Music at Beechen Cliff School
In the classroom
All pupils in years 7-9 will receive one hour-long lesson of music per week. The main focus in these lessons will be on the
practical aspects of composing and performing, with some listening work being undertaken as well.
Pupils can opt to study GCSE music in years 10-11 and further study of music at A Level in the Sixth Form.
Instrumental tuition
In addition to class work, pupils and students have the opportunity to learn an instrument at school. Individual tuition is
available for piano, strings, woodwind, brass, voice, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, and drum kit.
A team of instrumental teachers visit the school weekly to teach. Each lesson is 30 minutes long and currently costs
£18.20 per session. Beginners and year 7 pupils have the option to commence with 20 minute lessons initially at a cost of
£14.00.
Pupils will receive 33 lessons throughout the academic year and parents are asked to pay for the lessons by monthly
standing order.
These lessons are taught during the school day so pupils and students have to leave classes for 30 minutes (but they
have a responsibility to catch up on any work missed!). The timetable for instrumental lessons will work on a rotation
basis so that pupils and students are not repeatedly missing the same curriculum classes each week.
Extra-curricular activities
The school has a number of ensembles including concert band, brass ensemble, junior orchestra, swing band, choir,
woodwind ensemble, percussion ensemble, folk/string group and guitar ensemble. These groups rehearse weekly and
perform regularly throughout the year. There is also a provision for rock and pop bands with several performance
opportunities throughout the year.
Key events in the Music Department:
Piano concert (October): This is an opportunity for any piano players to perform a piece on a piano that is hired in. This
is a relaxed, friendly concert and all years are welcome/encouraged to take part.
Carol service (Bath Abbey, December): A celebration in the Abbey at this time of year really sets anyone up for
Christmas. The choir is the main group here but historically other groups have also performed including the guitar
ensemble, brass ensemble, folk group, and orchestra.
Annual school concert (March): This is a chance for all students involved in extra-curricular activities to perform some
of the pieces they have been practising. Sometimes students’ original compositions or arrangements are performed.
Various groups, ensembles and individuals participate in the annual Mid-Somerset Festival. In recent years the Concert
Band has joined forces with Hayesfield to perform in the 'Bands Class'.
The department regularly performs within the local community and beyond, having forged links with Beechen Cliff
Methodist Church, the Widcombe Association, and Pensford Music Club.
In recent years several European Tours have taken place. Countries visited include Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain
and Germany. Some of these tours have been a joint venture with Hayesfield School.
All pupils in years 7-9 will receive one hour-long lesson of music per week. The main focus in these lessons will be on the
practical aspects of composing and performing, with some listening work being undertaken as well.
Pupils can opt to study GCSE music in years 10-11 and further study of music at A Level in the Sixth Form.
Instrumental tuition
In addition to class work, pupils and students have the opportunity to learn an instrument at school. Individual tuition is
available for piano, strings, woodwind, brass, voice, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, and drum kit.
A team of instrumental teachers visit the school weekly to teach. Each lesson is 30 minutes long and currently costs
£18.20 per session. Beginners and year 7 pupils have the option to commence with 20 minute lessons initially at a cost of
£14.00.
Pupils will receive 33 lessons throughout the academic year and parents are asked to pay for the lessons by monthly
standing order.
These lessons are taught during the school day so pupils and students have to leave classes for 30 minutes (but they
have a responsibility to catch up on any work missed!). The timetable for instrumental lessons will work on a rotation
basis so that pupils and students are not repeatedly missing the same curriculum classes each week.
Extra-curricular activities
The school has a number of ensembles including concert band, brass ensemble, junior orchestra, swing band, choir,
woodwind ensemble, percussion ensemble, folk/string group and guitar ensemble. These groups rehearse weekly and
perform regularly throughout the year. There is also a provision for rock and pop bands with several performance
opportunities throughout the year.
Key events in the Music Department:
Piano concert (October): This is an opportunity for any piano players to perform a piece on a piano that is hired in. This
is a relaxed, friendly concert and all years are welcome/encouraged to take part.
Carol service (Bath Abbey, December): A celebration in the Abbey at this time of year really sets anyone up for
Christmas. The choir is the main group here but historically other groups have also performed including the guitar
ensemble, brass ensemble, folk group, and orchestra.
Annual school concert (March): This is a chance for all students involved in extra-curricular activities to perform some
of the pieces they have been practising. Sometimes students’ original compositions or arrangements are performed.
Various groups, ensembles and individuals participate in the annual Mid-Somerset Festival. In recent years the Concert
Band has joined forces with Hayesfield to perform in the 'Bands Class'.
The department regularly performs within the local community and beyond, having forged links with Beechen Cliff
Methodist Church, the Widcombe Association, and Pensford Music Club.
In recent years several European Tours have taken place. Countries visited include Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain
and Germany. Some of these tours have been a joint venture with Hayesfield School.