Music plays a major part in the life of Taverham Hall School. From a base of 11 instrumental teachers giving around 120 music lessons each week, we are able to support two fine choirs as well as ensembles in all the main instrumental groups.
In addition to the top-class tuition, we work very hard to provide performance opportunities at every level. Our regular musical evenings in the drawing room allow our musicians to practice for exams and competitions, beginners to get a first taste of public performance, and others just to show off their skills; the instrumental ensembles take turns in leading morning prayers; the Chapel Choir, as well as performing around the county and further afield, leads choral evensongs at the school twice a term; and the main music competitions, attended by the whole school, highlight the very best individual performances.
All children from Reception to year 8 have frequent class music lessons. Starting dedicated music lessons at the very beginning of their school career allows the children to master the basics of reading music alongside learning to read the written word, and gives them a head start when they begin studying one or more instruments, as a great many do at Taverham. Further up the school, they study history of music, composition and listening and analysis, giving them a sound preparation for secondary level music courses.
Children are able to take time out from their regular classes in order to receive individual tuition by peripatetic teachers on the instrument(s) of their choice. This includes the full range of classical orchestral instruments and, more recently, electric guitar and drums. Singing classes are also available. Currently music lessons are offered by the following teachers, covering all the main instruments as well as some less usual ones:
Wendy Bailey, L.T.C.L., A.T.C.L., Cert. Ed.: clarinet
Charlie Caine, L.R.A.M.(perf.), L.T.C.L.(perf.): classical piano
Phil Davison: drum kit
Andrew Dodd, B.A.(Hons): bass guitar
Jonathan Dodd, B.A.(Hons): improvised and jazz piano
Christine Godfrey: flute, saxophone, oboe, recorder
Andy Grand: brass
Paul Hill: Classical and jazz guitar, electric guitar
Anthony Joule, B.A.(Hons), A.R.C.O.: singing
Rob Shipster: cello, African drums, percussion
George Weitz, B.A.(Hons), M.Mus: violin
Our musical flagship is, however, undoubtedly the Chapel Choir, whose members are taken from years 5 to 8 (younger children gain experience in the Junior Choir). As well as leading the services within the School, it is in demand for weddings, other services and concerts around the county. Additionally it tours most years during the summer holiday, sometimes in this country but most often abroad. Previous visits have included Paris and Italy (including a musical audience with the last Pope).
Many of our peripatetic teachers also lead our ensembles, with several groups meeting weekly or more often to make music together. More are being added all the time; most recently we have added an African music club to the existing string quartet, saxophone ensemble, flute choir, percussion ensemble, electric guitar group and evangelical-style church band.
The School runs a number of competitions and performances each year. These include the Annual Musical Potpourri ( held last year at the John Innes Institute's Conference Centre in Colney), termly musical evenings, the Bullard Singing Competition, and many more.
Music also features heavily in the School's Drama productions: recent examples include Sondheim's "The Demon Barber" and "West Side story".
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