MUSIC

The Music Department works in collaboration with the Art and Drama Departments to deliver a cohesive and complementary Expressive Arts Programme at all Key Stages.

Head of Department: Mrs Silcock

Miss Gibbens (Head of Expressive Arts and Drama) also teaches in the Music Department.

Course Options currently available: KS4 - GCSE Music (AQA).

From September 2004 we are delighted to be working in our new, purpose-built Music Suite. A large classroom, a recording studio and two practice rooms, all soundproofed, allow us to accommodate lessons, instrumental teaching and small-group ensemble work in well-equipped, specialist facilities.

Music at Priesthorpe is taught in a lively and practical way. Head of Department, Mr Atkins, facilitates a number of groups and ensembles, as well as managing an enormous programme of weekly visits from Peripatetic Instrumental teachers from the Music Support Service. Pupils at Priesthorpe can learn to play Brass and Woodwind instruments, as well as Guitar, Percussion, Dhol drums, Violin and 'Cello. We also have a singing teacher who comes in to work with a small group each week. Pupils wishing to learn an instrument may borrow from our large stock before investing in one of their own. The School Concert Band rehearses every Wednesday afternoon after school.

Our most talented pupils regularly participate in the Christmas and Summer Concerts held in the School Hall. Dates and details of forthcoming events will be publicised on the website. Members of the Concert Band, in particular, are no strangers to public appearances having played for Bradford City FC, Leeds Music in Parks Scheme and in many local venues. From time to time we also send gifted instrumentalists on the Study and Development Days run by Music Support Services at West Park.

In November 2001 we recorded a professionally produced CD, resulting in a high quality recording of an extremely talented cross-section of our pupils. All the tracks from the CD can be heard online: to go to the 'Priesthorpe Winter Collection' main page, click here. We hope you enjoy listening and, should you wish to purchase the CD, it is available from school at the bargain price of £3.00 and makes a lovely Christmas gift!
(Phone 0113 257 2618 for further details.)