put towards a higher performing examination)

• Awarded a place in Prima Voce

• A regular accompanying and choral skills coaching session to develop choral and performing skills tailored to individual needs

• Excellent teaching that enables every Chilcott Choral Scholar to make significant improvements and developments both technically and musically

• Advanced aural coaching sessions

• A specialist choral mentoring and enrichment programme provided exclusively to all Chilcott Choral Scholars to support and nurture musical development and enrich their experience of music at Downe House

• A programme of preparation for University Choral Scholarship auditions if appropriate alongside our academic Oxbridge music programme

• The opportunity to perform in the Chapel Performance Programme and Murray Music Moment Concert Series and take part in concerts, services, workshops, choral trips and masterclasses tailored to our Choral Award Holders as well as our special supper at the beginning of the Academic Year

• A range of opportunities appropriate to the needs of each chorister, including tailored support for National Choral Auditions or University Choral Scholarships

• Choral Scholars will be given priority when selections are made for ensembles, key sessions, trips, talks or masterclasses, although other factors (such as seniority in the School) will also be taken into account

• Access to the Music Award Holder Zone in the Music Hub (the Downe House virtual music community)

Expectations of a Chilcott Choral Scholar

Chilcott Choral Scholars are expected to:

• Take a full part in the vibrant and rewarding choral life of the Department with enthusiasm and commitment

• Strive for excellence in their vocal and choral studies

• Commit to developing sight-singing skills

• Display self-discipline in their practice routines and commitment to the choirs

• Take part in Prima Voce and Polyphonix

• Perform regularly with the choirs in concerts and Chapel services, including special services and some Sunday services (once or twice a term)

• Be a choral ambassador, promoting all things choral and encouraging others to enjoy singing by example and through displaying choral leadership

It is hoped that Chilcott Choral Scholars will consider studying both GCSE Music and A Level Music but this is not a requisite of an Award.

It is anticipated that Chilcott Choral Scholars will recognise the opportunities being offered and will respond positively and with enthusiasm. It is anticipated that they will become leaders in the choral life of Downe House.

How to apply?

To be considered for the Chilcott Choral Scholarship, girls must receive at least three nominations from the Music staff team. Pupils will be invited to audition in the Summer term after the School examination period. These auditions will be held by the Director of Music and Bob Chilcott or another member of the Music department.

The Chilcott Choral Scholarship is awarded on the strength of this audition and contribution to the Downe House choirs. The audition is

designed to discover potential and the candidate’s enthusiasm for choral singing as much as to assess performance achievement, attainment and technical accomplishment.

There are four parts to the audition and it must be noted that importance is given to all areas:

1. Vocal Range Test

2. Performance. Candidates perform an 8-10 minute Recital comprising at least three songs.

3. Working in a choir/sight-singing skills. The Director of Music will work with candidates as if learning a new choral piece. Candidates will be asked to sing a choral part both from hearing it aurally and from notation.

4. Aural. Candidates will be asked to take a short series of tests which will include pitch recognition, melodic and rhythmic memory, and musical understanding.

5. Viva Voce. A musical discussion with the candidate based on their choral experience and interests.

Choral Award

There are three types of Choral Award which can be awarded at all years of entry to the School:

1. Lower School Choral Award. These are awarded to girls in the Remove and Lower Fourth and are held until the end of the Lower Fourth year

2. Upper School Choral Award. These are awarded to girls in Upper Fourth, Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth and are held until the end of the Upper Fifth year

3. Sixth Form Choral Award. These are awarded to girls in Lower Sixth or Upper Sixth and are held until the end of the Upper Sixth year

Who should apply?

Candidates will have a strong choral voice, a natural choral instinct and a genuine love of singing in choirs. They should have a background of singing regularly in a choir(s) and experience of choral singing in parts. As a guide, they may have received individual tuition in singing, may be working towards ABRSM exam grades or RSCM singing awards. They should be around Grade 5 standard or higher. The overriding factor will be a strong choral voice with sight-singing potential and a strong ability to sing in parts. A second instrument is desirable but not essential.

It is expected that candidates will have attained their Grade 5 Theory or be committed to achieving their Grade 5 Theory within a year of starting at Downe House.

It is recognised that musicians have individual and different profiles with varying aptitudes and levels of achievement. The Director of Music welcomes discussion about Scholarship entry.

Value of Awards

Our Choral Award Holders are at the heart of our choral community and are very much valued. As such, the following benefits are extended to them:

• Choral Award Holders receive vocal tuition up to a maximum of 30 lessons each year

• Awarded a place in the auditioned choir appropriate to their year group

• A regular choral coaching session to develop their choral and performing skills tailored to their individual needs

• Excellent teaching that enables every Choral Award Holder to make significant improvements and developments both technically and musically

• A regular accompanying and choral skills session with the Principal Accompanist

• Opportunity for advanced aural coaching sessions

• A specialist choral mentoring and enrichment programme provided exclusively to all Choral Scholars to support and nurture musical development and enrich their experience of music at Downe House

• A range of opportunities appropriate to the needs of each chorister

• Choral Award Holders will be given priority when selections are made for ensembles, key sessions, trips, talks or masterclasses, although other factors (such as seniority in the School) will also be taken into account

Expectations of a Choral Award Holder

Choral Award Holders are expected to:

• Take a full part in the vibrant and rewarding choral life of the Department with enthusiasm and commitment

• Strive for excellence in their vocal and choral studies

• Commit to developing sight-singing skills

• Display self-discipline in their practice routines and commitment to the choirs

• Take part in two choirs and perform in concerts and services

• Perform regularly with the choirs in concerts and Chapel services, including special services and some Sunday services (once or twice a term)

• Meet regularly with their Choral Mentor

• Be a choral ambassador, promoting all things choral and encouraging others to enjoy singing by example and through displaying choral leadership

It is hoped that Choral Award Holders will consider studying both GCSE Music and A Level Music but this is not a requisite of an Award.

It is anticipated that Choral Award Holders will recognise the opportunities being offered and will respond positively and with enthusiasm. It is anticipated that they will become leaders in the choral life of Downe House.

How to apply?

Stage 1: Audio-Visual recording

Candidates applying for a Choral Award are required to submit a simple audio-visual recording of a vocal performance. Video recording can be made using a mobile phone or other similar device and should be no longer than 4 minutes in length (accompaniment or a backing track is helpful, but not essential). While a non-professional recording is expected, it must make the vocal performance audibly clear and be a faithful representation of the musical performance.

Candidates are also required to submit two music references. The first reference must be from the candidate’s current Head of Music. The second reference is usually the candidate’s Choir Director or Vocal Teacher. References must include comment on the following: vocal quality, potential, sight-singing and aural skills, choral experience and passion for choral singing.

Stage 2: Audition

Successful candidates from Stage 1 will be invited to a Choral Audition, conducted by the Director

of Music and another member of the Music department, which will be held at Downe House in the February of the year of entry.

Choral Awards are awarded on the strength of this audition. The audition is designed to discover potential and the candidate’s enthusiasm for choral singing as much as to assess performance achievement, attainment and technical accomplishment.

There are four parts to the audition and it must be noted that importance is given to all areas:

1. Vocal Range Test

2. Performance. Candidates sing two contrasting pieces

4. Aural. Candidates will be asked to take a short series of tests which will include pitch recognition, melodic and rhythmic memory, and musical understanding

5. Viva Voce. A musical discussion with the candidate based on their choral experience and interests

Overseas candidates may request a virtual audition.

Internal candidates

For choristers already studying at Downe House, pupils must receive at least three nominations from the Music staff team to be considered for a Choral Award. Pupils will be notified of their nomination at the end of the Lent term each year and invited to audition in the Summer term after the School examination period. These auditions (see above) will be held by the Director of Music and another member of the Music department.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of pieces should be performed for the audition?

Candidates are asked to perform two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument (which may include the voice) and one piece on each of their subsidiary instruments. The two pieces on the principal instrument should between them show the candidate’s ability to play musically, with a pleasing tone and competent technique. In selecting music, it is well to bear in mind that a virtuoso, flashy piece is not always the best way to display skill; it is better to choose music which can show both technique and developing musicianship.

What standard is expected at Scholarship level?

The quality of performance is more important than the standard attained. A secure, confident performance is more likely to reflect well than a less authoritative performace at a higher grade.

On a second instrument a high attainment is desirable and will strengthen a candidate’s application, but it is her potential and enthusiasm for music that is the overriding factor.

What is expected in the sight-reading tests?

Sight-reading is important as it determines the extent to which a pupil will fit into the vibrant programme of music at Downe House. The standard of sight-reading tests will be at the level equivalent to the grade requirement specified for the Scholarship audition (11+ Grade 4/5; 12+ Grade 5; 13+ Grade 6; 16+ Grade 8). Candidates will be given a piece of sight-reading and time to study it and play through any tricky areas. Some candidates may be given additional sight-reading tests at a more difficult level. In these exceptional cases, this is simply a way of assessing the upper limit of a candidate’s sight-reading skills.

What is to be expected in the aural tests?

The standard of aural tests will be at the level equivalent to the grade requirement specified for the Scholarship audition (11+ Grade 4/5; 12+

Grade 5; 13+ Grade 6; 16+ Grade 8). There will be a series of four or five short aural tests. Aural assessment will involve pitch and rhythmic tests as well as identifying musical features from hearing a piece of music.

What is the purpose of the viva voce?

The viva voce is an informal discussion to find out a candidate’s musical experiences and the extent of her interest in music. It is important that candidates are aware of the expectations of a Music Award Holder and are able to communicate their enthusiasm for music.

Does Downe House welcome non-classical music?

Yes! We welcome good jazz players, since there is always an outlet for their talents. Other non-classical talents would need to be judged on how much of a contribution the pupil would be able to make. For example, someone who played classical Indian music would be positively welcomed and could be featured as a soloist, although an interest and willingness to take part in the mainstream of our music-making would be required to pick up our highest Award.

Are there any other musical talents that would be considered in a Music Scholarship application?

Yes, everything that would make a pupil a useful and dynamic member of the music team will be considered. Some of the more obvious examples are a readiness to compose (fanfares, carols, songs), willingness to organise small-scale concerts with friends, an interest in concert visits, music recording or music technology.

Does Downe House give priority to particular instruments?

A first-class performer on any instrument will gain an Award but the Department is currently looking for violas, double basses, horns and trombones.

What

is the Music Award Holder Mentoring Programme?

Each Music Award Holder has her own Music Mentor who is a member of the full-time Music staff with whom she meets weekly. Together they develop a personal set of targets and a plan that embraces her musical hopes so that ambitions can be recognised and facilitated through the many demands of their holistic education. These mentoring sessions have the dual purpose of supporting our musicians with practical and logistical help, such as practice, as well as encouraging them to think beyond their experiences and help them explore the wider spectrum of musical possibilities.

The other focus of the Programme is musical enrichment, encouraging an active part in the musical life of the School, participating in concerts both individually and as part of an ensemble.

There are opportunities to experience a broad range of music at external concerts and performances, from taking part in masterclasses or a jazz workshop to attending performances at the Royal Albert Hall and the the Royal Opera House.

If we are unsure on which Award is most suitable, can we apply for two awards? Candidates should apply for one Award, but consideration will be given at audition if a different Award is better suited. Candidates are welcome to indicate on the application form of additional awards for which they wish to be considered.

Decisions about Scholarships and Exhibitions

The final decision about all matters relating to Scholarships and Exhibitions lies with the Headmistress.

How to apply

If your daughter is registered and has received a conditional offer to join Downe House, the Registry will automatically write to you in November/December of the year prior to entry with details of how to apply for Awards.

Further details regarding Music Scholarships and Awards are available from the Director of Music, Mr Alex Leadbeater (leadbeatera@downehouse. net). Pre-auditions are welcomed to assist candidates in their long-term preparation for a Music Award (1-2 years prior to audition). For general enquires about Scholarships please contact Miss Angela Nutt, Registrar via email: nutta@downehouse.net or telephone: 01635 204701