The Rochester Grammar School has specialist status in music so it is not surprising that music plays an important part in the life of the school and that the school plays a large role in supporting music in the wider community.
Music is a compulsory subject until the end of year 8.In key stages 4 and 5 GCSE, BTEC and A level courses are optional, but students from all years participate enthusiastically in the musical activities provided by the department.As well as the annual musical stage production, Founders’ Day and Christmas services, students present concerts in the autumn and spring terms to showcase the broad range of musical talent in the school.Many girls have instrumental or singing lessons in school from the 21 peripatetic teachers and help to make up the school’s ensembles (including the orchestra, swing band, rock and pop bands) and choirs.In addition to these central groups, students have often formed their own groups such as a clarinet choir, flute choir, and a gospel choir.New ideas are always welcomed.
As well as three main classrooms, the department has six practice rooms, a recording studio, and easy access to the main hall.
Music scholarships are available to members of the sixth form (regardless of whether the student is taking A level Music or not) to be spent on musical aactivities.
“Provision in music is excellent.Teachers’ high expectations inspire excellent creative efforts.Outstanding extra-curricular enrichment activities involve many of the girls” – OfSTED 2003
As a specialist school, Rochester Grammar works with local primary schools to promote music and especially singing on and off the curriculum.A member of staff, our Choral Director, is dedicated to this kind of outreach, and in July 2007 our Community Chorale, premiered at the newly opened Dickens World, involved five of these junior schools and four RGS-based choirs.Other activities, such as gospel singing workshops, African drumming, or samba band sessions are held for students in school.In June 2008 some 25 instrumentalists from Years 9 and 10 will be involved in a project entitled “Messin’ with Mozart” to be performed at the Central Theatre in collaboration with Orchestras Live!, The City of London Sinfonia, Fairbridge, Hundred of Hoo School, and Medway Council.
Year 7s are introduced to the culture of musical exhibition early on in their time at the school, in a concert devoted specifically to them, usually held in September or October.This gives new students the opportunity to display the talents they already possess and provides an early incentive for them to engage in the musical life of the school.In our concerts and services, students from all years perform as soloists and the numerous school ensembles present their work from the term.
