MUSIC

490+ individual Music lessons each week

2,000 individual performances

30+ different choirs, ensembles and musical groups

40 Music Concerts

300 entries into Young Musician of the Year

Winners:

  • Advanced: Wilfie Fenn-Wood (sax)
  • Intermediate: Ivan Kaportsev (violin)
  • Prep: Jabril Lau (trombone)

1 Choir Tour to Paris

Across the College, music continues to play a central and unifying role in school life. There has been a palpable sense of momentum in the Music Department this year, reflected in both the quality and breadth of performances. Pupils across all year groups have engaged fully in a rich programme of musical activity and development.

Our Music Scholars set the tone early with impressive recitals in both the Michaelmas and Trinity terms, showcasing a remarkable range of repertoire and assured musicianship. Schola Cantorum enjoyed prestigious invitations to sing at both Hampton Court Palace and Westminster Abbey, creating memorable occasions in exceptional settings alongside Old Ardinians.

A number of distinguished visiting artists have enriched the curriculum, with workshops from Iain Farrington, Jeff Alexander and The Beat Goes On offering fresh inspiration and expert insight. We were also delighted to celebrate outstanding examination success, including multiple top-level distinctions and ARSM Diplomas awarded to Sophie Thompson (piano), Wilfie Fenn-Wood (saxophone), Otto Segalini-Bower (trumpet), Darcey Walker-Lee (flute) and Flora Wilson (clarinet).

Concert life has flourished across the College. Our much-loved Café ABC series has provided a dynamic platform for pupils of all ages, while the Ensembles Concert and Young Musician of the Year competition highlighted the depth of talent within our musical community. Performances have ranged from intimate recitals and reflective occasions such as the Remembrance Concert, to large-scale events including the Spring Concert at Sinfonia Smith Square, our ever-popular Cabaret, and a joyful Summer Concert on the South Quad.

Beyond performance, opportunities such as the Chapel Choir tour to Paris and the Music Scholars’ Dinner have enriched pupils’ cultural and musical experience. Meanwhile, initiatives such as the Pianothon have combined musical excellence with charitable endeavour. Collectively, these experiences reflect a thriving department where talent, commitment and enthusiasm continue to flourish.