Music at Bradfield plays an invaluable role in the development of each and every pupil, enriching the lives of all who come to the school. We enthuse and encourage those who are less able, or for whom music is less of a priority, whilst providing excellence for those who may want to continue studying and performing after school.
We believe music is to be shared and, as such, provide as many different types of performing opportunities, in as wide a range of genres, as pupils would like to be involved in. This environment allows pupils to enjoy expressing themselves with confidence and enables our excellent teachers to inspire them with their passions and expertise.
Pupils are encouraged to be proactive in starting their own projects and bands; our staff are always available to give the advice and support they might need in doing so. Please direct any enquiries about music and the ensembles outlined below to David Quinn (Director of Music).
Choral and Chapel Music
Chapel Choir
The College Chapel Choir is one of Bradfield’s leading groups. This is, perhaps, apt given the conception of the College in 1850 by Reverend Thomas Stevens, was to be a choir school.
The choir consists of approximately 40 members, from all ages. It sings at a weekly Friday night service, all major festivals (Remembrance Day, Confirmation, etc.) and enjoys a busy Christmas season with carol services in the College and London.
The Choir also regularly undertakes external engagements, having recently sung in Winchester Cathedral.
Bradfield Voices
This Pop Choir invites everyone to help raise the roof whist filling their soul with the joy of music. This group sings songs in close harmony, from urban contemporary gospel to the latest pop hits and everything in between! There are currently approximately 80 singers in this group who rehearse weekly and perform at least once a term.
Faulkner’s Choir
Faulkner’s Choir is open to all in year 9. Explore and develop your love of singing, build new friendships and learn the skills of making music with other people: whether you are an experienced singer or someone who simply enjoys singing in your bedroom, this group is for you! The repertoire is a mixture of classical and contemporary, rehearsals are weekly and the group prepares for at least one performance each term.
Faulkner’s Orchestra
This group is for all orchestral instrumentalists in Faulkner’s and offers an opportunity to gain some initial ensemble experience before progressing to the College Orchestra.
Bradfield College Choral Society
Bradfield College Choral Society are a group of singers from the local community who rehearse in the lead up to major concerts. They recently joined the Chapel Choir in a performance of Fauré’s Requiem.
Ensembles
Small groups
Small groups, in all genres, are the backbone to any thriving department, whether it be flute ensemble, string group, jazz trios or rock bands. Some of these are pupil led, while others are led by members of our music team. Whether rehearsing for pleasure or preparing to perform, pupils will enjoy the opportunity to explore, with their peers, the music they love.
Larger Groups
Bradfield offers a balanced variety of larger ensembles with specialist teachers directing/conducting them. Using the skills learned in smaller ensembles and with excellent musical direction, these groups are able to shine and often represent the school at major events. All these groups rehearse weekly and perform once a term.
Big Band
Big Band is open to all brass, saxophonists and rhythm section players. The Big Band plays all of your jazz and swing favourites. This is one of the school’s flagship groups, performing at all major school events.
Bradfield Brass
Bradfield Brass is a specialist brass group, exploring the repertoire from the counter-reformation through to the film music of today.
Chapel Consort
This smaller vocal ensemble is auditioned and requires a good level of sight-reading. It is ideal for those who may be considering applying for a choral scholarship at university, or are considering auditioning for one of the national youth choirs.
College Orchestra
The College Orchestra is open to instrumentalists in all section. Recent performances have included Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar.
Concert Band
Concert Band is an opportunity for all woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists to be a part of an ensemble. Music is arranged specifically to cater for the needs of all, to ensure everyone can contribute to the performance at a level they are capable of.
Latin Jazz Band
The Latin Jazz ensemble enables our younger, less experienced jazz players in the College to be involved. The ensemble is the ideal training ground for the first year or two, providing the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to join the Big Band and Jazz Band in later years.
Saxophone Ensemble
Saxophone Ensemble is open to experienced saxophonists of all year groups. The ensemble learns a variety of repertoire from arrangements of film scores to Cole Porter.
So what (Jazz Band)
Jazz Band is a gigging band that regularly play at events both in and outside the College. It is an auditioned group, suitable for a variety of instruments, singers too, and plays a wide-ranging repertoire that encompasses jazz, swing, funk, and Latin.
Other activities
Music Technology Club
Pupils will gain experience of recording musical instruments, studio mixing, sound design and the use of music technology software to compose and arrange. This includes the use of digital audio software to create compositions, soundscapes and special effects.
Music Theory Classes
Theory classes are for those pupils who need to complete their Grade 5 theory exam before moving on to Grade 6 or higher on their instrument. Classes are also to help those studying GCSE Music.
Music Composition Club
Open to all pupils who are interested in creating their own music using music technology or notation. Composing Club takes place in the music school’s Mac Suite where you will have access to Logic Pro X, Soundtrap, Noteflight, and MIDI keyboards. Whether you are just composing for fun or want some guidance on your composing coursework, you are welcome to attend.
The list above is not exhaustive and tries to represent the main opportunities provided.
