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Music

BRASS GROUPS

There are 2 Brass Groups at school, Junior and Senior, which rehearse weekly throughout the year.
They include players on Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone and Tuba, ranging from beginner to Grade 6 standard.

Concerts are given at Christmas and in the Summer, with the senior group also playing at Prize-giving.
Repertoire is varied, including a number of film themes, such as “Star Wars”,“Indiana Jones” etc, and also pieces that have been specifically written for the groups by the Brass teacher, Mr David Bourne.
These have included: “Nidos”, a piece about the school cat; “Mouse in the Tuba”, depicting a real event; and some about his own cats - “Alfred” the big cool dude, and “Millie”, the skittish, jumpy one.

SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE

Started in Jan 2008, the Saxophone Ensemble is one of the newest music groups at Kingshott. It is run by the saxophone teacher Mr Neil Crossley

It comprises 3 - 8 players, depending on pupil numbers; with a minimum of Grade 3 standard.
Repertoire is highly varied and includes contemporary, classical and jazz music, sometimes with improvisation.
Pupils play either alto, tenor or baritone saxophones and the group aims to perform at least once a term.

CONCERT BAND

The Concert Band, comprising woodwind, brass and percussion, is one of the largest music groups.
Meeting once a week and performing at various functions, it is conducted by the school’s Director of Music, Miss Alison Eales.
Repertoire includes a variety of styles ranging from Classical to jazz and easy listening.
Current film themes and music from shows are favourites with the players.

Recently the Concert Band shared a concert with Hitchin Concert Band in the Gordon Craig theatre in Stevenage.

Players attend music festival days at other schools annually. Minimum entry standard is approximately grade two.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

The Jazz Ensemble caters for the older children at the school, in years 7 and 8. The line up of players includes flutes, clarinets, saxophones, violins, trumpets, trombones, string bass, percussion and piano.
The Jazz Ensemble has performed annually at the Jazz picnic and aims to give concerts regularly, both in school and at external events.

It is customary for the Jazz Ensemble to wear D.J.s and cocktail dresses.
The Jazz Ensemble is directed by Miss Alison Eales.

RECORDER ORCHESTRA

The Recorder Orchestra comprises some 30 players , mostly from years 3 to 5.
It rehearses weekly under the guidance of recorder specialist Mrs Celia Ireland.

For many it is their first experience of ensemble playing and many useful techniques are learnt.
The Recorder Orchestra performs at the formal concerts at Kingshott and smaller groups from within the ensemble perform regularly too.

STRING ORCHESTRA

The String Orchestra, directed by Mrs. Andrea Kelly, rehearses weekly on a Wednesday morning. It includes violins, ‘cellos and double basses.
The group learns techniques of ensemble playing through a range of interesting repertoire and music is chosen to suit the needs of all the players, to challenge each section of the orchestra at their standard.
There is an emphasis on enjoyment and frequently well known pieces are rehearsed. Minimum entry level is approximately grade 2.

The String Orchestra plays twice a year in formal concerts, but gives additional performances in Assemblies from time to time.

CLARINET QUARTET

The Clarinet Quartet meets on a Thursday lunch time and its director is Miss Val Cheesman.
The group has been formed recently to cater for our more advanced clarinettists. Pieces are chosen to suit the individual players’ needs and performances take place regularly.