Music

Music

Music plays a vital role in Lower School life. We strongly believe in the benefits that it can bring to every pupil, developing their skills in the classroom and in the numerous music groups that meet each week.

Instrumentalists can join one of two string orchestras, wind band, Hot Air, recorder clubs, guitar club or percussion group, all of which are led by musical specialists. We consider that singing is central to a musical education and our large School Choir is open to all pupils in Upper Two to Upper Three. There is also a smaller Chamber Choir for which pupils in Upper Two to Upper Three who enjoy a challenge may audition. We also have choirs in Lower Two, called Little Voices, and a combined Lower One and Upper One Choir.



Each year, our choirs have performed a number of times in the Cathedral at school and charity events, and have been previously awarded an Outstanding adjudication at the Norfolk County Music Festival. The Chamber Choir have previously been invited to sing at a Gala Night in the Theatre Royal as part of the Norwich School Arts Festival.

75% of our pupils learn instruments, many of them taught within the school by our numerous peripatetic teachers. There are many opportunities for soloists to perform at our regular Informal Concerts. We also arrange concerts on a larger scale, at which all of our music groups perform


Find out more about our recent music achievements below:

Lower 1 and Upper 1 Young Performers Grace the Stage

By Eleanor Lewis • May 21, 2026
On 21 May, the Lower School was filled with music, enthusiasm and confidence as pupils from Lower 1 and Upper 1 took to the stage for their Informal Concert. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for our young performers to showcase the progress they have made this year, performing in front of family, friends and staff in a warm and supportive atmosphere. From piano solos and violin ensembles to guitar performances and vocal numbers, the programme reflected both the variety of musical talent within the Lower School and the growing confidence of our pupils. Many performers were appearing in concert for the very first time, making the evening an especially memorable occasion. The audience enjoyed a wide-ranging programme including Clair De Lune, The Rio Samba, Naughty, Golden, Cyber Space Detective, Berry Smoothie, War Drums, Sun City, Drifting By, and An Important Person. Traditional favourites such as Old Macdonald, Twinkle Twinkle and Frère Jacques also delighted the audience, alongside colourful character pieces including Kristabel Kangaroo Visits Korea, Bluebird, The Trombone Player, Finger Strum, At the Show, Chiming Bells and Allegro Moderato. The evening was a celebration not only of musical achievement, but also of the courage and commitment shown by every pupil who performed. Congratulations to all involved on an enjoyable and successful concert.

A Buzzing Blake Studio with the Infants Performing The Bee Musical

By Eleanor Lewis • May 14, 2026
Our Lower One and Upper One pupils delighted audiences with two wonderful performances of The Bee Musical in The Blake Studio. The children proudly took to the stage for a special morning performance for our friends at The Great Hospital, followed by an afternoon performance for parents and families. It was a real joy to showcase the performing arts talents of some of our youngest pupils. Over the few weeks, the children have worked incredibly hard learning their songs and lines, while growing in confidence through drama, comedy and character performance. Their enthusiasm and commitment shone through in every scene, and it was clear just how much they had enjoyed bringing this lively production to life. The show featured some fantastic performances, with many of the children delivering their roles with confidence, expression and excellent comic timing. The audience was thoroughly entertained by the uplifting musical numbers, including the catchy Bee Bop , the energetic Bees Knees and the unforgettable Honey Honey Honey Bee Mine . Mrs Barclay praised the children for their wonderful performances and dedication throughout the rehearsal process, reflecting on what a special experience the production has been for everyone involved. She commented, “The children have loved every part of this journey, from learning their songs and lines to performing so confidently on stage and working together to create such a fun and polished production. I have been so impressed by the confidence, teamwork and enthusiasm shown by every pupil. These performances were a true reflection of all their hard work and of just how much they have enjoyed being part of this very special show.”

Norwich School Choirs Perform Cantata Memoria with Sir Karl Jenkins

By Eleanor Lewis • May 9, 2026
Lucy P (Lower 5) reports on Norwich School Music's exciting visit to St.Nicholas Church in Kings Lynn for a special Music in the Burnhams concert. It was a great honour to be asked by the Kings Lynn Festival Chorus to sing as the young voices of World-famous composer Sir Karl Jenkins’ piece Cantata Memoria in his presence. He is one of the most famous living composers in the UK and one of his pieces, The Armed Man , was recently voted as the most popular piece of classical music in the Classic FM Hall of Fame. On Saturday 9 May 2026, members of the Norwich School Junior choir and the Norwich Lower School Chamber Choir set off for St. Nicholas church Kings Lynn. When we arrived, we started rehearsing Cantata Memoria with the lovely conductor: Ben Horden, the professional Orchestra and the Kings Lynn Festival Chorus. Many of the junior and lower school chamber choir had never sung with an orchestra before, making this an incredible new experience for all of them. Before the concert, we had free time to sit outside the beautiful church and eat dinner in preparation for the long concert. The concert was in two parts, although we did not sing in the first half it was very exciting to hear some of Sir Karl Jenkins other works, such as his Te Deum and his Mass For Peace . In the second half we sang the Cantata Memoria – a piece composed to commemorate the Aberfan Disaster of 1966, where 144 people (mostly children) died when a coal spoil tip engulfed the small Welsh mining village. The Cantata was both beautiful and intense telling the story. In between movements we could look at the audience, some of which were in tears from the sheer beauty and sadness of the piece. The orchestra was spectacular and so were the soloists, Khrystyna Makar (soprano) and Paul Carey Jones (baritone/bass). Their captivating performances added to the incredible atmosphere of the concert. At the end of the concert, we all got to gather to take a photo with Sir Karl who was very impressed by the performance, congratulating us on our contribution. Overall, it was an amazing experience for all of us who went to sing.
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