Music in the Sixth Form
Wells uniquely provides a pre-professional performance course, for outstanding young musicians from all over the world, within a proper school. Specialist and Special Provision music and academic programmes are developed on an individual basis and support each pupil’s musical aspirations. Decisions regarding the amount of time required for music, and therefore the number of A level subjects chosen, will be discussed with each specialist’s relevant coordinator and the Deputy Director of Music. Specialist musicians should normally start with three A level subjects. The expectation is that all specialists will be at the level to achieve music college success should they choose that path. Specialists will have up to three hours per week of individual tuition, ensemble opportunities, masterclasses as well as participating in many concerts as performers and listeners. Practice is an essential part of the programme, and pupils have opportunities to access rehearsal spaces from 7.45am until 9.45pm, schedules permitting.
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The Music Faculty delivers approximately 200 concerts per year and has over 70 ensembles (orchestras, chamber music groups and choirs) and 90 members of staff. This creates an exciting community for all members of the Sixth Form. Many groups are open to all, whilst others are by invitation. Whether pupils are totally absorbed with music, see it as a hobby, or have other priorities, the cultural impact of being surrounded by music has a profound effect on all our learning and wellbeing. The individualised approach developed, because of the Specialists, has benefits for all Sixth Formers, and the presence of highly motivated and dedicated young musicians in the community brings a realisation that to be world class in any area of life you have to be committed, responsive and passionate.
