We are fortunate at Archbishop Holgate’s in having committed staff and excellent facilities for the teaching of this National Curriculum subject. Our recently refurbished music suite, with its spacious classrooms and practice areas, is one of the best in the area. All students have access to high quality musical instruments, a suite of iMac computers to explore and compose music using Sibelius, Garage-band and Logic pro software and a keyboard suite. We also have a fully equipped music studio with up-to-date recording equipment.
Students experience Music through a wide range of practical activities, including performing, improvising and composing in a wide range of different musical styles, listening to and responding to music, and using music technology to assist in composition and record their work. Students are encouraged to stretch the imagination, heighten aural perception, and experiment. Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 may opt for GCSE Music and A Level in Year 12 and in recent years, several have gone on to pursue their study of the subject at Music Colleges or University.
We believe strongly that commitment, interest and enthusiasm are as important as musical experience. Activities which can lead to concerts and external performances:
- Music Technology Club
- Theory club
- Backstage/sound/lighting
- Junior Choir
- Senior Choir
- String Ensemble
- Jazz Band
- Orchestra
- Boys Aloud singing group
- Junior and Senior Soul Bands
- Staff and Community Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Show rehearsals
- Recording sessions (Studio)
- Bands/ensembles
Tuition (with opportunity to take graded examinations for rock, classical and jazz musicians) is offered on:
- Flute
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Violin/Viola
- Classical Guitar
- Electric Guitar
- Bass Guitar
- Piano
- Keyboard
- Voice
- Percussion
- Drums
Other highlights of the year include our Musical Show productions, music for our Awards ceremony, and our annual Carol Service in York Minster.