Music
The Music Department consists of a large, dedicated and enthusiastic staff of class and instrumental teachers, full-time and part-time, who foster a positive and creative environment for our pupils.
Situated mainly on the top floor of the Margaret Harris Building, it comprises many well-equipped and well-resourced classrooms and instrumental teaching/practice rooms. Recent additions include a substantial computer lab which incorporates Sibelius Music packages, emagic logic gold and cubase for staff and pupil use. There is also a classroom equipped with recording equipment for the delivery of Sound Engineering and Production courses.
Class Music is taught throughout the school from P1 to S2. Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are offered from S3 to S6 as well as free standing units in Performing and Sound Engineering and Production.
Instrumental instruction has a large and very important role to play in the school with almost half of the school population having lessons on a weekly basis. At present instruction is offered in most orchestral instruments as well as pianoforte, guitar, recorder, chanter, bagpipes and singing. Pupils are presented for Associated Board and Trinity College of London Examinations although this is not mandatory. The department also runs an Annual Music Competition open to all instrumentalists and singers.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in choral music. There are choirs at all levels throughout the school. There is also a Training Orchestra and a Symphony Orchestra, a Training Band and Concert Band and a Pipe Band as well as various string, woodwind, brass and guitar ensembles. Opportunities exist for pupils to form their own groups in preparation for the annual competitions. Pupils are also encouraged to join outside musical organisations and attend national training schools, orchestras and choirs.
There are regular Music tours to Europe, the most recent being to Berlin where our pupils performed to appreciative audiences. Outings to musical events are a common occurrence.
The rich musical tradition of the school continues to flourish through the Annual Christmas and Spring Concerts which are staged in the Caird Hall, and musical productions, the latest of which were a most successful senior production of Destination Broadway and an equally impressive junior production of Treasure Island both in Trinity Hall. As well as this, throughout the year, there are many smaller musical presentations such as a Piano Day with recitals and workshops, a summer ensemble concert, and a Form 6 concert for SQA candidates.
The Music Department also supports various local charities and community events either with donations from concerts, sponsored practice sessions or with providing musical entertainment at local events.
For further information, please see the curriculum pages.