Music
Music plays an important role in the life of Godstowe. All pupils are encouraged to take an active role in the musical life of the school according to their ability.
Godstowe Music Department Curriculum covers a variety of musical topics, exposing students to music both culturally and geographically throughout the history of music. Topics include classical music, ballet music, music inspired by nature, music inspired by space, modal music, jazz music, pop music, film music and music from around the world.
Every student receives a music lesson each week.Working individually, in small groups and as a whole class, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform, compose and listen to music critically. Students will gain knowledge, experience, skills and confidence in the following musical areas: Performance, Composition and Musical listening, as well as developing subject knowledge and technical vocabulary. Whole class instrument learning is integrated into the curriculum with Form I spending a term learning the ukulele, Form II spending a term learning Orff instruments and Middles spending a term learning keyboard skills.
Amazing Facilities
Our purpose-built Music School is well equipped with a Recital Hall (complete with Bosendorfer Grand Piano), a music classroom, a music ICT suite and 10 additional music practice rooms.
Groups, Clubs and Workshops
The Music School runs an enormous range of activities and events for all levels of ability, including choirs, orchestra, bands, chamber ensembles, workshops, playing days and international tours.
Playing in an ensemble is an important part of a musician’s life, improving confidence, team work and technical skill. Ensembles perform each term in our Whole School Concerts. Godstowe Musicians enjoy a wide range of choice in ensembles, including:
- Symphony Orchestra,
- Senior Strings,
- Forte Fiddlers,
- Flute Ensemble,
- Guitar Ensemble,
- Windband.
Chamber Music Coaching is available to our highest grade students. Currently we have violin and cello duets, piano trios and string quartets rehearsing weekly with some performing recently at Hughenden Garden Village.
Godstowe Choirs perform in every Whole School Concert and are available to every student across the school. Form I and II join together to form Junior Choir, Upper and Fourths join together to form Chamber Choir whilst Lowers and Middles each enjoy their own year group choir.
Hymn Practice takes place every week for Form I to Middles. Our singers learn hymns we will be singing in assembly. To support our entire school community during assemblies, 8 students are appointed each term as Hymn Helpers, a responsibility taken seriously and with great pride amongst our singers.
Individual instrumental tuition
We welcome visiting instrumental and vocal teachers each week on instruments including:
- Violin, viola, cello and harp
- Flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon
- Trumpet, euphonium, trombone and tuba
- Drum kit, marimba, guitar
- Piano and singing
Weekly lessons take place across the year and are rotated throughout the school day.
More than 80% of pupils receive individual music lessons each week.
Senior School Music Scholarships and Exhibitions
Our senior pupils are awarded music scholarships and exhibitions every year to top senior schools including Wycombe Abbey, Oundle, Cheltenham Ladies', Downe House, Benenden, Headington, Bedgebury, Leighton Park, Haileybury, Roedean, Marlborough College and Godolphin.
In addition, our Godstowe Internal Scholarships provide girls with the opportunity to become Music Scholars or Exhibitions in Year 7 and 8.
Performance Opportunities
Performance is the beating heart of Godstowe’s Music Department with Solo Student Recitals each month in the Recital Hall, solo performances in assembly twice a week, termly Whole School Concerts in the JK Theatre, as well as additional performances at Holy Trinity Church in Wycombe for Christmas and Leavers’ Services.
