Music at St John’s is about variety, breadth, fun and enjoyment and committed music making at all levels. The joy of music permeates throughout the whole school. Our department strives to develop enthusiasm in our pupils and hone their skills in a kind, sensitive and energetic environment.
Pupils are encouraged to get involved with all opportunities, irrespective of age, ability, and experience level. We have created a varied structure that allows musicians to develop their skills through training ensembles and choirs that feed through to our top ensembles. Within the energetic department, pupils will be equally as at home with classical music as they are with contemporary rock and pop, swing and jazz and musical theatre.
We embrace every genre and our pupils revel in the eclectic mix of repertoire we cover.
Oliver White, Director of Performing Arts
Our House Singing and Part-Song Competitions bring together the whole pupil community every year, whilst the Forbes Music Competition is open to all abilities from Foundation to Advanced and our Concerto Competition – complete with a professional orchestra – allows our pupils to perform to the very highest standard. Furthermore, our large School Choir contributes to all of our Chapel services, recently singing Evensong at Guildford and Southwark Cathedrals, but is equally ubiquitous on the concert platform turning its hand to all musical styles.
Additionally, each term features a fantastic schedule of varied events, including: our regular lunchtime recital series, rock concerts, inclusive ensemble concerts and professional masterclasses hosted by high-level professionals including West End performers and professors! Many of our musical performances welcome visitors to St John’s, so keep an eye on our What’s On page to see forthcoming events.
Every two years we take the department ‘on tour’ to a major professional venue, most recently G-Live, Cadogan Hall and St John’s Smith Square.
Music is in the curriculum until the Fourth Form as a weekly lesson, and then is an option for GCSE and A Level. Examinations are taken for the syllabi provided by Trinity Guildhall, ABRSM, LCM Rock School and LCM Musical Theatre.
Scholarships are offered for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+ either as a full scholarship or part of an All-Rounder.
