Music
Instrumental Tuition
Instrumental and vocal tuition is provided by a team of dedicated specialist visiting teachers and covers all orchestral instruments, together with guitar, piano, organ and percussion. A number of practice and ensemble rooms are available for use by pupils. We have a close working relationship with NMPAT (Northamptonshire Music and Performing Art Trust) and a number of our pupils belong to the county ensembles, choirs and youth theatre. Many pupils choose to take performance exams (ABRSM, TrinityGuildhall or Rockschool).
Peripatetic Music Staff
Piano (Seniors) |
Ed Pick |
Piano (Seniors) |
Laura Quinn |
Woodwind (Seniors) |
Tony Godfrey |
Woodwind (Juniors) |
Chloe Blissett |
Piano (Juniors) |
Michael Keep |
Brass |
Richard Baker |
Singing |
Louise Poole |
Violin & viola |
Jon Spinner |
Guitar |
Elio Andrade |
Percussion/drums |
Matt Butler |
Cello & double bass |
Christine Jones |
Ensembles
There are many ensemble opportunities for musicians at Pitsford. Our ensembles rehearse weekly, led by either the Director of Music or one of the department’s specialist teachers, and perform a wide range of music. We have a growing school choir that performs at most school events in a variety of styles including sacred, gospel and jazz. Other musical ensembles include:
- String ensemble
- Woodwind ensemble
- Flute choir
- Sax quartet
- Guitar group
- Percussion ensemble
Performance Opportunities
At Pitsford School, pupils have a wide range of performance opportunities: There is a weekly lunchtime concert programme for senior pupils and these concerts are well attended by pupils, staff and often parents. Regular evening concerts held in either a school venue or at the local church include:
AUTUMN TERM
- Remembrance Concert
- Christmas Concert
- House Singing Competition
LENT TERM
- Alastair Green Memorial Concert
- GCSE and A-Level Concert
- House Instrumental Competitions
SUMMER TERM
- Ensembles in Concert
- Key Stage Three Concert
Other music events that provide opportunities for pupils to perform include the pupil-led Charity Christmas Concert, whole-school assemblies; open days, chapel services, Kettering Eisteddfod and the Northamptonshire Festival of Performing Arts. The weekly school hymn practice also gives pupils a chance to come together and experience singing as a congregation. Older musicians may also be asked to perform in the band for the school musical and can volunteer to help run Junior School ensembles.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships are available to pupils who have achieved highly on their principle instrument. Details of these are available from the Admissions Team