Music
Welcome to Gordon’s Music Department where we have an abundance of co-curricular options for students with an interest in music.
A team of specialist staff provide tuition in the full range of musical instruments as well as singing and students score very highly in ABRSM examinations.
The school runs a large number of ensembles including: Orchestra, Concert Band, String Group, Jazz Band, Junior Jazz, Junior Strings, Junior Wind, Girls’ Choir, Boys’ Choir and Semper Fidelis Singers. In addition, there are lots of exciting Period 7 options including: DJ Skills, Music Technology, Song-writing and Djembe Drumming.
Many of these took part in the Spring Concert 2023. Please see video below for a taste of the evening.
In collaboration with the Drama Department two musicals are staged every year providing lots of opportunities for lead and chorus roles.
The department programmes a wide range of events throughout the year including services, informal concerts, concerts at external venues and outdoor performances. Students are entered for local festivals and have the opportunity to go on multiple trips throughout the year. There is also a programme of workshops in anything from beatboxing to piano playing. Notably, the school has a partnership with the Yehudi Menuhin School for the high level composers. Students can enter a number of competitions each year including Concerto Playing, Composition and Inter-House Music.
The department organises an international tour every two years. A number of concerts took place in Paris in 2023.
A unique and well-known feature of Gordon’s is our 50 strong Pipes and Drums band. The Pipes and Drums reflect the ceremonial tradition of Gordon’s School which has been established for over 100 years. The Pipes and Drums play not only for our nine annual ceremonial parades, but are also in high demand for fetes and other events outside of the School. The Pipes and Drums wear 'Blues' a form of military uniform incorporating the Gordon's tartan, and the same uniform is worn by all students for ceremonial parades. For further information on the Pipes and Drums, please click here.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholars' Trio - Pro Corda National Finalists 2024:
Creative Arts Scholarships are offered to students who demonstrate outstanding ability in a musical instrument/ singing/ Art or Drama. The successful student will join the Good to Great programme, that ensures students get the ‘balance’ needed to remain successful in their academic studies whilst being able to enjoy the wider opportunities that the Good to Great programme offers outside the curriculum. Click on the brochure to the right to learn more.
Concert band
The school's largest instrumental ensemble, welcoming all instrumentalists from beginners to advanced. The group mainly performs pop music and theme tunes.
Boys' choir
An auditioned singing group for boys in Years 7 and 8 that meet weekly to rehearse music for parade services, carol services and other events and concerts. After Christmas the focus is more on pop music.
Girls' Choir
Membership by audition, the choir rehearses and performs a range of sacred and secular music at a variety of events throughout the year including Parade services and carol services. After Christmas the focus is more on pop music to prepare for the Summer Arts Festival.
jazz band
A chance to learn jazz standards in the swing and 'big band' style with opportunities for public performances. Membership by invitation!
string group
Open to all string players (violins, violas and cellists), rehearsals are once a week with music ranging from classical to pop.
Honk!
A beginner jazz/funk group aimed at saxophone and brass players and playing a medley of music from James Brown to Amy Winehouse!
Cello Group
A student-led group that meets once a week and welcomes cellists of all standards.
Semper Fidelis Singers
The senior vocal group at Gordon's School performing a range of sacred and secular material. Entry is by audition only.
Orchestra
The school's senior instrumental group, which mainly performs classical music. Entry by invitation only.
under the arches band
Responsible for providing the music for the whole school to march to on Parade days, the 'Arches Band' rehearses at the same time as the Drill sessions on a Friday afternoon. Most instruments are incorporated into the band.
Assisted Instrument purchase scheme
Gordon's is able to assist with the cost of purchasing instruments. Please click on the tiles below for further information and to complete the form.