Music

MUSIC

Music is a prominent feature of life at Maidwell Hall. We believe it is important and life-enhancing for children to experience music in all its forms, broadening their understanding and appreciation of music from an early age.

Pupils throughout the school have music lessons as part of the curriculum, and there are many opportunities to participate in extra-curricular musical activities.

Singing is part of daily life at Maidwell. We all start the day by singing together in morning prayers, and our pupils develop a real energy and enthusiasm for singing. All pupils in Forms VI and V (Years 3 and 4) are involved in our junior choir. Singing as a part of a choir has so many benefits beyond musical development, including building confidence, learning how to work as part of a group, and developing listening skills. Those who develop a passion for singing can audition for the Church Choir, which sings in Sunday services at Maidwell church every week.

Children are encouraged to learn a musical instrument, and around 95% of pupils opt to have instrumental lessons. Pupils are given opportunities to try out a number of instruments, before deciding which one they would like to take up. Lessons cover all of the orchestral instruments, as well as saxophone, percussion, guitar and more. Instrumental lessons are delivered by specialist visiting music teachers, as well as our Director of Music.

Children can take Associated Board (ABRSM) exams in school, to gain internationally recognised grades in their instrument. We also prepare talented musicians for the senior school scholarship audition process.

We organise various ensemble groups, according to the interests of pupils, we have recently formed a guitar, clarinet and string ensemble. These include ensembles that sit alongside our 40 piece strong concert band. All pupils have the opportunity to perform in formal assemblies and small group settings in school, as well as in larger concerts and choral days at other schools.

Our links with Uppingham School mean pupils can benefit from access to Uppingham’s renowned music teaching staff and its specialist facilities, opening up further opportunities for pupils to take up different instruments and be inspired by performances from some of Uppingham’s leading musicians.

We strongly believe that music is for everybody, from those who simply want to enjoy singing their heart out in house competitions through to those talented musicians who go on to pursue music scholarships.