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:

Lent Term Informal Concerts Conclude with Lower 3 Pupils

By Eleanor Lewis • March 27, 2025

The Lent Term Informal Concerts came to a spectacular close with an unforgettable performance by the Lower 3 pupils, held in a packed Lower School Hall last night. The evening was a true showcase of the musical diversity and incredible talent of the students, blending both vocal and instrumental performances. The concert featured a delightful variety of music, spanning across different genres and time periods. From a emotive vocal rendition of 'The Girl I mean to Be' from the Broadway show Secret Garden, to Benson Boone's "In The Stars", and Noah Kahan's "Stick Season", the audience was treated to heartfelt performances that beautifully conveyed the emotions of each song. The Lower 3 pupils displayed remarkable vocal skill, with their voices soaring through the melodies and bringing a sense of intimacy to the room. But it wasn’t just the vocal performances that impressed—there were also stunning instrumental pieces that demonstrated the pupils' technical prowess and passion for music. The concert included beautiful renditions of works by some of the greatest composers in history, including Mozart, Beethoven, Carulli, Grieg, and even the timeless Leonard Cohen. Each piece brought its own flair to the event, with the students bringing a fresh, youthful energy to the classics while still respecting the tradition of these legendary works. From the first note to the final applause, it was clear that the concert was not only a celebration of music but also of the students' growth and achievements throughout the term. Overall, the Lent Term Informal Concerts provided an unforgettable evening of musical talent, showcasing a range of performances from the Lower 3 pupils that captivated the audience and left them eager for more. With such a diverse and beautifully executed program, this concert was a fitting conclusion to a term filled with creativity, passion, and above all, music. Head of Music Mr Vine said 'what a lovely way to round of the Lent Term Informal Concert series. Well done to all involved and for your wonderful playing, and a big thank you to all the visiting music tutors for all their hard work and dedication.'

Lower School Chamber Choir and Infant Choir Triumph at the Norfolk County Music Festival

By Eleanor Lewis • March 20, 2025

The Lower School Chamber Choir and Infant Choirs joined several other schools for the Norfolk County Music Festival which is celebrating its 100 years this year. The Infant choirs took to the stage at the Kings Centre under the direction of Mrs Barclay and performed two contrasting pieces, 'A Perfect Day in Spring' and 'My Favourite Things' from the Sound of Music. They showed excellent singing and diction in both pieces, and displayed some beautiful 2 part harmony and polyphonic singing in 'A Perfect Day in Spring' to the delight of the Adjudicator. Next up it was the turn of the Chamber Choir directed by Mr Vine who performed 'Bloom' and 'The Broomstick Flew All Around'. Again, some excellent 2 part work and beautifully blended harmonies in 'Bloom' showing the rich qualities of the vocal ability of the Chamber Choir. The Broomstick Flew All Around raised the roof showcasing some fine fun singing and a few animal impressions too! The Adjudicator gave high praise for their polish and precision for both pieces, including the fact that she had never heard either of the pieces before! A wonderful morning of singing and congratulations to both Choirs for their outstanding performances.

An Evening of Music, Fun and Smiles at the Lower and Upper One Informal Concert

By Eleanor Lewis • January 31, 2025

The Lower One and Upper One Year groups came together for a truly delightful informal concert on Wednesday that showcased the incredible talent and enthusiasm of our young performers. It was an evening filled with excitement, joy, and a wonderful mix of instruments and vocals. From the very first note, it was clear that the children had poured their hearts into their performances, and their confidence was truly inspiring. The concert offered a diverse and eclectic range of musical styles, from classical pieces to contemporary hits. Students performed a beautiful selection that included works by composers such as Saint-Saëns, as well as songs by pop icons like Rihanna and Taylor Swift. The performance of pieces by Lionel Bart and selections from John Thompson's music added even more variety to the program, making for an exciting and engaging evening for all in attendance. One particularly memorable moment was the stunning performance on the Balmy Drum. The soothing, rhythmic sounds captivated the audience, offering a beautiful moment of calm amidst the lively energy of the concert. Above all, it was the confidence and enthusiasm of the children that truly stood out. Their passion for music was evident in every note they played and sang, and it was clear that they not only enjoyed the experience but also found great confidence in their abilities. The concert was not just about showcasing musical talent, but also about celebrating the joy and self-assurance that music can inspire in young people. Head of Music Mr Vine said ‘what a wondering evening of music! Congratulations to all the performers for their hard work and dedication, and a heartfelt thank you to the supportive parents and guardians that continue to nurture their love of music. We look forward to seeing what these talented young musicians will do next!’ The next Informal Concert will take place on Thursday 20 th March and will feature pupils from Upper 3.