Music

Ethos & Values

Our aims are:

• To provide students with skills, knowledge and confidence in all disciplines of the performing arts.
• To foster students' sensitivity to, and their understanding and enjoyment of all aspects of music, including world music.
• Work within the ethos of 'Every Child Matters' and provide musical experiences and nurture musical development of all students.
• To encourage students to take ownership of their own creations and performances.
• To enable students to experience live musical performances and to work with professional artists in workshops and performances, in a variety of genres.
• To have consistently high expectations and match these with high quality resources and learning strategies.
• To encourage students to become independent learners.

Knowledge & Skills

Music

• Students learn about the basic elements of music, so as to be able to compose, perform and listen to music with greater understanding.
• Students learn how to play the keyboard and to use it for performance and as a compositional tool.
• All students are given the opportunity to have vocal or instrumental tuition and are encouraged to use their instruments in class lessons.
• Students are encouraged to share their work with others to build confidence.
• Musical performances are recorded and used in self and peer evaluation.
• All students are encouraged to participate in concerts at the Academy and in the wider community.

Performing Arts

• Students will have the opportunity to develop their performance skills in the areas of music and dance. They will also explore other areas of the performing arts industry through work related contextualised learning.
• Students will improve oral and written skills, experiencing a wide range of learning styles from specialist teachers and develop their ability to read for different purposes - for information, research, cultural study or personal enjoyment.
• There is scope for students' personal growth as learners, through active participation in workshops and working in groups as production companies.
• All students are encouraged to express personal and informed opinions through discussion, role-play and improvisation.
• The use of recording devices and video equipment is encouraged in performances. This enables students to see themselves as others see them and to work on improving their performance skills or presentations.

Resources & Facilities

The Music area comprises of four well-equipped teaching rooms, an instrumental teaching room, two practice rooms and a recording studio. We are situated next to the Avro and drama halls, which allow us to complete group work in performing arts.

The two main music rooms are equipped with 15 Yamaha MM6 synthesizers with USB and internet capability and 15 PC's running Sibelius 7 and other score writing packages, enabling students to record, edit and print out compositions of professional quality. The interactive whiteboards are in use during all lessons and are a fantastic resource tool, bringing the world of music into the classroom. There is also space in each room to organise small rehearsals or for small groups of dancers to work in front of mirrors.

The third classroom is also equipped with 15 Yamaha PSR 1500 keyboards. The room is also set up with percussion instruments including a set of samba and African drums. Students are able to develop different skills and learn about different cultures whilst in this room.

The fourth classroom is a specialist room for Sixth Form students and is situated in Toll Bar MAT Sixth Form College. It has 9 Yamaha MM6 synthesizers linked to PC's running Sibelius 7, Pro Tools, Cubase, Guitar Pro 6 and aural packages, providing industry standard studio software. We also have new Yamaha electric pianos in the practice rooms.

The department has always been well supported and is well stocked with orchestral instruments.

Concerts are held regularly and students are invited to perform at recitals and concerts in the wider community.

In all of the classrooms wall space is positively used to create informative and stimulating displays that reflect modern practices, support students' projects and create an expectation for achievement.

Courses & Qualifications

Key Stage 3

All students follow a varied programme of music which involves performing, composing and listening. Each half term students work on a different musical topic. These are updated regularly, are stimulating and involve all students being involved in music making each lesson. Topics currently include: Basic musical theory and introduction to keyboard skills and the reading of music; Film Music; The Voice; Caribbean Music; Samba; African Drumming; The Blues and Jazz Music; Popular Classics and 1960's Popular Music.

Key Stage 4

Music

Students have the opportunity to continue the study of Music at GCSE level, following the AQA specification. Performing and composing accounts for 60% of the final mark, with the final listening exam being the remaining 40%. During the course, students study 4 set works covering music from The Classical Period to the present day. The set works are Haydn's Clock Symphony and 3 tracks from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band ('Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds', 'With A Little Help from My Friends' and 'Within You Without You'). In the final exam, they are expected to be able to answer questions based on information learnt in the set works, but broader listening skills across all genres will be tested too.

Performing Arts (Dance)

Students can take a BTEC in Performing Arts following the Edexcel specification.

Unit 1 - Individual Showcase (externally assessed);
Unit 2 - Preparation, Performance and Production (internally assessed);
Unit 3 - Dance Skills (internally assessed).

This course is very popular as it enables students to use their talents in dance.

In Performing Arts students develop the necessary skills in order to present themselves well in auditions, interviews and presentations. We build confidence and develop communication skills.

Students work in production companies, each with their own role. They have to research, plan and present an idea for a performance. They have to work to a budget, consider health and safety in the workplace and finally perform at an event. All their work is industry related.

Key Stage 5

Students are able to choose Music at A Level. To be accepted on these courses, students need to have a grade B in GCSE Music or be able to perform on an instrument at grade 5 standard; they must be able to read music scores. It would also be beneficial to have some theoretical knowledge.

Instrumental / Vocal Examinations

Students that are taking singing or instrumental lessons are encouraged to work towards grade exams with ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or London College.

Link To Specialism

In Performing Arts students develop the necessary skills in order to present themselves well in auditions, interviews and presentations. We build confidence and develop communication skills.

Students work in production companies, each with their own role. They have to research, plan and present an idea for a performance. They have to work to a budget, consider health and safety in the workplace and finally perform at an event. All their work is industry related.

In music, students learn about the song writing business, the illegalities of downloading and sharing music files and the cost to the music industry.

Learning Outside The Classroom

Toll Bar Band:

This group of musicians meet once a week to rehearse for concerts. All students who play a brass or woodwind instrument are encouraged to come along. Students develop skills in this setting that they do not get by just attending a lesson each week. It is also much more fun to perform in a larger group.

Toll Bar Chamber Strings:

This group of violinists rehearse each week with their violin teacher. They also regularly perform at concerts. This year they have been once again invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, for the Barnardos Charity Event. They also compete in local festivals.

String Ensemble:

Members of this group also meet once a week under the direction of the string teacher. They play in a number of concerts as well as the Carol Service and Christmas Victorian Fayre at All Saints Church, Waltham.

Toll Bar Vocals:

This is open to anyone that enjoys singing in a group. Students from Years 7 to 11 are involved. There is always opportunity for students to take on solo parts in the concerts.

Guitar Group:

Students studying guitar at Waltham Toll Bar Academy enjoy meeting to learn new songs and play as a group.

Brass Group:

This group meet once a week and participate in concerts. Most players also perform with the Toll Bar Band. The group is open to any student playing a brass instrument.

Inter-House Music Competition:

This takes place during January each year. It is open to any student in Years 7 to 11 that can play an instrument or sing a song. It doesn't matter if they are at grade 8 standard or have taken no exams at all - anyone can represent their tutor group!

Visits to shows and workshops:

Performing Arts students have attended dance workshops with the Northern Contemporary Dance Company, in partnership with students at Cleethorpes Academy. We also invite professional musicians in to the Academy to perform to students throughout the year.

Where Does This Take Me In The Future?

• GCSE Performing Arts provides opportunities for students who may wish to pursue a career within the Arts industry, either as a performer or in a more technical role. The GCSE course allows students to progress academically by leading onto the various further education courses available.
• The course involves composition of Curriculum Vitae, application letters and includes preparation for interviews and interview techniques, assisting students who wish to progress on to further education or auditions.
• GCSE Music provides a good basis for studying Music at A Level at Toll Bar MAT Sixth Form College.
• A Level Music is suitable for students wishing to follow a career in music and leads into the many different courses offered in university departments and music conservatoires.