The work of Felsted School to support young musicians both at Felsted and in the local community has been awarded a national Music Mark of Recognition for Dedication & Improvement.
More than half of students at the independent boarding and day school in north Essex learn an instrument – from the oboe to the guitar – and the school also runs music events and workshops to encourage a love of music in children from other schools across the region.
There’s always something musical going on at Felsted,’ said William Warns, Felsted’s Director of Music, ‘whether it’s a small ensemble enjoying playing together or the Chapel Choir or Orchestra rehearsing. Our music practice rooms are very well used by students improving their skills on a whole variety of instruments and we are always keen to welcome pupils from other local schools to share our expertise and facilities and discover a love of music to last a lifetime. So we are very pleased that our dedication to music education has been recognised nationally with the award of the Music Mark.’
Felsted’s programme of music outreach events recently involved a ‘Meet the Orchestra’ session at Felsted for pupils from local primary schools to find out more about and try instruments from the flute to the cello, while pupils from Terling Primary School were introduced to music of the Caribbean in a very popular steel band workshop.
The Music Mark of Recognition is supported by the music examinations board ABRSM and requires schools receiving it to agree to a pledge to advocate for the importance of music education in the curriculum and the creative life of the school, provide an equitable, diverse and inclusive music education for every young person, and welcome opportunities to broaden musical horizons by working with providers in the community and beyond. Schools awarded the Music Mark receive a certificate and are encouraged to use the Music Mark branding.
As well as Felsted’s full orchestra, jazz and woodwind ensembles and choice of choirs, there are many informal student-led groups and thriving steel bands (including one made up of Felsted parents), which are in demand at country shows and events across East Anglia.
Many opportunities exist for talented musicians through close links with the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama and other top conservatoires.
Music scholarships are available for pupils joining the school in Years 7, 9 and Lower Sixth. Felsted Music Awards recognise and nurture exceptional musical talent, offering individual lessons alongside tailored mentoring and specialist support in areas such as theory, performance, composition and conducting. Award holders benefit from regular opportunities to perform both within school and externally. Felsted musicians regularly achieve places to continue their music education at the UK’s top conservatoires.
Categories: Felsted School School News
