Drama

A number of productions are staged every year, with a large musical performance each year. This year’s musical will be Legally Blonde and last year we performed Grease. Recent musical productions have also included Les Miserables (2017), the Sound of Music (2016), Divorce Me Darling! (2015)

A number of smaller productions also take place. This includes the Year 8 Shakespeare Festival. This year the pupils performed Twelfth Night and A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream at Moulton Theatre. Last year, Julius Caesar at the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton.

Many of our pupils use the opportunity of drama at Pitsford School to take their talents further and to join drama groups such as Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT). Pupils are encouraged in their appreciation of the theatre through trips to see performances.

English Speaking Board

Pupils from J2 to Year 8 may take part in English Speaking Board (ESB) Lessons. Participation in ESB activities encourages pupils to develop communication and presentation skills, sharing their interests and hobbies within the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of a small group. The life skills addressed and developed are highly beneficial throughout the school years and beyond. Pupils interested in ESB should contact the School Office.

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

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