Wimbledon College

Music at Wimbledon College

Music plays an important role within the life of Wimbledon College. We have a busy extra-curricular timetable which includes ensembles and clubs for musicians of all abilities. For a timetable of extra-curricular sessions see the link to the right.

Music Curriculum

Homework website is: https://wimbledon.musicfirst.co.uk

Key Stage 3

In Years 7-9, Music is studied on a rotational basis. Boys will be given opportunities to compose, appraise, and perform music from a broad range of genres and traditions.

Figures (Year 7)

The boys will develop their singing voices and their ability to play in large percussion ensembles. In addition they will learn how to play Baroque music both in pairs and individually as well as forming bands to rehearse and perform Rock and Roll music. The boys will learn to read and write using musical notation and compose music for TV commercials.

Rudiments (Year 8)

The boys will continue to develop their singing voices and their ability to play in large ensembles. In addition they will learn how to play music from both the Classical era and from Musical Theatre (West Side Story) in small ensembles.. The boys will continue to develop their skills at reading and writing using musical notation and compose music to accompany film scenes.

Lower Grammar (Year 9)

The boys will start to explore the possibilities of music technology using sequencing software such as Garageband and notation software such as Sibelius. In addition they will deepen their knowledge and understanding of Baroque Music and perform as members of Rock bands. The boys will further develop their skills at reading and writing using musical notation and compose and arrange their own songs. Extension work will also be given to boys who choose to take GCSE music.

GCSE: OCR Specification

Our GCSE results were very strong last year with all boys achieving at least a Grade 5, 70% of boys at least a Grade 7 and 45% of boys at least a Grade 8.

Introduction to GCSE Music

Listening to and Appraising Music
Composing and Arranging
Performance

The students will study a range of music covering four distinctive areas.

1. The Concerto through time

The origins of the Concerto starting with the Baroque Concerto Grosso.
A focus on the classical concerto of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.
Exploring the development of the concerto during the Romantic era.

2. Popular Music from the 1950s to the present day

Rock and Roll music of the 1950s and 60s
Rock Anthems of the 1970s and 80s
Pop Ballads of the 1970s, 80s and 90s
Solo Artists from 1990 to the present day

3. Music for Film

Music that was composed specifically for film
Music from the Western Classical tradition that has been used in a film
Music that has been composed as a soundtrack for a video game

4. World Music

A study of the variety of rhythms contained in a range of world music.

Students will also have to perform two pieces on their choice of instrument– one solo and one ensemble. These are worth 30% of the overall mark.

Students will need to compose two pieces of music. These are worth 30% of the overall mark. One of these pieces must be composed for their solo-performance instrument.

A-Level Music: OCR Specification

Course outline: The course builds on GCSE Music and, as such, is divided between performing music, composing music and appraising a wide range of musical extracts from all periods and styles of music. All styles of music could be submitted for the performing and composing elements but the listening and appraising paper has more of an emphasis on western art music (classical music).

The course is centred on the development of:

performing skills on one or more instruments
composing skills and an understanding of compositional techniques
analysing and appraising music using set works
aural and written musical theory skills

Examination/Assessment All students perform a short recital (solo and or/ensemble) and compose an extended piece of music (this done under controlled supervision) as well as complete pastiches of various Baroque and Classical styles. A written paper in the summer term is based on the study of some set works as well as other related music.

Performance standards at Grade 7 (ABRSM or equivalent).

Our students are

Music