Would you like to play an instrument or learn to sing?

I would like to bring to your attention the availability of instrumental/voice lessons within the Music department from September. Making music can be an incredibly rewarding activity whether it is personal satisfaction and pride in mastering a new skill, or the thrill of performing in front of friends and family in a major concert venue. As well as learning a specific skill which can remain for life it can also enrich and support many other aspects of learning. The mounting scientific evidence repeatedly confirms that the study of music has measurable and lasting positive effects for health, overall growth and development and social skills as well as academic benefits. Musical training positively affects the following areas:

  • self-discipline
  • concentration
  • problem-solving
  • learning strategies
  • builds working habits
  • creativity
  • self-confidence & self-esteem
  • coordination

There are many instruments to choose from and such a wide range of musical styles from different times and places – everyone can enjoy the experience of playing a musical instrument. Music is an important part of many people’s lives and the experience of learning a musical instrument will help develop a deeper understanding and lifelong love of music.

Instrumental/voice lessons are timetabled within the school day on a rotational basis. We have the following visiting peripatetic teachers and lessons available:

• Singing – Mr Hall – All styles (male/female)
• Guitar – Mr Shaw – Classical, Acoustic or Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar
• Woodwind – Mr Russell – Flute, Clarinet, Saxophones
• Brass – Mr Marchesi – Trumpet, Cornet, Horn, Trombone (Tuba on request)
• Percussion – Miss Rosborough – Drum Kit and all Tuned Percussion
• Strings – Mrs Preece – Violin, Viola, Cello
• Recorder – Mrs Preece – All levels
• Piano – Mr Hall or Mrs Preece – Piano or keyboards

We have a strong extra-curricular programme in music at Heckmondwike for all our students to participate in. Ensembles include:

  • Concert Band (for instrumentalists of approximately grade 2 and above)
  • Junior Band (for beginner and junior instrumentalists)
  • Senior Choir (open to all students in years 9-13)
  • Junior Choir (open to all students in years 7-8)
  • String Group (for all string players of all abilities)
  • Guitar Group (for all guitarists, as directed by our guitar teacher)
  • Soul Band (by invitation or audition)

In recent years our bands and choirs have toured Florida and Paris as well as frequent visits to London. All groups are regularly featured in performances both in school and out, including festival performances such as Music for Youth and the Marsden Jazz Festival. Our house music competition provides a showcase for musicians of all abilities.

There are also numerous drama groups and productions taking place, including our annual full school production (last year was ‘We Will Rock’), and some of these will specifically involve our musicians. If you are interested in your child having lessons in school please complete an application form and return it to the business office as soon as possible to guarantee allocation of a place.

NB – Current pupils who received lessons last year and wish to continue with them also need to complete and submit a new form to ensure lessons continue in September. Payment must be made each term before lessons are timetabled.

If you wish to under take music lessons please complete the form and hand it in to Mr Cole.

Music Lesson Request Form ()