Extra-Curricular Music

Students of all abilities have the opportunity to join a variety of musical ensembles at HWSF. No audition is required to join Orchestra or Choir; music is chosen to suit a wide range of abilities (though students must be able to read music). For more experienced players, there are smaller, student-run ensembles such as String Quartet, Flute Choir or Jazz Band. Students are selected each year to "captain" Orchestra and Choir and provide a useful link between staff and students.

A weekly Music Society is run by a nominated student, with a student presentation each week. The purpose is to develop a more rigorous academic approach to the study of music. With this is mind, both readers and non-readers of music focus on developing their musical 'hinterland' but can share the merits of different genres and styles of music.

There are four annual performance opportunities and we are privileged to have the opportunity to use St Margaret’s Church and Westminster Abbey for some of these events:

• Remembrance Evening (Westminster Abbey)
• House Music (HWSF)
• Christmas Carols (St Margaret’s Church)
• Spring Concert (St Margaret’s Church)

A recently refurbished grand piano gives the opportunity for students to give termly lunchtime piano recitals and there have been annual trips to Harris Manchester College in Oxford to perform for the public in their College Chapel.

For more information about extra-curricular music at HWSF, please contact Ms O’Donnell: F.ODonnell2@harriswestminstersixthform.org.uk.