SPRING GROVE SCHOOL
MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Spring Grove School is developing a strong musical tradition; indeed both the Head Master
Bill Jones and his wife Hilary, are music specialists.

At Spring Grove School, visiting peripatetic teachers come to teach privately and children can learn any instrument of their choice. Instrumental teaching is done on a rotation basis so that core subjects are not missed. Currently, the children are having lessons in Violin, ‘Cello, Guitar, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Piano, Singing and Drums. Children can be entered into the Associated Board or Trinity/Guildhall examinations.

Every term, the Music Department puts on two informal instrumental concerts so that the children have an opportunity to play in public if they wish.

Children from Year 2 are given tuition in Recorder.

Spring Grove runs Music Clubs for Recorder on Monday morning at 8.30 a.m. and Mrs. Hilary Jones organises an after school Music Club on Wednesdays for Singing and instrumental ensemble for Prep 4 – 6. All are welcome.

Spring Grove School has a Choir starting at Year 3 with approximately 38 members. Some children (if especially keen and talented) can join in Year 2. The children have enjoyed singing repertoire in varying styles and they are making real progress in part singing. The Choir performs at the Informal Concerts, in Assemblies and at the Carol Service.

Spring Grove now holds an annual inter-house entertainment competition where the children organise their own house entertainment and where the musicians in each house play a valuable and important part.

Every Summer, Spring Grove School puts on its own Musical Show organised by the Head Master. Last Summer, Years. 4,5 and 6 put on a spectacular show: The Witches by J.J. Taylor and David Nield.

In the Autumn Term a Music Day is arranged. In the past, visiting musicians have visited to enable the children to try a variety of instruments. Last year, we were entertained by musicians from Zimbabwe who taught the children African Songs, Rhythms and …… how to do a Gumboot Dance! The musicians form part of the organisation ‘Music for Change’ which sends musicians from all over the world into schools to create cross cultural awareness. This year, on 17th November we have a group of Gospel singers called Black Voices which should be very exciting.

Children from other schools are also invited to perform here which gives our children inspiration and theirs performing experience.

Spring Grove School children are also given the opportunity to compose. In the Christmas Term there is a competition to write the words and the music for a Christmas Carol. The best one will be performed at the Carol Service in December.

On Friday, 24th September we had an Informal concert where children played various pieces of music they had been learning.
Here are some excerpts from this concert.