Applications are now open for The National Youth Orchestra 2013!

The National Youth Orchestra are looking for talented young players and composers to join.
Any instrumentalists of Grade 8 standard and also any promising composers who are interested in joining can apply online at http://www.nyo.org.uk/. The closing date is Monday 23 July 2012.

Year 9 Options Presentation


Why choose music as a GCSE subject?

What does the course involve?

Over the two years you will complete four units of work based around three strands The Western Classical Tradition, Popular Music of the 20th & 21st Centuries & World Music.

The four units are:

Unit 1: Listening to and Appraising Music (Written Paper – 1 hour – 80 marks – 20%)

Unit 2: Composing and Appraising Music (Externally Assessed – 40 marks – 20%). You will compose one piece of music & write about the process of completing your composition and the final outcome.

Unit 3: Performing Music (Controlled Assessment – 60 marks – 40%). You will perform two pieces of music one piece by yourself & one as a group. This can be on any instrument or voice.

Unit 4: Composing Music (Controlled Assessment – 30 marks – 20%).  You will compose one piece of music in any style or genre of your choice.

Who should choose music?

·        If you enjoy music, regardless of ability

·        If you are not afraid to perform & are prepared to learn an instrument or sing

·        If you are creative

·        If you want a career within the music industry or want to pursue music studies further

Music Exams

Well done to Emer Walker who has passed her Grade 4 flute and Grade 4 violin exams!

BBC Proms Young Composers' Competition

The BBC Proms is now calling for 12 to 18 year-old composers to enter the 12th annual BBC Proms Young Composers' Competition.

The winners – up to six in two age categories – are given unrivalled opportunities to reach wide audiences on world-class classical music platforms, the BBC Proms and BBC Radio 3, and have their music performed by professional musicians. They also receive a coveted BBC commission.

The 2009 winners wrote new pieces for the Last Night Of The Proms and had their work broadcast to millions around the world.
Entries to the competition are judged by a panel of leading composers from varied musical fields. Composers have until 28 May 2012 to submit their entries.
Full information about how to enter and rules can be found at bbc.co.uk/proms.