Class music lessons ensure that all pupils are given a good grounding in practical music making, listening, and reading and writing techniques.
They also learn about the place that music has in human culture, both here and all over the world, today and throughout history.
In all of these areas IT is used both as a research tool and in individualised theory programmes. Our music technology and composition suite is now also in use, enabling even more independent learning and creativity.
Year 3 children have class violin lessons, followed by recorder in Year 4, clarinet in Year 5 and keyboards for those in Year 6. In their final two years the pupils develop compositional skills using Garage Band and the Sibelius programme, progressing to recording and mixing using Logic.
In the OPS Music Department we value participation above all and there is a group for everyone to join in.
All children in Years 3 and 4 sing in Junior Choir and those who love to sing for pleasure proceed to Senior Choir where they may stay until Year 8. Those who are excellent singers and readers may audition for Choristers, a group which contributes to regular and special events in school life including a Sung Mass each term, the Annual Requiem and other collaborations with our friends at The Oratory School. All three choirs may be heard on a CD made in our own recording studio.
Most children decide to learn an instrument in an individual lesson with one of our team of visiting music teachers, active performers on their own instruments, who bring their experience to widen that of the pupils and the greater school community in concerts, the House Music Competition and the Year 8 Musical, for example. When pupils reach about Grade One standard they join our Orchestra but they will already have experienced an ensemble for their instrumental family such as Clarinet Choir or Percussion Ensemble as part of the Activity Programme. Those who are keen may audition for our celebrated Jazz Band which performs at home and away and on special occasions such as Sports Day or the Christmas Fair.
Children may be entered, as appropriate, for the examinations of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or Trinity/Guildhall. They are supported in applications for scholarships to their chosen secondary schools and we have an excellent record of attainment.
Staff and parents of the OPS are also involved in various ways in the Music Department. Some take individual instrumental lessons, even exams! An adult choir is formed from time to time for Supper Theatre and other musical evenings.
Everyone is welcome to contribute to music at The Oratory Prep School whether just for fun or with more serious intent and at whatever level from the youngest (or oldest) beginner to those taking Grade Eight examinations or singing in professional productions on the London stage. Music is part of life here and we are proud to be part of a community which values it so highly.
