Music
Almost everyone at some time will derive pleasure from some form of music or another - choral, orchestral, jazz, rock or pop. We aim to give as many boys/girls as possible the opportunity to partake in the rich musical life on offer here at the school.
For those wishing to sing we offer several groups: The Chamber Choir, Schola and The Chapel Choir, as well as the annual House Singing Competition and the opportunity to audition for and take part in one of the school's regular musical theatre productions. We believe in positive encouragement, not coercion!
We try to get as many boys/girls as possible actively playing in an ensemble of some sort. Making music in a group is so much fun, and we will endeavour to find the right standard for each individual. In 2008/09 we ran the following ensembles:
- Symphony Orchestra
- Junior and Senior String Ensembles
- Concert Band
- Big Band
- Brass Ensembles
- Jazz Band
- Chamber Choir
- Chapel Choir
- String Quartets
- Clarinet & Sax groups
- Year-based Brass groups
- Senior Brass Ensemble
- Flute Ensemble
- Tuba and Horn Quartets
In addition, pupils also devise and run their own groups, and are able to rehearse using the excellent facilities within the Maidment Building where the Music School is housed.
Tuition can be arranged in all orchestral instruments and also on percussion, piano, organ, guitar (classical, electrical and jazz), jazz piano, harp and bagpipes. We also have two singing teachers, and voice lessons can be arranged on an individual basis. Coaching in Music Theory can also be arranged.
All new pupils are given the chance to have one trial lesson free of charge on the instrument of their choice, in the hope that as many pupils as can will have a go at something when they arrive, irrespective of previous experience.
Please see the links on the left of this page for other groups, bands and choirs, and the latest Music news.
Old Salopian musicians
There are OS musicians throughout the UK and abroad, many of whom retain strong links with the Music department. Fergus Macleod was recently profiled in Shropshire Life, where he stated "John Moore, the Music Department and Shrewsbury School as a whole had a big influence on me; not only as a conductor, but also as a person." More information...
School Musicals
In recent years, Shrewsbury School has taken several performances to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with 'The Bubble' (in conjunction with Severn Opera) being the 2009 production. Generally, the shows are first performed at our own Ashton Theatre, then taken up to Edinburgh, and they are later performed in London too. More information on School Musicals...
