Music
Head of Music: Mr D Harrison (email)
Ethos
Music is an important part of school life at Davenies and is a strength of the school. It is essentially a practical, creative subject which enables all children to develop a variety of skills. To this end, the principal aim of the Music Department is that all pupils should enjoy their music-making through practical participation; from the age of four, boys are encouraged to develop their interest and skills in a wide range of vocal and instrumental activities. Boys are taught to appreciate and interpret music in a variety of forms and it is our intention that the foundations laid at Davenies will provide boys with the skills necessary for the continuation of, participation in and enjoyment of music in later life. The ability to work individually and to participate in groups of varying sizes is important; boys are encouraged to express personal thoughts and feelings as well as to listen attentively in a discerning way.
Organisation and Facilities
- From Reception through to Year 6, boys have two class lessons a week; in Years 7 and 8 they have one lesson a week.
- The Music Department currently comprises a well-equipped classroom and three individual teaching rooms. Much use is made of the new Performing Arts Centre for lessons, rehearsals, concerts, visiting ensembles and assemblies.
- Recorder is taught from Year 2 to Year 6 and is closely linked to instruction in notation. Extra help is offered to pupils who join the school during this period and are unfamiliar with the recorder.
- A large proportion of pupils have tuition on the piano, keyboard, voice, drums, violin, viola, cello, folk, classical and electric guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and euphonium, music theory and hand-bells. Our peripatetic team teaches in excess of 120 lessons each week.
- Twice yearly external (Associated Board) examining sessions are held at Davenies for pupils of the school and for local candidates.
Music Ensembles
- There is a comprehensive range of ensembles which boys are encouraged to join. Currently there are three choirs (junior, senior and chamber), a string quartet, a string ensemble, a brass ensemble, a jazz band, an orchestra, three guitar groups, a rock band and a handbells team.
Performing Opportunities
- There are many performing opportunities for boys, both as soloists and as part of an ensemble.
- The school frequently arrives for morning assembly to the sound of an instrumentalist and ensembles regularly entertain the school with their latest pieces. Informal concerts each half term provide valuable performing experience for boys of all levels of expertise, a musical is produced bi-annually, there is an annual arts evening and large-scale concerts. Our handbells team performs frequently in the local community.
Peripatetic Staff
Violin, Viola & Theory of Music: Mrs M. Rusmanis
Cello: Mrs J Ratcliff
Woodwind: Mr C. Gater
Piano: Mr S. Howat, Mr N Henley
Electric Guitar: Mr G. Sculpher
Classical Guitar: Mrs D. Johnston
Drums: Mr A. McBride, Mr. S. Wyndham
Singing and Keyboard: Mr R. Gobs
Handbells: Mrs S. Maizels
Extra Recorder: Mrs H. O’Flanagan