MUSIC AT CORDWALLES

Cordwalles has a vibrant Music Department, under the directorship of Mrs Lillemor Blunt, which is growing every year.   The staff and boys have really enjoyed being in one centre and we look forward to the exciting structural changes which will take place in the future.

Senior Choir - this choir comprises boys in Grades 5 - 7. They are involved in the Friday Chapel services and the Easter and Christmas Services.  The Choir performs at the annual Cordwalles Combined Choirs Evenings , undoubtedly the highlight of the year, in annual charity concerts and the annual Musical Revue.

Junior Choir - this choir comprises boys in Grades 3 and 4 and is led by Mrs Janine Hawkins. The choir performs on various occasions during the year, including the Music Revue, Easter and Christmas services.

Presently Cordwalles has 76 instrumentalists in its music programme. Instruction is offered in the following: Saxophone, Clarinet, Piano, Flute, Cello, Violin, Guitar, Drums, Recorder and Theory.  Every term the boys are given an opportunity to perform for the school and their parents. Results achieved in the Royal School of Music examinations and Eisteddfods have been outstanding.

Big Band

The big band is being taken by Ms Jenny Calitz.  There are 14 members and they play at various functions at school as well as outside of the school.  For the past 2 years this dedicated  group have been on Music Tour and will once again be entertaining audiences in JHB this year.  In order to further develop and grow the big band, we have a plan in place to identify and encourage promising musicians in Grade 3 and 4 recorder classes to join and also to start tuition in more woodwind instruments.

Djembe Drumming Troupe and Drum-Line

 

These groups are currently led by Mr Kisbey-Green.  The Djembe Troupe is for boys in Grades 5 – 7 who perhaps may not play a tuned instrument but have a love for music.  The boys enjoy experiencing new rhythms and performing to new audiences.  Boys who learn drum kit have an opportunity to join the drum-line where their learnt rhythm patterns are put together for performance.  They have been on the last two music tours and will once again be going to JHB this year. 

Rock Bands and Pop idols

These groups are co-ordinated by Lillemor Blunt. The rock band have been involved in a number of performances for the school and outsiders, but their highlight will be when they perform their whole repertoire whilst on tour to JHB.  The group have grown in confidence and ability this year and are demonstrating their love for singing and performing more and more.   Pop Idols grows from strength to strength every year and has become a highlight in the year for the boys & staff.  This year the entrants doubled and the standard of the singing and overall performances was exceptionally high!  It is wonderful to see so many boys with such confidence in themselves who are not shy to try and have a chance to perform on the stage.

Cordwalles is a school which is proud of its music tradition and the exposure to music which we provide our boys. Class music lessons are a combination of learning new songs, rhythm patterns, recorder tuition, composition, percussion playing and music appreciation.  All tastes are catered for and the boys thoroughly enjoy all sessions.  We are keen to ensure that as boys can be the best they can be in other areas, so they will be provided with the opportunities to do the same in music at Cordwalles.