The Junior Music Programme
The Junior Music Programme covers the nuts and bolts of music through mostly practical and digital learning. Students develop keyboard skills as well on their chosen instruments, as soloists, in small groups and as a whole class band. Students use computers – particularly the Sibelius notation program – to compose short pieces in a number of styles such as Rocket Launch, Freestyle and 8-bar Rock Piece.
As part of a wider Arts delivery, Drama is also taught for one of the five Year 9 Option Music lessons. It is delivered in accordance with Level 4 of the National Curriculum and is mostly held in the Performing Arts Hall. The programme identifies and strengthens each boy’s personality, where everyone is equal, positively contributes and develops confidence and mutual respect. Year 10 continue developing performance skills and compose longer and more advanced pieces including song-writing. Year 10 is supported by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music system to understand chords, terminology and how notes work together. This has proven to accelerate students as composers and players and they can then sit the ABRSM examination and receive certification from this internationally-renowned organisation.
The Junior School Gig is an informal concert whereby our burgeoning musos perform – possibly for the first time – where we feature our Junior Band, Guitar and String groups, soloists and self-led bands. Altogether, the Junior Programme complements and contributes to the traits of the St. John’s young man.
