Music

Music in Year 9 shifts focus to performance and practical music making. Through topics such as: film and video game music; Rock and Roll of the 1950’s and musical theatre students explore how these styles are created. Through practical tasks such as whole class performances or group project work, students can better understand the musical elements that make these genres successful and utilize the skills learnt in performing to aid their musical literacy.

Although many students who play musical instruments/ voice select the course, there is no requirement to learn a musical instrument/ voice in Year 9. Students should have a curiosity for the subject and be willing to enjoy the performance element. The course also includes workshop and concert trip opportunities specifically tailored to the topics and enrichment of Year 9 Music.

Music in Year 9 offers a creative approach to homework as students can use their cocurricular contributions to KES ensembles towards their homework. We encourage all Year 9 students to take part in one or more musical activity in the School, (such as Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Swing Band or Big Band) as this supports musical literacy and key skills such as resilience, organisation and creative problem solving.

In preparation for GCSE Music students will build composition skill and begin to master software such as Sibelius and Logic Pro for notation. The topics are designed to prepare students for the continued study of academic music into GCSE whilst maintaining a focus on practical, engaging music making above all.

Head of Department: Mr A Eadon ace@kes.hants.sch.uk