 Music
lessons are in increasing demand at the college, but we endeavour
to arrange teachers and instruments for any pupil wishing to start
lessons on a particular instrument. At the moment, more than one third
of pupils at the college are having music lessons, with about one
third of these working at intermediate and advanced levels.
Extra-curricular musical activities hold an important place in the
school programme. Current activities are as follows:
- Senior Choir
- Junior Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Chapel Choir
- Band
- Flute Group
- String Group
- Brass Band
- Guitar Group
- Jazz Band
- Theory Club
- Various chamber groups and pop bands
 These
groups regularly give public performances. In particular, the Senior
Choir performs on numerous occasions during the academic year, participating
in all School Masses. Concerts are well-attended and there have
been several very positive reviews in the local press of late.
Pupils are also strongly
encouraged to perform as soloists in their own right, and Monday
morning chapel assemblies are the perfect opportunity for this.
These occasions are not just for the most able musicians - indeed,
pupils of all ages and abilities are invited to play, giving essential
confidence-building performance practice.
Examinations
GCSE, AS and A2 music
are all available at Mount St Mary's - AQA board is used for all
examinations. These exams focus on the integration of the
three key skills of listening, peforming and composing. Music
is also taught at Key Stage 3 level.
The college has an established
reputation as a centre for Associated Board music exams, and all
pupils learning an instrument or having singing lessons are encouraged
to work towards their grade exams. This helps to motivate
pupils, and can also help gain entry to local orchestras and choirs.
Grade 5 theory classes are also offered and taught in small groups
of 4 or 5 pupils.
The School of Music maintains
close links with Barlborough Hall School, giving performances at
the school and encouraging pupils to take up instruments.
Mrs L Kitchener
(Director of Music) |
There are a large number of staff who work in the Music Department.
Lucy Kitchener is the Director of Music and Michelle MacDonald is
the college organist. There are currently 11 other visiting members
of staff who teach a wide variety of instruments and singing:
Mr
James Dowson: Piano