MUSIC

The music department aims to enable all pupils to fulfil their musical potential, preparing them for a lifetime of musical experiences and enjoyment. Our large purpose-built unit is equipped to the highest standards. Impressive facilities include a large stock of string, woodwind and brass instruments and pianos, together with new digital technologies such as work stations, synthesisers, digital pianos, amplifiers, effects processors, mixing desks, CD players and listening bays.

HIGHLIGHTS

• We run six choirs and six orchestras, providing a myriad of opportunities for pupils of all ages and ability to participate in highly enjoyable and challenging performances of different types. The Annual Carol Concert is one of the most popular events in the school calendar.
• The school annually hosts the Scottish round of the National Chamber Music Competition and frequently enjoys success at semi final and final stages of this prestigious event.
• There is a special emphasis on producing large-scale musicals in both the Junior and Senior Schools, from 'Annie' to 'West Side Story'.

COURSE INFORMATION

Pupils can progress through Intermediate 1 & 2, Higher and Advanced Higher, as well as entering for external Associated Board examinations at Dollar Academy

5 - 14: In the 5-14 age group, pupils are encouraged to develop two performing skills:

• Voice and a mix of recorder and tuned percussion in the Prep and Junior School.
• Voice and keyboard in Form I and II.
  

Large scale project work leads to a Prep School musical play at the end of the First Term, a Junior I concert in the Spring Term and the Junior II musical in the Summer Term. Theory, Creative, Listening and Rhythm help pupils make the progression into Higher Still.

Intermediate I and II: enables pupils to become familiar with the assessment patterns used at Higher and offers a wider unit choice than Standard Grade. The mandatory unit is Performing, Inventing and Listening, and each pupil can choose between a greater depth unit in the same topics or Accompanying, MIDI sequencing or Sound Engineering and Production.

Higher Music: pupils choose from a range of optional units to increase their depth of knowledge as well as completing mandatory units. Performing: perform a wide repertoire of music then prepare a recital. Inventing: compile a score and audio folio that demonstrates creativity and good compositional techniques. Listening: discriminatory awareness of relevant musical concepts in different periods and styles.

Advanced Higher: encourages independent learning through a large range of study techniques, planning, personal study and practice, researching and compiling information, evaluating the efforts of self and others, co-operating with and leading others. Pupils complete a mandatory unit in Performing, Inventing and Listening plus one optional unit.