Fairfield High School for Girls

Introduction

In Music lessons the emphasis is always on activity and involvement. Mainly through group work, pupils are helped to develop the skills of composing, listening, performing and appraising. They have access to a range of instruments, including keyboards, computers, glockenspiels and percussion. Singing is also an important part of the course. Pupils are encouraged to use Music technology in all aspects of their work, as well as conventional video and sound recording equipment. Years 7, 8 and 9 have 2 60-minute lessons a fortnight. Music is available as a GCSE course in Years 10 & 11 using the Edexcel Specification.

There are regular Music clubs after school. These include the Choir and the Band. The Choir XXX sings with Young Voices at the Manchester Arena. The Band is for all levels of players of all instruments. New members to all groups are always welcome so pupils can develop their musical skills.

We put on Showcases three times a year, at the end of each term, where work done in lessons is performed to parents as well as items from the singing groups and other musical groups plus pupils who take lessons on instruments or singing. These have proved to be very popular!

High standards are very important in the Department. The Department's GCSE results at grades A* to C have been consistently above the national average for several years.

Music Tuition

The Music Department and the Tameside Music Service offer extra singing or instrumental lessons for pupils, either on their own or in small groups. These lessons are taught by specialist, visiting teachers.

Lessons are available in:

• singing
  • pop
  • classical
• woodwind
  • flute
  • clarinet
  • saxophone
  • oboe
• brass
  • trumpet
  • cornet
  • French horn
  • piano and keyboard
• guitar and strings
  • violin
  • viola
  • cello
  • double bass

PLEASE CONTACT THE MUSIC SERVICE ON 0161 320 4246 IF YOU WISH YOUR DAUGHTER TO START LESSONS. They will also be able to answer any queries that you may have, including cost. Otherwise, ask your daughter to speak to her music teacher, when details will be available.

Is Music at GCSE the right choice for me?

In each Area of Study, pupils are involved in listening, composing, performing and appraising as well as written work on the history of music. Performances and compositions in the Areas of Study will form part of the final examination mark.

GCSE pupils will also be encouraged to take part in public performances such as school concerts and Showcase Events - even if only as a member of the choir or band - to build their confidence.

You will be taught how to use Sibelius as a composition support.

This is an exciting course and a demanding one. All pupils MUST have lessons on an instrument of their choice, or else in singing, as performance is part of the exam.

How will Music help me in my career?

As Music develops self confidence and imagination as well as academic skills, it provides a sound basis from which to specialise in such careers as teaching, advertising, marketing, drama and theatre work, journalism, leisure services and television as well as performing. It is particularly useful for those wishing to work with children in nursery and primary education as well as in the community or with handicapped people.

Year 7

Schemes of Work:

• Music for Purpose
• Vocal textures
• Chinese Music
• Melody, Structure, and Harmony

Year 8

Schemes of Work:

• Blues Music
• Minimalism
• Indian Music
• Variations

Year 9

Schemes of Work:

• Glee Performance Project
• Song Writing
• Ground Bass and Dance
• Advert Project

Years 10/11

The lessons are a continuation of the course followed in Years 7- 9 involving all aspects of music. The examination board we use is Edexcel.

For the examination in 2011, the following topics have to be studied:

Area of Study 1 - Western classical music 1600-1899

• G F Handel: Chorus: And the Glory of the Lord from Messiah
• W A Mozart: 1st Movement from Symphony No. 40 in G minor
• F Chopin: Prelude No 15 in D flat major, Op. 28

Area of Study 2 - Music in the 20th century

• A Schoenberg: Peripetie from Five Orchestral Pieces, Op. 16
• L Bernstein: Something's Coming from West Side Story
• S Reich: 3rd Movement from Electric Counterpoint

Area of Study 3 - Popular music in context

• M Davis: All Blues from the album Kind of Blue
• J Buckley: Grace from the album Grace
• Moby: Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? From the album Play

Area of Study 4 - World music

• Capercaillie: Chuir M'Athair Mise Dhan Taigh Charraideach
• Rag Desh
• Koko: Yiri