Music Handbook
2024 - 2025
Music Policy
Welcome
Music is an essential part of everyone’s life and we are immensely proud of the excellence and breadth of musical opportunities available at Wells Cathedral School. The Music Specialist Scheme here at Wells has an international reputation, and we are unique in being part of an extremely successful academic School. This scheme enriches the lives and education of each one of our pupils.
With such a large musical focus, we have a range of systems in place to support pupils which are outlined in this document. It is important that parents, staff and pupils are aware of these processes before getting involved in the life of the department, whether through signing up for one-to-one music lessons, participating in ensembles or being part of the Specialist Programme.
We want to encourage strong communication between pupils, parents and staff regarding all matters musical. Parents are encouraged to make contact with the department using the email address music@wells-cathedral-school.com and your email will be promptly forwarded to the member of staff best able to deal with it.
Alex Laing Director of Music
Harvey Brink Deputy Director of Music
Music Heads of Department
Christopher Finch Vocal
John Byrne Keyboard
Ross Brown Brass
Ed Leaker Woodwind, Jazz and Commerical
Dominic Hansom Collaborative Piano
Simon Lloyd Academic Music
Jayne Obradovic Percussion
Simon Smith Strings
Clare Rowntree Prep School
Mark White Music Technology
Letty Stott Head of Performance
Young Musician Categories
Musicians
All pupils who attend Wells Cathedral School can request instrumental lessons from our large team of instrumental and vocal teaching staff. The music faculty aims to provide all pupils with an involving, participative, enjoyable and rounded music education through their class music lessons and the huge array of co-curricular musical activities on offer. Musicians at Wells have greatly enhanced opportunities compared with a nonspecialist school and have the benefit of enjoying and working at any level including accessing the professional standards of the specialist scheme. Specialists and non-specialist musicians may have the opportunity to perform together in a number of ensembles and choirs.
Choristers
Choristers benefit from a balanced educational programme which, whilst encouraging a love of church music, also develops a broad interest in music of all styles and genres. The music faculty integrates the Choristers into the work of the department and encourages their involvement in instrumental lessons, concerts and ensembles. It is not possible for them to be instrumental Specialists at the same time as being Choristers. In Years 7-9, Choristers are members of a music form, where they study the broad cultural and theoretical programme that supports their musicianship in the Cathedral.
Special Provision Pupils
A Specialist Provision Musician is a musician with a desire to prioritise music but not necessarily to the same degree as a Specialist. The music faculty aims to encourage high levels of musical attainment in Special Provision pupils whilst encouraging them to be realistic about their musical aspirations and to keep their options open. Special Provision pupils are provided for individually, just as we provide for Specialists; they are not second-class. In Years 7-9, Special Provision pupils are members of a music form.
Specialists
Music is the main focus and motivation for the Specialist Musician. They must display exceptional talent and potential at their audition and progress is expected and regularly monitored. All Specialists at Wells are expected to study music at GCSE and A level. Specialists (with the exception of first study pianists) are advised to take second study piano lessons.
Specialist Musicians will be prepared to compete successfully for places in the music profession in its broadest sense. Clear and very high expectations will be set by the music faculty staff and visiting professors. The faculty aims to provide tuition, ensemble opportunities and pastoral care. Awareness of the highest standards, self-knowledge and a determination to achieve the highest international standards will be key aims. Specialists’ commitment and achievement within their programme is regularly assessed and reviewed.
Scholarships
DCSF Scholarships are awarded to some, but not all of those who gain specialist status. Other school scholarships and bursaries may be available to Specialist, Special Provision and non-specialist musicians. These will be awarded by the Head whose decision is final. Musical status is awarded at the November auditions (for sixth form) and January auditions, and occasionally at pre-auditions.
Applying for Music Lessons & Changing of Teacher
Applying for music lessons
An application form for music tuition is available from the music school and should be returned to the Director of Music by 25th June for lessons to begin in September. Any requests for length of lesson changes for September must also be received by 25th June. For cancellation of lessons please the Cancellation Notice on page 9
After an application form for music tuition is received (it is not acknowledged) Departmental Heads of Department and the Music Timetabler arrange music timetables once they have the pupil’s own academic timetable. The School will inform new pupils of the location of lessons, teaching sites and notice boards. For those pupils who learn more than one instrument, Departmental Heads of Department will consult each other over time allocations before finalising a timetable.
Care will always be taken to ensure that pupils do not suffer from overload; tutors are responsible for monitoring the workload of their tutees and advising on action to be taken.
The allocation and teacher of Specialist Musicians is ordinarily organised in advance by the Head of Department.
Changing of teacher
If a change of teacher is requested by the teacher or parent, the Head of Department should be informed. There will normally follow a period of discussion and consultation before the Head of Department or Director of Music makes a decision. A request for a change will not necessarily be granted. Where a request for a change of teacher is granted, the normal notice period will apply apart from in exceptional circumstances, agreed with the Director of Music. Upon transfer into the school, the pupil’s previous school and instrumental teacher may be asked for a report, which will be shown to the new teacher.
Absence from Music Lessons
We plan to deliver lessons for 30 weeks per year. Lessons will not normally be offered during the final week of the Summer Term as those pupils involved in Symphony Orchestra must attend the orchestral course. Pupils must check their emails and the music lesson app regularly in case of changes to lesson times.
Our world-class tutors come into school on specific days and must be paid for their scheduled lessons. Any lesson missed through choice of pupil or parent is therefore chargeable. Heads of Department and teachers will strive to be flexible, but there is no guarantee that an alternative lesson time can be offered as a result of school trips, school productions etc. as there are often knock-on effects to other pupils. If a pupil misses a lesson due to a compulsory commitment for the school (e.g. an exam or school concert) the lesson is not charged.
Specific instances include:
• Music lessons continue through exam leave and are charged unless there is a direct clash with a public examination.
• There are no music lessons in the school ‘Exam Week’ (normally Week 1 of the Trinity Term) except for Year 11 and Upper Sixth pupils.
• Lessons run through the Year 11 and Upper Sixth mock exam period. Pupils attend lessons, and catch-up exam slots are organised for them.
• At the end of each ‘half term’ (final Friday of Michaelmas, Epiphany and Whitsun terms) lessons continue until 4pm only.
• Pupils involved in school productions may be charged for missed lessons for performances or dress rehearsals, or when off-site for other rehearsals.
• Music lessons missed for school trips are charged.
• Feast Days such as St. Andrew’s Day and Ascension Day are normal teaching days for music lessons and lessons should be attended as normal.
Parents are asked to insure music fees, along with school fees, against long-term sickness.
Communication with Parents & Cancellation Notice
Communication with Parents
Reports and Parents Evenings
Reports are written by teachers of pupils taking instrumental or vocal lessons at the end of the Advent and Trinity Terms. The opportunity for parents to speak directly to their child’s teacher is available through an annual online parents evening, usually in the Lent Term.
Matters of day-to-day teaching should be discussed with instrumental teachers using school email and telephone systems. Parents and teachers must avoid using personal telephone numbers, WhatsApp or other messaging service to discuss a pupil’s musical education.
Contact with Instrumental Staff
For all musical enquiries beyond day-to-day teaching, please consult the Head of Department.
Cancellation Notice
Notice to cease instrumental/vocal lessons must be received in writing from the Parent or Guardian and handed in, posted or emailed to the Music School Office marked for the attention of the Director of Music.
Instrumental lessons run from term to term. A minimum of eight weeks written notice must be given to the Director of Music. Notice can be sent by email to: music@wells.cathedral.school
The first ten weeks of new instrumental tuition are regarded as a probationary period and lessons can cease at the end of that period, provided notice is received no later than three weeks before the end of the probationary period.
The Music School will acknowledge receipt of cancellation letters and confirm the date that lessons will cease.
Practice
Music assistants or staff on duty supervise practice. At least one music assistant is on duty in each venue when they are open. At busy times more assistants are on duty. The Music Sites opening times are:
Music School & 26 Vicars Close
Mullins & The Coach House
Cedars Hall
7.45am - 9.30pm 8.00am - 5.00pm 9.00am - 5.00pm
7.45am - 9.30pm 8.00am - 5.00pm and 6.00pm - 8.30pm 9.00am - 5.00pm
7.45am - 5.30pm - -
7.45am - 9.00pm 7.30am - 5.00pm 9.00am - 1.00pm
Prep School Specialists, Special Provision and Choristers have timetabled practice periods during the school day. Prep School boarders (excluding Choristers) may also do early morning practice from 8.05 - 9.00 am.
‘M’ Form Pupils (Specialist Musicians and Choristers in Years 7-9) also have timetabled practice periods during the school day as well as before, and after school practice for Specialists and most Special Provision boarders.
Pupils in Years 10+ may practise during free periods by signing into available practice rooms.
Any queries regarding practice should be referred to the Deputy Director of Music. Monday
All Specialist and most Special Provision boarders are allocated early morning practice (7.45 am-9.05 am) or after school practice.
Day pupils of all age groups can practise during the school day but are expected to do a substantial amount at home depending on instrumental requirements.
Musicians can practise after school as one of their co-curricular activities.
Hire of Musical Instruments & Joining Ensembles
Hire of Musical Instruments
The School has a small stock of instruments for hire. In most cases we recommend that a parent purchases or contracts to hire and buy from a supplier recommended by Heads of Department. Parents must complete an instrument hire proforma which includes parental acceptance of responsibility for insurance, the repair of damage and replacement strings, bow re-hairs, accessories and reeds. Heads of Department hold their departmental stock and are responsible for the allocation and maintenance of hire instruments. Parents are charged via the extras bill. The hire fee varies from year to year.
Joining Ensembles
Applications can be made at any time, as can recommendations by teachers, to the director of the ensemble or via the Head of Department or Director of Music. Auditions may be required for many ensembles and seating is allocated by Heads of Department. Some ensemble memberships are mandatory for Specialist and Special Provision Musicians. All musicians in the main flagship ensembles (Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, Chamber Choir etc.) are expected to commit and request absence in the same way as Specialist Musicians (to Heads of Department, at least three weeks in advance).
There are numerous ensembles in the Prep School and children are allocated to these by the Prep School Director of Music, in conjunction with the ensemble coaches. Children are actively encouraged to participate in ensemble music making with a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year.
A term’s notice is required by pupils for withdrawal from an ensemble.
Further Opportunities
Consultation Lessons, Masterclasses and Assessments
Heads of Department organise assessments, occasional masterclasses and termly consultation lessons. These are principally for Specialists. Special Provision and non-specialist musicians may also, from time to time, be given the opportunity to play to a visiting consultant or take assessments. In these cases a charge will be made but parents will be consulted before such a charge is incurred. Parents are welcome to attend consultation lessons and masterclasses when invited.
Performance Classes
There are piano, string, woodwind, percussion, brass and vocal performance classes as well as general performance classes. Music staff are encouraged to enter pupils for them and attend if possible. All pupils playing in the prestigious lunchtime concert series are expected to play the repertoire in a performance class prior to the concert.
Internal Concert Opportunities
Ensemble performance opportunities:
All Specialist and Special Provision Musicians will be coached in ensemble musicianship and we have a wide range of performance opportunities including:
• Symphony Orchestra concerts take place three times a year (one of which includes a choral work). Please access the Symphony Orchestra Policy for further information
• Symphony Orchestra project for schools (once a year)
• Promenade concerts (three times a year in January)
• Jazz Orchestra concerts (three times a year)
• Jazz Lunchtime concerts (three times a year)
• Jazz in the Foyer sessions (three times a year)
• Opera Showcase concert ( once a year)
• Songs from the Shows (twice a year)
• Pop Lunchtime concerts (three times a year)
• Musical Extravaganza concerts (three times a year for orchestras, choirs and ensembles that
include pupils who are not on the Specialist or Special Provision music course)
• WYMSO informal sharing for parents each long term.
Solo performance opportunities:
Solo performance opportunities are offered to all musicians in the school. Dates are planned in advance so that instrumental teachers can prepare pupils for these performance opportunities which include:
• Departmental concerts (up to three times a year)
• Going Solo concerts are formal concerts designed principally for any senior school musician who is on specialist programme (six times a year)
• Teatime Tuesday concerts take place each Tuesday except the first and last of each short term. These are opportunities for any pupil to try out work-in-progress in a relaxed atmosphere.
Lunchtime Concerts take place twice or three times a week in term time and Specialists are allocated two a year. Special Provision pupils are allocated a lunchtime concert at the discretion of their Head of Department and if there is space in the schedule.
In the Prep School, there are Year Group Performance Platforms each academic year, and solo Instrumental and Vocal Concerts each long term. An annual Prep School Ensembles Concert takes place in the Whitsun/ Trinity term and a Year 6 Soloists’ Concert in the final week of the academic year. Additional solo performance opportunities for Prep School Specialists are organised during the year, which can include the Christmas Celebration.
Please note that there are additional concerts both for ensemble and solo performances - these lists give a flavour but are not exhaustive. Please note that all concerts may be subject to change.
Collaborative Pianists & Aural and Theory Support Request
Collaborative Pianists
The school’s collaborative pianists provide accompaniment for all school events. For examinations and competitions for which the school has entered pupils the school will, if there is no official accompanist, try to provide one. Pianists are not provided for college auditions, NYO, NCO and other auditions, or externally organised activities.
Aural and Theory Support Request
Class theory and aural lessons are available and should be attended by examination candidates. Availability of these classes should be mentioned by teachers to all pupils. It is the pupil’s responsibility to attend.
Individual theory lessons are also available through the same procedures as instrumental/vocal lessons.
Pupils can be entered for theory examinations through the School only if they have attended the theory lessons at School. Permission of the theory teacher is also needed before examination entry.
Examination Entries, Extra Costs & Instrumental Repairs
Examination Entries
The School is a centre for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity exams usually three times per year. Instrumental and vocal teachers are responsible for entering pupils when they are ready. The costs and provisional exam dates will be communicated with pupils and parents in a timely manner.
Some instrumental or vocal teachers may suggest an alternative exam route, for example MTB exams or other online options. MTB exams are usually organised individually by the teacher in consultation with the parent.
Extra Costs
Parents’ permission must be sought about any commitments to additional expenditure above £50 per item. For additional lessons, parents will need to fill in an application form - additional teaching time or extended music lessons must equally be agreed by the parents in writing to the Director of Music. Entry to competitions and examinations may well involve entrance fees, transport fees and pianists’ fees. Heads of Department should deal with all applications relating to their departmental staff.
Instrumental Repairs and Insurance
Parents are responsible for repairs to pupils’ own instruments. Repairs can be arranged by Heads of Department only in an emergency. Heads of Department are to be consulted over repairs to School instruments before any action is taken. The School cannot accept liability for theft or damage. Certain instruments made available by teachers for the use of pupils can be covered under the School’s insurance policy.
Chaperoning, School Paid Engagements & Complaints
Chaperoning
Pupils are not to be transported in a member of staff’s car or taught in private houses except with the written permission of the Director of Music and Deputy Head.
School Paid Engagements
The school groups are available for concerts and engagements. Fees and expenses are negotiated by the Director of Music and no fees can go to staff or pupils except by agreement in writing in advance. Any fees will normally be treated as donations to the Music Faculty funds.
Complaints Procedure
If a complaint is received in writing it will be acknowledged within two working days (when the office is open). If the complaint is verbal or by telephone, complainants will be asked to put their complaint in writing. The Director of Music will notify the staff and parents involved in the complaint and they will have the opportunity to present their reply. The decision, once reached, will be communicated to all parties involved and the decision put in writing.
Dress Code for Concerts
Specialist and Special Provision Musicians will be required to wear concert dress during their time at Wells. Other musicians performing as part of ensembles or as soloists are likely to require formal black concert dress as below.
Concert dress code 2024
Evening concerts are usually ‘all black’. This means:
• Black smart formal trousers of DJ/ suit type (No jeans or legging type trousers) with a black or sometimes white long-sleeved shirt or blouse.
OR
• A black calf length or long skirt with a black longsleeved shirt or blouse (no t shirts).
OR
• A black calf length or long dress that covers the shoulders. No strapless dresses.
Please note:
• a black cardigan/jacket can be worn if the dresses/blouses are sleeveless.
• Shoes must be black leather/patent and formal in style. No trainers/ boots.
• A DJ jacket and black bow tie may also be needed for some concerts if DJ trousers are worn.
For lunchtime concerts:
Smart school uniform should be worn. Cellists may wear grey/black trousers.
Secondhand sales
The Parents and Friends’ Association holds occasional secondhand clothing sales where it may be possible to purchase appropriate concert dress.
Suit or dress carriers
All pupils should be provided with a suit or dress carrier for transporting their concert dress. Please clearly label this and all items of concert dress.
The concert dress code details outline the basic requirements. The Orchestra Manager reserves the right to discuss with any player the suitability or the general appearance of his or her concert dress. Pupils not correctly dressed may not be allowed to play.
Responsibilities for quality of dress
Stage Manager of Event:
• Deputy Director of Music for major concerts
• Head of Collaborative Piano for Lunchtime Concerts
• Heads of Department for Department Concerts
• Heads of Department i/c for services, etc.
Filming (video) and photography during performances
We want our performers to be able to offer their best during concerts so that audiences can maximise their enjoyment.
The vast majority of school concerts are video-recorded by school technicians and recordings are individually made available to pupils. Pupils can also request recordings from the technical team, who will provide them where they can.
We completely understand why a video recording would be desirable, and that modern equipment is now readily available and unobtrusive. However, recording raises a number of issues surrounding privacy and safety. In the light of this, photography, filming or audio-recording of school concerts is prohibited.
Specialist Musicians’ Charter
Our Charter sets out what the Music Department of Wells Cathedral School will deliver for its Specialist Music pupils, and what is expected of these pupils, supported by their parents/guardians.
The Specialist Programme
Wells Cathedral School will provide the appropriate environment, resources and musical expertise to enable the delivery of an outstanding musical education and experience for young people of exceptional musical talent, aptitude and commitment. We will work with each young musician to help them develop the necessary skills to allow them to be able to continue along the path towards the aspiration of a career as a professional musician (or practitioner in the performing arts).
What is a Specialist Musician?
• Dedicated to their art
• Curious
• Creative
• Passionate
Wells Cathedral School believes that musicians are better by exploring other aspects of life. Therefore they should:
• Get involved in sports (appropriately chosen)
• Actively pursue academic study
• Explore other creative arts
• Get involved in the wider life of the School and the City
• Make friends across the School
• Make time to relax and reflect
All of the above will help to enable Specialists to develop holistically as individuals - and to fulfil the School’s motto, Esto Quod Es, ‘Be what you are’ and become the best you can be.
First Study Programme
Each Specialist Musician will follow their own individual music programme set out by the Head of Department. This will include
• Up to 2 hours each week of individual lessons, coaching or peer learning on their first study instrument/voice/composition for up to 30 weeks per year, delivered by our specialist music teachers.
• At least two opportunities per year to perform in our prestigious lunchtime concert series.
• Up to two hours of consultation lessons or masterclasses per year
• Weekly performance classes
• Ensemble opportunities appropriate to the age and ability of the pupil.
Second Study Programme
All Specialists will normally be encouraged to have tuition on a second instrument/voice/composition at the discretion of their Head of Department. Time allocated to this will be kept under review based on the pupil’s time and other commitments.
In exceptional circumstances a third study will be considered
All provision must be authorised by the Director of Music or the Deputy Director of Music who will have the final say over all music programmes.
Practice
Practice should be at the centre of a Specialist’s programme, and advice will be given on the amount of practice that a pupil should be including in their daily schedule on both first and, where appropriate, secondstudy instruments.
The Music facilities are open every weekday from 07.45am-9.00pm and at various times on weekends. Pupils are expected to practise before the start of each school day and to develop a regular routine of practice at other times during the day or in the evenings. Up to the end of Year 9, practice will be supervised closely by the team of Graduate Music Assistants, and advice will be given on effective practice habits. Guidance on practice will also be available for those in Years 10 and 11. By the Sixth Form, pupils are expected to be able to organise their own practice schedule.
Some useful support and tips for effective practice can be found here.
Other Musical Disciplines
Additional skills in Musicianship and Contextual Studies are offered
• Aural
• Theory
• Improvisation
• Keyboard skills (as appropriate)
• General musicianship
Choir
The School believes that singing is crucial to good music education. Participation in a choir is compulsory until the end of Year 9 and all Specialists are required to take part in rehearsals and a performance of one choral project each year.
Professional Practice Programme seminars
All Specialists in Years 10 and above attend the weekly Professional Practice Programme seminars
Contextual
studies
Contextual studies are delivered via the academic music programme. A Specialist joining in Year 7 will aim to take GCSE Music in Year 9 and then, in Year 10 follow the Wells Specialist Music Certificate programme, which develops writing, musicianship, harmonic, entrepreneurial and analytical skills, through a practical, modular programme, before moving onto A level in the Sixth Form. GCSE or (for those who have already passed GCSE music) the Wells Specialist Music Certificate and A level music are compulsory subjects for all Specialist Musicians.
Monitoring Progress and Assessments
The Music Department at Wells Cathedral School is committed to supporting its Specialist pupils in achieving their short and long-term objectives. Pupils’ wishes, aspirations and key milestones, such as destination conservatoires/universities and entering the world of work will also be factored into the setting of goals.
For all Specialist Musicians, their first year of study will be a probationary year.
Assessments
• There are 2 formal assessments each year (November and May/June)
• The content is devised by the Head of Department.
More important than success at the formal assessments is the showing of good and regular progress and commitment. This is constantly monitored.
Specialists in Years 6, 9 and 11 are assessed for their suitability for continuation to the next key stage of their music and academic education at the School. Any pupil who is deemed to be underperforming will be placed on review. This will be communicated immediately to pupils, parents and teachers, so that further support can be explored and put into place before the next formal assessment.
Assessments are based on:
• technical level appropriate to age/stage
• artistic maturity
• commitment to the course
• attitude
For further information on assessment procedures, please see the specific assessment document relevant to instrument.
Academic Study & Co-Curricular Opportunities
Academic Study
Specialist Musicians will follow a reduced academic programme during all school years in order to accommodate instrumental/vocal practice, coaching and other musical activities.
Pupils in Years 7-9 will have various options for academic subject selection, which will enable sufficient practice time to be created during the school day.
Pupils in Years 10 and 11 should study a maximum of 8 GCSEs which should embrace the core subjects and Music.
Pupils in the Sixth Form should study a maximum of three A levels of their choice (including Music). The Director of Music will have the final say over academic options and failure to comply with these guidelines would jeopardise any future Music & Dance Scheme or Wells Cathedral School funding.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
There is a wealth of opportunity for co-curricular involvement at Wells. Pupils are actively encouraged to participate in these but should ensure that they have the agreement of their Head of Department before they enrol in an extra activity.
Wellbeing & Behaviour and Attendance
Physical, Occupational and Emotional Wellbeing
Wells Cathedral School offers a comprehensive programme of wellbeing and pastoral support for all pupils. As part of this provision, a range of activities and complementary therapies to support the physical, occupational and emotional wellbeing of each pupil is available to pupils.
Pupils are encouraged to take some responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
• Regular exercise
• Well-balanced diet
Smoking and Vaping are against School rules and are extremely bad for musicians in particular.
The Head of Pupil Experience & WellBeing provides specific support for all musicians on matters of wellbeing - this can be in private if necessary.
Behaviour and Attendance
The School seeks to foster a positive and supportive community and is committed to providing an environment conducive to learning. All Specialists are expected to behave appropriately at all times and to show respect and courtesy to all members of the Wells community.
• Attend weekly seminars (compulsory for those in Years 10-13).
• Attend a range of concerts given by visiting artists in Cedars Hall, Quilter Hall and the Cathedral. (At least one should be not a principal study concert)
• Attend masterclasses on their first study instrument.
Specialist Musicians have the privilege to work with our dedicated team of collaborative pianists. It is expected that any accompaniments are provided three weeks in advance of the performance.
Lunchtime Concerts & Performance Notes Tips
Lunchtime Concerts
Specialist Musicians have the opportunity to perform in at least two Lunchtime Concerts each year. These are important performances open to the public.
Specialists are expected to
• provide programme notes for their concerts (support is provided as required) (see guide) These should be with the Graduate Music Assistant 3 weeks before the performance (see poster below for easy advice)
• Verbally introduce the piece to be played. This can be brief but should include
The title of the work and the composer
Anything you think is important
Something you like about it
Something interesting about it
• Practise the performance in a performance class the week before
• Dress for all concerts and school events should follow the guidelines provided.
Behaviour and attendance is considered as part of the Specialist assessment process and is taken into account in approving pupils to progress to the next phase of their music and academic education (see above).
Pupils write programme notes for their repertoire in Lunchtime Concerts.
Programme Notes Tips
PURPOSE
What are programme notes for?
• Give a listener some background about the piece before they have heard it
• Opportunity to highlight your thoughts on a piece
• A chance for you to learn more about the piece
COMPOSER
Give a brief introduction about the composer
• When and where were they born?
• Did they also play an instrument?
• Did they go travelling at all to study other musics?
• Did they meet any influential composers during their life?
PIECE
Give some background to the piece
• When was it written?
• Was it written for someone or commissioned by someone?
• Is there a programme {story) behind the piece or told through it?
• Does the accompaniment support you or does it have a solo role too?
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you want to tell the audience from your perspective?
• Do you enjoy a certain part of the piece and why?
• Are you imagining something when you hear/ play this piece?
• What emotions do you feel while playing it? a
• Have you done anything different to other performances of it?
OTHER THINGS
A few other points to consider
• If you are singing, provide the text (and translation if applicable)
• If playing a movement, give: title, movement number, and tempo marking
• Have you got an interesting fact or anecdote you can include?
• Think about what you would want to read about a piece you are hearing
HELP
Who can you go to for help?
• Research online
• Look at other examples
• Ask your instrumental teacher
• Ask a GMA
Outside Engagements
Outside Engagements, Concerts, Examinations and Competitions at Weekends, Evenings and Holidays
Pupils should not accept, neither should parents put pupils in for, outside engagements without consulting Heads of Department. The workload of the individual pupil is monitored by the Heads of Department and instrumental staff.
The preparation of Specialist and Special Provision pupils for public performances is entrusted to the professional teachers. Pupils/Parents should seek the permission of Heads of Department and instrumental teachers before agreeing to outside engagements; they should also consult over repertoire and collaborative pianists
Pupils are asked to acknowledge the School:
‘Sarah/Michael Smith is a pupil of Wells Cathedral School, one of the four Specialist Music Schools in England and Wales.’
If a conflict occurs, school engagements will take priority.
If a pupil is applying for an external ensemble or orchestral course, permission must be sought from the Director of Music and Head of Department.
ALL SPECIALIST AND SPECIAL PROVISION PUPILS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO PLAY FOR SCHOOL ENGAGEMENTS DURING TERM TIME AND OCCASIONALLY DURING THE HOLIDAY; ADVANCE NOTICE WILL BE GIVEN FOR HOLIDAY COMMITMENTS.
The standard way to request permission from your Head of Department is to complete a Permission Form. N.B. this form requests musical permission for absence, but normal school absence should be sought through the usual school channels.
External Performances
The School supports our musicians performing away from the School.
All Specialists must gain permission from their Head of Department before they agree to any external auditions and performances. It is expected that School commitments should take priority over any external commitments.
Pupils are encouraged to inform the Director of Music of any significant external musical achievements, such as gaining membership of national groups or competition successes, so that these may be celebrated.
Top Tips
Top Tips for Specialist Musician Parents
The life of a musician at Wells is a busy one. The music department needs to be able to oversee the progress and workload of every young musician. Without this, we cannot properly look after the progress and wellbeing of the musicians. Communication is key, please help us by working collaboratively:
• Make regular contact with your child’s Head of Department and tutor about progress and wellbeing
• Request any absence from the Head of Department
• Check with the Head of Department before entering your child for external ensembles, competitions, public performances or exams
• Check with the Head of Department before booking any transport in term time. Your child will likely be involved in school musical commitments at the very starts and ends of terms.
• Remember the ‘Rule of Three’ - we need at least three weeks notice to be able to clear absence, authorise commitments etc.
• Make sure your child has the correct concert dress
Top Tips for Specialist Musicians
• Communicate with your Head of Department regularly about commitments, musical progress and wellbeing
• Get involved in lots at Wells, but remember that your musical activities and wellbeing come first!
• Stay organised - put your concert commitments into your calendar.
• Prioritise your practice
• Make sure you warm up
• Arrive early for your commitments so that you are set up, ready and relaxed before the start time.
• Make sure you have your music, instrument, accessories (mutes etc.) and a soft pencil with you at all times.
• Check your music timetable regularly and flag up any clashes with the relevant staffing including your HoD
• Remember the ‘Rule of Three’ - we need at least three weeks notice to be able to clear absence, authorise commitments, compile programme notes, prepare accompaniments.
