Making music at Pennthorpe is a top priority

Music is good for the soul - it inspires and uplifts us, it communicates emotions, provides us with a skill and boosts our self-confidence. A life, or a school, without music would be very dull indeed.

Whether it be class lessons, lunchtime choirs, orchestral rehearsals, first performances at informal concerts or taking part in Musical Soirees or in House Music Competitions, the department is justifiably proud of its pupils' music making. Specialist weekly music teaching begins in the Kindergarten and continues throughout the school, while over two thirds of our Middle and Senior School pupils currently have individual music lessons. All orchestral instruments are on offer and tuition is also available for keyboard, guitar, drums, recorder, singing and music technology.

Pennthorpe is also extremely proud of its choirs who perform regularly in school and further afield at Chichester Cathedral, in the chapel of Christs' Hospital, in the local community and at various regional festivals. With over 130 pupils currently signed up to one of the 4 choirs, it's clear that choral singing remains every bit as popular as it is rewarding. Perhaps it's no surprise when you consider that the senior choir has recently hit the road on tours of the Black Forest and Belgium and has already earmarked Paris and Prague as future destinations!

At Pennthorpe music is for everyone, but not at the expense of high standards. Associated Board Music examiners regularly offer more Distinctions and Merits than passes to Pennthorpe candidates and individual musicians have enjoyed other notable successes, winning regional competitions, performing for national choirs and taking part in numerous musical productions both within school and at regional theatres. Our musicians' ability is also frequently recognised by senior schools with prestigious music scholarship awards.

Perhaps the clearest indication of the high profile enjoyed by music at Pennthorpe is that we don't just award colours here for achievement on the games field. Music colours can be earned too and exceptional contributions to the musical life of the school are valued every bit as much as their sporting equivalents.

Music really does lie at the very heart of Pennthorpe's soul!

Click here to see the Autumn 2011 music department newsletter