Standards in Music are excellent

ISI

The school maintains a strong musical tradition where talent is nurtured and stimulated.  Pupils learn to play the ocarina in Year Two and Three, progressing to the recorder from Year Four.  Tuned and untuned percussion instruments are also used by pupils in performing and composing activities. Children in Upper School also learn more specialised instruments including Steel Pans and Ukulele.

Singing is a central aspect of music-making at the school.  In addition to class singing, the school has a Choir which any Upper School pupil can join, representing the school at competition level.  Upper School instrumentalists are invited to join Music Explorers (orchestra) and Lower School children can join Beat Bugs; all are clubs for aspiring musicians. There are also clubs for children that do not have formal peripatetic lessons; Ukulele Orchestra, Samba Band, and Percussion Club.

Music is an essential, much-loved part of St Peter's life by students, parents and staff alike.  Our vibrant, specialist, teacher of Music has a reputation for excellence and St Peter's is particularly proud of its choral tradition and achievements.  Public performance is fundamental to Music at St Peter’s.  It builds confidence and provides goals to work towards.  Our pupils take part in concerts, both in and out of school, most recently at the Masque Theatre in Burton Latimer where we performed a two night sell out musical ‘Honk! Jnr’.

Some Upper School children study for ABRSM Music Medal exams, with many going on to take graded exams.  With regards to practice, as with anything in life, we get back what we put in.  It is our belief that if lessons are exciting, pupils will be motivated to play.  Sometimes, children are very busy or have other interests and instrument practice has to be accommodated alongside other demands and so having realistic expectations about what can be achieved in this situation is important.  Young children can be very sensitive to parental pressure about practice.  Please feel free to talk to Mrs Palmer if you’d like support or guidelines for practice at home.