MUSIC TUITION

Below you will find details of the instrumental lessons offered at Monmouth Comprehensive School. It is designed to ensure that Parents and Students are informed of all aspects of the service.

Lessons can be setup via www.gwentmusic.co.uk

and the parent portal https://live186.paritor.com/p_web/04_001_192/5

For information on bursaries available please see - http://www.gwentmusic.co.uk/bursaries/

Instrumental Teachers and teaching days

Upper Strings (Violin/Viola)– Mrs N. Aston - Monday

Lower Strings (Cello/Double Bass)– Mrs R. Williams - Wednesday

Woodwind (Clarinet/Saxophone/Flute/Oboe) – Mrs A. Edmunds – Wednesday and Friday

Brass - Mr D. Hale – Tuesday

Percussion - Mr Pete Morgan -Wednesday

Guitar - Mr D. Griffiths - Friday

Voice – Mrs C. Williams - Monday

Miss S. Murfin - Tuesday

Harp – Mrs C. Swayne - Tuesday

Music theory – Mrs A. Edmunds – Wednesday after school

Piano – Dr. E Gibbins - Monday

Information for Parents

The provision of Instrumental Lessons is a Partnership Agreement between Parents, Gwent Music and School to offer the widest opportunities for students to broaden their Music education. Students gain greatly from the study of an instrument, both intellectually and socially through membership of ensembles.

Gwent Music provide tuition for various instruments/voice in a variety of lesson options, small group and individual tuition. It is recommended that students grade 4+ receive individual lessons for best performance/progression.

Lessons take place throughout the school day and are completed on a rotational basis throughout the term. This ensures that students do not continually miss the same lessons. There are rare occasions where students lessons may be scheduled during part of a lunch or break time.

Parents agree to:

Register using the Gwent Music website and parent portal to ensure lessons begin at the start of term.

Provide an instrument (These are sometimes available to borrow from School or Gwent Music Support Service. It is also possible to purchase instruments at a discounted price. Please ask your instrumental teacher or Mrs Ritter for more information)

Buy music as required (Parents are reminded that the photocopying of music is illegal)

Pay for Graded Examinations

Pay for an accompanist at Graded Examination where required

Encourage regular attendance at lessons

Encourage regular practice at home

Encourage attendance at School Orchestra and other ensembles as appropriate

Encourage attendance at School concerts and other events

Encourage attendance at District and County ensembles as appropriate.

Tuition will be arranged once peripatetic staff have received confirmation on their live teacher app.

The School/Gwent Music agrees to:

Provide a regular service of tuition and ensemble opportunities.

Monitor students’ attendance and progress

Provide an annual written report and an opportunity to discuss progress with the teacher.

Arrangements for Graded Examinations

Graded Music Examination are an important aspect of student’s music education and development. The Examinations are accredited by QCA and the higher grades count towards points for UCAS University entrance.

When a student is ready to take a Graded Examination, parents will receive a letter from their instrumental teacher with information and a form from Gwent Music Service. This form should be completed and returned with the appropriate fee to Gwent Music Service by the closing date.

Parents and students are expected to find a suitable piano accompanist for Graded Examinations which will be at an additional cost unless specified by their instrumental teacher.

Commitment from Students

Students are expected to:

Attend lessons regularly and promptly as per the rota situated in the Music area and published on the school website

Inform subject teachers of the need to leave their lesson as soon as the lesson begins, not just when the instrumental lesson is due

Produce the Music Pass, if asked, while out of class

Return immediately to class after the instrumental lesson and ensure any work missed is made up

Carry out regular practice at home

Take Graded Examinations when appropriate

Attend School Orchestra and/or other ensembles as appropriate

Participate in School concerts and other events as required

Give full support to District and County activities where appropriate

On the rare occasion it may be impossible to attend an instrumental lesson, the teacher concerned must be informed BEFORE THE LESSON either personally, or by leaving a note in the teaching room.  Where possible lessons will be rearranged.

Timetables will be displayed on the music lessons notice board on floor 1 PEA corridor and will also be on the school website once finalised.

Care of Instruments while in School

As students have to move around the campus a great deal during the day, the School provides limited space for students to store their instruments. This is only possible with the co-operation of all those who use the facility.

Instruments should be labelled clearly with the student’s name on the outside AND the inside of the case.

Instruments should be left tidily in the storage cupboards opposite the peri rooms on floor 1 PEA so that no damage is caused to other instruments. Please put smaller instruments on the shelves so there is room on the floor for larger ones.

Great care should be taken to ensure the correct instrument is taken home – other students may have similar cases.

Instruments are left at owner’s risk. The School will not take responsibility for loss or damage to any instrument.

Instruments should not be left in School overnight, at the weekend or during the school holidays.

The school strongly advises that parents insure all instruments. Please keep a note of the instrument’s make and serial number.

Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to join the various groups according to their instrumental and vocal expertise. When they reach the required standard, they have the chance to audition for membership of County and National Ensembles. Several students have recently represented the school at National level. For further information please see Gwent Music Service website www.gwentmusic.co.uk

Participation in ensemble performance is an important aspect of a student’s musical development and all students are strongly encouraged to join whichever groups may be applicable to them.

SCHOOL ENSEMBLE ACTIVITIES

Orchestra – All students are invited to join the Orchestra. Rehearsals take place on a Friday from 3-4pm. Music will be available for all abilities.

Choir – All students are invited to Choir which rehearses on Friday breaktime in room 240.

Jazz Band – Anyone interested in Jazz Music is welcome to attend Jazz on Wednesday breaktime in 246.

Boys’ vocal group – rehearse on Monday breaktimes in 240.

String Ensemble – rehearse on Thursday breaktimes in 246.

Percussion Ensemble – rehearse on Thursday after school in the percussion peri room.

If students are participating in any Gwent Music Ensembles it is expected that they must attend and support their School groups and Orchestra in line with County Policy.

Important Musical Dates 2018-19

These events have already been arranged for this year. In addition, the School is often invited to participate in charitable concerts in the town and wider community. Other musical events often happen throughout the year. Parents and students will be notified of these as and when they occur.

Going Solo Concert – 23 October

GCSE Music mock performances – 22/23 November

Candlelit procession – 7 Decemeber tbc

Carol Service rehearsals – 17/18 December

Carol Service St Mary’s – 19 December

Awards’ Evening – 20 December

Whole school Carols – 21 December

Anything Goes rehearsals weekend – 4 January

Anything Goes rehearsals weekend 11 January

Anything Goes tech/dress – 14 January

Anything Goes performances – 15-19 January

Instrumental/Ensemble Concert – 20 February

GCSE Music practical exams – 21/22 February

Transition Concert – 6 March

Recital evening – 20 March

MFY Regional festival - 29 March tbc

A Level Music practicals – 10 April tbc

Battle of the Bands – 19 June

Lower school show weekend – 6 July

Lower school show week – 8 July

Summer Showcase – 16 July

Students will be made aware of which events apply to them.  Parents and friend are always encouraged to join the audience on these occasions to support the students in showcasing their collective talents.