Music-making at St Peter's 8-13 contributes a sense of vitality and energy to the life of the School and plays an important part in helping children to feel part of the School community.

In a thriving department of 22 visiting specialist teachers, over two thirds of the School receive tuition on individual instruments in purpose-built rooms in our large music school. When appropriate, pupils are entered for the graded exams of the Associated Board and Trinity, with over 70% achieving Merit or Distinction.

In Years 4 one of three class music lessons per week is devoted to learning a brass, string or woodwind instrument. This is an extension to the class instrumental scheme which starts in Year 3 at St Peter's 2-8 and helps to identify pupils who may be suited to a particular instrument for individual study.

There are many co-curricular opportunities catering for all levels of ability including Wind Band, Mini Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Breakfast Strings (for beginner string players), Junior and Senior String Quartets, Flute Group, Cello Group, Clarinet Group, Guitar Ensemble and Rock Band as well as lunchtime theory classes to help prepare pupils for graded exams. All pupils audition for our Chapel Choir at the end of Year 5 and there are two additional choirs for Junior and Senior pupils.

School concerts take place at the end of each term in our purpose-built concert hall; in addition to these are informal concerts twice-termly and musical performances introducing the weekly assembly for the whole School.

All children in Years 4 and 6 are involved in an annual musical performance and in Year 8 pupils present a gala evening to parents which features a mix of music and drama.

In addition to the many opportunities to perform in school, groups of musicians also go out into the community on occasions. Our Chapel Choir perform regularly in York Minster and various instrumental groups have participated in the annual Music for Youth event in Hull. An annual Whole School Foundation concert takes place in February showcasing ensembles from all three schools.

The House Music Competition and House Singing give further opportunities for pupils to take part in group music-making in an informal and enjoyable setting, instilling confidence in our young performers and a sense of identity and pride in their achievements.

Curriculum

Pupil Testimonials:

• My music lessons are fun. They help me to be creative. We do compositions and we work in groups, which I like.
• Music theory has helped me grasp a real understanding of how to compose music. This has allowed me to develop and further my song writing skills at home which brings me so much pleasure and joy. I feel really supported in my love of music which for me is so important.
• There are a huge array of ensembles in which you could play. St Peter’s 8-13 really wants to encourage every pupil and every pupil counts.
• The music teachers at St Peter’s 8-13 are so encouraging. They want you to improve and understand your music. But they also want you to love your music.
• The music department at St Peter’s 8-13 has really helped me improve as a musician and has prepared me very well for St Peter’s 13-18.