Music

Pupils singing in a group

Music at Bootham School

Music at Bootham School is a very strong and vibrant part of the community. Everyone has the opportunity to actively experience music as a creative, intellectual, spiritual, social and physical force and every effort is made to ensure that this happens. Opportunities are sought and made available to all students, parents and staff whether it is in the form of lessons, trips, concerts, competitions or activities. Students are encouraged to develop their skills and to be involved at an appropriate level. It is departmental policy not to audition any child for any ensemble.

Performance within the department has been very successful for many years both for individuals and ensembles. Last year the department was involved in over 40 performances both in school and in the wider community and success has been bountiful. The Senior Choir has reached the televised finals of the BBC Songs of Praise Choir of the Year Competition for the last 2 years; the cello ensemble and clarinet trio both reached the finals of the National Festival of Music for Youth and performed in the Purcell Rooms on the South Bank in London; James Freeman became the Cathcart Composer of the Year and had his orchestral work performed in the Royal Albert Hall by the BBC Concert Orchestra; individuals have won prizes at numerous national and local competitions. Many students have achieved places at Oxford or Cambridge and specialist Music Conservatoires.

Over the last 4 years, the department has undertaken choir tours of European capitals including Prague, Vienna, Dublin and Madrid. It is intended to go to Paris this year. Last year the choir was invited to sing at the Barbican, York as part of the York Community Carol Service and this year and this year they have been invited to sing at the Yorkshire Post Annual Business Awards Ceremony in Leeds. Bootham Brass performed for the Insurers’ Institute Annual Dinner and has been invited back for this year to perform at York Race Course. At the Catrine Basil Awards in Sidcot, Bootham students took 4 out of 8 prizes – an outstanding achievement given the standard of talent on display. The winners will be performing in the prestigious St. George’s Concert Hall, Brandon Hill, Bristol.

Children singing

A Concert Club has been recently set up offering students the opportunity to experience a variety of performances at both local and international level. Visits, so far, have included York Opera and Leeds Town Hall.

Concert opportunities within the school are numerous. There are two large-scale concerts (Christmas and Parents’ Weekend) and nine smaller-scale and quite informal Buffet concerts – so called because we eat afterwards! There are no auditions for these concerts and the standard ranges from almost complete beginners to diploma standard. There are several musicals put on each year both in the Junior and Senior schools. Last year, after a break of approximately 20 years, the Inter-House Music Competition was revived with great success. A large range of extra-curricular activities complements the excellent academic standards achieved in the department.

Course Curriculum

GCSE

The course comprises four sections:

1. Composing (25%):

This is assessed internally and then moderated in May in year of exam.
All candidates will submit one composition.
This represents the coursework component, the necessary skills for which are developed during class time.

2. Performance (25%):

This is assessed internally and then moderated in March in year of exam.
(a) Instrumental or vocal solo and
(b) Performing in an ensemble
Solo playing is mostly developed in pupils' individual instrumental lessons.
Ensemble playing is fostered by membership of a band, orchestra or group.

3. Integrated Assignment (25%):

One composition assignment brief will be issued by AQA in the Autumn term of the year of examination.
The composition will be submitted in the form of a score and it must be accompanied by a recorded realisation of the piece and an evaluation of its success.

4. Listening (25%):

A 1 hour 15 minute exam in May of Upper Senior. Awareness of different musical styles - classical, pop, jazz, folk, techniques of composition, recognition of instruments, composers and genres.

A Level and AS Level

Music is suitable for someone with practical ability as an instrumentalist or singer. As a creative subject it helps to achieve balance in the curriculum. It is preferable, but not essential to have done GCSE in order to take Music at A Level.

Course Content

The syllabus offers the flexibility for every candidate to work to his or her strengths. All units emphasise the practical application of theory and general musicianship.