Music

In years 7 and 8, students can expect to study a range of topics including African Music, Songwriting, Music and Art, Dance Music and Music for film in a practical and creative way. Students will explore quality vocal work and play various instruments during this time, further igniting a passion for the music making process. As well as working in this way, students spend every other topic in the Apple Mac Suite using industry standard software, allowing them to create musical compositions for many instruments and styles whilst exposing them to professional methods of music production.

In year 9, students may opt for AQA GCSE Music course: This is for those students who are interested in listening to a range of different styles of music, performing on a musical instrument/ singing and who also wish to explore composing their own music.

We are proud to say that the music department has a strong success rate at GCSE Music with 93% achieving 9-4 grades in the last year.  Many students taking GCSE Music also study towards ABRSM theory exams as an optional extra which contributes to an even greater understanding of the subject. We are delighted that many of our GCSE music students go on to study music at further and higher education establishments.

• There is an extensive program of concerts throughout the year.

• Christmas and Summer concerts showcase performances by our ensembles who meet regularly as part of the wide and varied extracurricular program.

• In our regular Sound Bites concert we encourage students to play the last piece they have been working on in instrumental/vocal lessons to family and friends in an informal setting.

• Students regularly perform for members in the community such as the Eastleigh Arts and Youth Trusts, as part of the D@rt community concerts and at various institutions in the local area.

• Wildern Music Festival is a chance for musicians who enter to perform a solo or as part of a group. This ties in with the House Championship at school.

• Students perform in various school events such as open evening, induction evening, colours presentations.

• Students visits local primary schools to perform as role models inspiring the next generation of musicians.

The Wildern Busking site is based outside the D@rt where students can perform at lunchtime, providing music for their peers to watch and enjoy. We regularly have large amounts of students watching performances by their peers providing a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

Performing in the annual school production on stage or playing as part of the pit band helps to raise the standard of our musicians as they tackle professional level music.

We believe it is hugely beneficial for students to work with professional musicians gaining an insight into the industry. Students have taken part in a range of workshops from Samba and African Drumming to vocal workshops. We also regularly attend concerts by professional ensembles such as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to explore how professional musicians work. Visits to Turner Sims Concert Hall, the Mayflower and recently Young Voices.