Music
In Grades 8 and 9 Music is offered as part of Creative Arts. Three components, namely Music Literacy, Music Listening and Music Performing and Creating, make up the course. The ensemble programme that forms part of Music Performing and Creating, enables every student, whether he/she can play an instrument or not, to perform and explore music in a relaxed and enthusiastic environment.
In Grades 10, 11 and 12, students can choose Music as one of their electives. The course consists of practical work, as well as music theory and composition, and music history.
It is recommended that a student should have reached a minimum Grade 2 standard in both practical and music theory, should he/she wish to continue with Music in Grade 10.
Music AS and A levels are also offered as part of the International Cambridge programme at Somerset College.
Somerset College is privileged to have established and renowned musicians as teachers. Any student may receive lessons in one or more of the following instruments:
- Voice (singing)
- Recorder
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Saxophone
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- French horn
- Piano
- Church Organ
- Harp
- Guitar (acoustic & electric)
- Bass guitar
- Drum kit
- Keyboard
- Ukelele
For more information, please contact the Director of Music, Dr Diederick Basson, at d.orr@somcol.co.za
The school has a String Ensemble, two Jazz Bands, a Chamber Choir and Marimba Band to support this programme.
Rehearsal times for 2021 are as follows:
Choir: Monday - Lunch; 14:30-16:00
Jazz Band: Monday - 17:30-19:00
Junior Jazz Band: Tuesday - Lunch; 14:30-15:15
Jazzelites: Thursday - 17:30-19:00
String ensemble: Time to be confirmed
Marimba band: Wednesday - 14:30-15:15
An outstanding feature of the school is how it embraces music performances with encouragement and enthusiasm. We provide many opportunities for our students and ensembles to perform. They include the following:
- Quarterly concerts
- Lunch hour concerts
- Community concerts
- Pops Concerts
- Annual Music Tour
- Major school functions, Chapel services, and assemblies
- Opus Campus Composition Competition
Students are encouraged to take part in eisteddfods, music competitions, and external examinations. Our students write the theory examinations by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and play either the ABRSM, the Trinity College of London, or Rockschool practical examinations. (UCAS credits awarded by the ABRSM and Trinity College London can be used when a student applies to an overseas university or college.)