INSTRUMENTAL
AWARDS
Two
Instrumental Awards are available at 11+ entry, providing
assistance towards tuition on up to two instruments,
including voice.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:
Whilst the School does not set any specific requirements
with regard to entry qualifications, the following
guidelines may be of some use to prospective candidates
and their teachers.
For 11+ candidates, the minimum standard of the main
instrument should be Associated Board Grade 3.
For 13+ candidates,
the minimum standard of the main instrument should
be Grade 5,
and
For 16+ candidates, the main instrument should be
of Grade 7 or above standard.
At
11+ and 13+ a second instrument is advantageous but potential is often
as important as achievement at this age. At
16+, candidates should offer a second instrument. Candidates
may submit any composition in support of their application.
AUDITIONS:
The aim of the audition is to discover as much about
the musical ability and potential of the candidate
as possible in approximately thirty minutes. To
this end, candidates will be required to perform two
contrasting pieces on their main instrument and, where
possible, one on the second study instrument. Scales,
arpeggios and sight reading relevant to the candidate's
level of musical achievement will also be asked. The
audition will conclude with some aural tests and a
few general questions about his or her musical interests.
An accompanist will be provided by the School where
necessary. Candidates
should bring copies of the accompaniments with them
to the auditions. A pre-audition during
the Michaelmas term is strongly recommended.
The
decision of the School is, of course, final and no
discussion of the results will be entertained.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Music Scholars are expected to take an active part
in all the School's musical activities. They
will be required to join orchestras, choirs and chamber
ensembles as appropriate, to give a lead and set an
example to other members of these groups. They
will be required to perform in the School's concerts,
both in ensembles and as a soloist on a regular basis. Priority
must be given to the School's musical activities. It
is also expected of Music Scholars that they continue
with academic Music until the age of 16, including
the GCSE examination. The School reserves the
right to review a Scholar's award, it if appears that
the commitment and progress expected are not forthcoming. 11+
and 13+ candidates who have not already begun to study
a second instrument will be required to do so after
consultation between parents and the Director of Music. Cathedral
Choristers are also expected to learn a musical instrument,
again after consultation with the Director of Music
if a choice has to be made.
The Director of Music encourages interested parents
to come and talk to him about Music at the Cathedral
School and to arrange for prospective Scholars to come
to meet him and play, in an informal manner, at any
time in the School year. Appointments
may be made and further details obtained from either
the Head Master's Secretary, telephone 0117 925 4545,
or from the Director of Music in the Music Department,
telephone 0117
925 3448.
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music making at the School. Choristers
have been educated here for over 800 years and
musical endeavour stands at the very heart of
its foundation.