Academic Departments
Music
The Music Department at Abbey Gate College introduces pupils to a wide range of musical experiences, from musical history to performance.
Aims of the Department are;
- To involve as many pupils as possible in a variety of musical experiences
- To introduce pupils to every type of music from around the world throughout history.
- To enable every pupil to experience performing music in class and through extra curricular activities.
- To give every pupil a foundation in musical knowledge which they can appreciate and build on through their lives.
Curriculum
Year 7
Pupils are introduced to the basic rudiments of music. These are then put into practice through composing and performing work which is related to descriptive elements. The pupils will also listen to Western and non Western music which has a descriptive aspect.
Year 8
The rudiments of music from Year 7 are now further explored through the study of Chromaticism, Scales and Intervals. Further composition work is carried out using these elements along with related listening and some class singing.
Year 9
The pupils will study how different structures and styles are used such as Variations, Modes and Blues. Composition work using these elements will be done individually and in groups with the opportunity to perform their compositions. Related listening is carried out to give examples of these elements.
GCSE
There are three main elements to this course – Composing, Performing and Listening. Two compositions are produced with the candidates giving close attention to Rhythm & Metre, Harmony & Tonality, Texture & Melody, Timbre & Dynamics, Structure & Form. Solo and Ensemble work is performed and the Listening Test exam tests candidates on their ability to recognise the elements used in the composing. All candidates are encouraged to be ambitious in their work and aim for a higher standard than expected from the exam board Specification.
A Level
AS level – This exam is taken at the end of Year 12 although the performance can be any time from mid February. There are three elements – Performance which requires candidates to perform an 8 minute recital where the standard should be grade 5 or above. This is followed by either performance on a second instrument or a 4 minute ensemble performance. During the course the candidates have to complete 7 harmony exercises and an instrumental composition. The study of 3 classical and 3 jazz pieces is required for the written exam which also contains listening skills in harmony, texture and melodic recall.
A2 level – This exam is taken at the end of Year 13 although the performance can be any time from mid February. There are three elements – Performance which requires candidates to perform a 12 minute recital where the standard should be grade 6 or above. There is a Viva Voce with the examiner to talk about the repertoire and performance skills in the solo performance. During the course, the study of Bach Chorale writing is undertaken along with a vocal or instrumental composition. An aspect of history e.g. programme music is studied with specific set works for examination at the end of the course.
Rooms and Resources
The music department suite was completed 8 years ago and has two large teaching rooms both of which are used for choir, band and other ensemble rehearsals. Housed in one room are 18 computers all with Sibelius software for composing purposes and at each of the 18 stations there is a keyboard. In the other room there are 10 computers for use with GCSE and A level work also equipped with Sibelius. Three small rooms are available for instrumental and singing tuition all with a piano. The school has a number of instruments including 2 grand pianos and a variety of percussion instruments for classroom use. There is an extensive library of music for the choirs and band.
Fieldwork/Extra Curricular/Educational Visits
There are a number of Educational Visits as well as numerous extra curricular musical activities for pupils to get involved with;
Chapel Choir
There are 70 singers in the choir some of whom are current and ex Cathedral Choristers. The choir rehearses twice a week and gives at least four performances per term. These performances include two services a year in Chester Cathedral for the whole school and an evensong in St Paul’s Cathedral London once a year at Easter. Each summer the choir has a tour either abroad or to an English Cathedral. These tours have included the Czech Republic, Italy, Belgium and Westminster Abbey.
Young Voices Choir
This group of Year 7 pupils rehearses once a week and as well as the main purpose being a training choir for the Chapel Choir it performs at many school events and concerts throughout the year. It is directed by the singing teacher Mr Hartwell-Jones.
Concert Band
The band rehearses once a week and performs at events in and out of school several times a year. Any pupil from about grade 3 standard is invited to join. The band is directed by the brass teacher Mr Lewis.
String Ensemble
The String ensemble has been running for two years and has now started giving performances at school events. The aim is that this will build into a small string orchestra over time. It is directed by viola player Mrs Goodwin.
Saighton Syncopators
This is a small dance band which meets weekly and is in demand to play at various social functions which has recently included the City of Chester Citizenship Ceremony
Octavo
This ensemble has taken over from ‘The 8ight’ which ran successfully for two years with a group of 6th formers. Octavo is lead by 6th former Thomas Coxhead and specializes in early sacred choral music.