Music School Groups

Singing >>
Orchestral Music >>
Jazz Band >>
Concert Band >>
Rock and Pop >>
Keyboard and Percussion >>

Singing

The Chapel Choir stalls are always full to bursting with singers eager to tackle the demands of new repertoire which they perform in chapel services each week. The choir furthers its experience by singing evensong at cathedrals around the UK.

Chamber Choir comprises around twenty of the most experienced singers in the School and rehearses weekly under expert direction. Chamber Choir performs in a variety of contexts during the School year including Charity Cabaret and the Speech Day Eve Concert. The choir's repertoire covers a very broad range of (mainly a capella) sacred and secular music ranging from plainsong to George Gershwin.

One of the highlights of the entire school year is the annual Unison and Harmony competitions. Keenly contested, everyone in the School participates. Musicals are also regularly put on by the whole School. Those more inclined to the rock and pop world can perform in the Charity Cabaret or the annual ‘RockIt'.

Orchestral Music

Repton boasts a symphony orchestra, a strings orchestra and various smaller ensembles and quartets. Their concerts provide performance opportunities both for the highest level of string players and for those at the beginning of their journey.

Mus Soc is the School choral society which brings together all members of the School community, pupils, teachers and non teaching staff alike, together with parents and members of the village.

The Navarra String Quartet and the Wu quartet are part of the Music Department here at Repton. Florence International Chamber Music Competition winners and represented by The Young Concert Artists’ Trust the Navarra organise regular quartet workshops and help with the string programme each year. The Wu are brilliant young musicians and their work really motivates our players.

The International String Summer School continues to thrive; it takes place every August in the Department. After the success of the course over the last couple of years, it now runs for both advanced international students and junior/intermediate level players. Please contact the department for more details.

Jazz Band

The band’s repertoire comprises traditional jazz, swing, hip-hop and Latin numbers. The repertoire is chosen to highlight the strengths of individual band members and a driving rhythm section provides the underlying support for soloists to experiment and develop their approach to improvisation. The band performs at the School’s Christmas Concert, Charity Cabaret, Speech Day and for promotional events. The Jazz Band has played a large role in the Music Department’s very successful summer tours including those to Italy and Grand Cayman . The band attracted a lot of interest as the workshops were televised and band members provided educational support to the Island’s up and coming jazz players. Now that the Jazz Band’s international reputation has been firmly established, further tours are being planned.

Concert Band

Concert Band is one of the largest ensembles in the Music Department and provides a platform for all wind, brass and percussion players. The main focus within the Band is that all pupils feel they are developing their musicianship through challenging repertoire, but at the same time finding the process enjoyable, attainable and fun. It is an excellent vehicle for younger musicians to develop their ensemble and reading skills, but also strives to be a top-quality Concert Band, playing pieces normally associated with festival and competition classes. The highlight of the year is the annual Christmas Band Concert.

Rock and Pop

Instrumental lessons in kit drums and electric guitars are available in all genres of contemporary music, with pupils encouraged to utilise their skills in a variety of mixed ensembles. Some rehearsals may be supervised as pupils work towards performances in relaxed environments such as the Thursday informal concert, the JCR and bar. But the highlights of the year are the prestigious Band and ‘RockIt’ concerts and the Charity Cabaret. These performances provide pupils with the exciting opportunity to perform to large audiences with the support of a full band, PA and lighting system.

Keyboard and Percussion

We have a very well served department equipped with a Steinway Grand Model ‘D’, concert Bechstein Grand and three small Grands. There are 19 uprights, clavinovas and numerous electric keyboards. The recital hall has a single manual two-stop Von Nagel harpsichord and the school chapel houses a magnificent three-manual Harrison and Harrison organ.

In recent years master classes have been given by Peter Katin, Noriko Ogawa, Ian Lake and Murray McLachlan. Most pupils take the Graded exams set by the Associated Board and Trinity College, whilst advanced players can take the performing certificate or, if time allows, a recognised diploma. Opportunities arise for chamber music and concerto performances. The piano features regularly in the Repton Concerts Society series, where pupils have the opportunity to hear and see soloists of international renown perform in an intimate environment.