Music

Wildern Music department is a busy and dynamic feature at the heart of the school. Staffed by 3 classroom music teachers and supported by a range of instrumental tutors who are experts in their field, they are passionate about taking Wildern’s young musicians on a creative, inspiring and rewarding journey. We believe in music as a great unifier, bringing children of different ages and backgrounds together as well as being a fundamental source of well-being and emotional growth. 

The department is housed in the D@rt Centre and is well resourced with a suite of Apple Macs, recording studio, 2 large music classrooms, practice rooms and a variety of different instruments for children to play. It is always full of children practising in ensembles or forming their own bands.

We are lucky to be able to perform regularly in the Berry Theatre as part of our showcases, but also to collaborate with our local primary schools and community music groups. Performing regularly in this environment gives our students an invaluable experience, builds confidence and creates a culture of professionalism with children taking responsibility for their progress and making the most of their abilities.

KS3

In years 7 and 8, students can expect to study a range of topics including African Music, Songwriting, Music and Art, Dance Music and Music for film in a practical and creative way. Students will explore quality vocal work and play various instruments during this time, further igniting a passion for the music making process. As well as working in this way, students spend every other lesson in the Apple Mac Suite using industry standard software, allowing them to create musical compositions for many instruments and styles whilst exposing them to professional methods of music production.

KS4

In year 9, students may opt for AQA GCSE Music course: This is for those students who are interested in listening to a range of different styles of music, performing on a musical instrument/ singing and who also wish to explore composing their own music.

We are proud to say that the music department has a strong success rate at GCSE Music with 100% achieving 9-4 grades in the last year.  Many students taking GCSE Music also study and pass ABRSM Grade 5 theory as an optional extra which contributes to an even greater understanding of the subject. We are delighted that many of our GCSE music students go on to study music at further and higher education establishments.

Music opportunities beyond the classroom

There are many opportunities for children to perform at Wildern School and a wide range of extracurricular activities to get involved in.

Opportunities to perform include:

Concerts

There is an extensive program of concert throughout the year.

●       Christmas and Summer concerts showcase performances by our ensembles who meet regularly as part of the wide and varied extracurricular program.

●       In our regular Sound Bites concert we encourage students to play the last piece they have been working on to family and friends in an informal setting

●       The battle of the bands competition showcases the extensive variety of bands that regularly rehearse in the department including taking part in workshops with local sixth form colleges.

●       Students regularly perform for members in the community such as the Eastleigh Arts and Youth Trusts, as part of the D@rt community concerts and at various institutions in the local area.

●       Wildern Music Festival is a chance for musicians who enter to perform a solo or as part of a group. This ties in with the House Championship at school 

The Annual Wildern School Production

Performing in the annual school production on stage or playing as part of the pit band helps to raise the standard of our musicians as they tackle professional level music.

Workshops/ Visits

We believe it is hugely beneficial for students to work with professional musicians gaining an insight into the industry. Students have taken part in a range of workshops from Samba and African Drumming to vocal workshops with Dominic Peckham. We also regularly attend concerts by professional ensembles such as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to explore how professional musicians work. Visits to Turner Sims Concert Hall, the Mayflower and recently mass choir performances at the Royal Albert Hall and the Anvil in Basingstoke have enabled students to explore their creativity further.

Music Projects

Projects have included working with Southampton University Music Department on a music composition project called ‘Sound Waves’ with students composing and performing at Turner Sims Concert Hall, regularly celebrating BBC Music Day across the school with performances from both students and staff, and involvement in Arts Council Funded Projects such as the 'Beehive where we collaborated with our feeder Primary Schools.  

Wildern Busking Sites

Wildern Busking sites are areas in the school in which students can perform at lunchtime and break providing music for their peers to watch and enjoy. An outside piano is situated in one of these sites. We will regularly have over 200 students watching performances by their peers at break and lunchtime providing a relaxed and supportive atmosphere