Preparatory School Music & Drama

Music is taught in Prep School by one full time and two part time members of staff and a team of twelve visiting instrumental staff.

In Pre-Prep music & drama, the aim is to introduce the elements of music in a creative, fun and imaginative way.

All Pre-Prep classes have three half-hour sessions during the week The boys develop rhythm, pitch and listening skills with a strong emphasis on singing and learn to play percussion instruments. They are also encouraged to improve movement and body co-ordination in music and dance.

Boys are introduced to a wide variety of orchestral and folk instruments from around the world and are taught about famous composers and their historical setting using musical excerpts and visual material.

Our facilities comprise a large teaching/rehearsal room with three practice rooms and a newly built performance area.

The music department provides a wide variety of extra-curricular activities during the lunch hour and after school.

• Pre-Prep Choir
• Prep Choir
• Chamber Choir
• Prep Orchestra
• Prep Bell Choir
• Prep String Group

In Prep 1 pupils are given the opportunity of learning a string instrument in small groups. The String Group, supports this learning and encourages the developing of skills of violinists, viola players, cellists and double bass players in their weekly rehearsals.

Prep 1 and 2 perform as Form choirs and rehearse once a week. We also have a whole school hymn practice.

Events planned for this year include:

• Prep 3 Drumming Workshop
  
• Pre-Prep sing at the Columban Fayre
  
• The Carol Service in St. Albans Abbey with the College
  
• Prep 1 and 2 Christmas concert
  
• Pre Prep Christmas play
  
• Prep 4 trip to Royal Opera House
  
• Two Prep and College concerts
  
• Three informal concerts for soloists from both schools
  
• A Prep School musical
  
• Prep Chamber Choir to sing in Ely Cathedral
  
• Prep Chamber Choir to take part in the St. Albans Schools' Music Festival

Instrumental Lessons

Instrumental lessons are available in: piano, keyboard, violin, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, guitar (classical, electric and bass), trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, singing and percussion.

Drama is incorporated into many areas of the curriculum. A full scale production is undertaken by the Prep Department in the Summer term where all year groups take advantage of the College stage, lighting and sound facilities to present a musical. In addition to this, Prep 1 and 2 take part in a nativity drama each year. There is also an after school drama club, where pupils work towards graded Guildhall examinations.