The Music Department lies at the centre of the school and draws a huge proportion of pupils into a fantastic range of activities. The department boasts 3 choirs, Cantamus, Warminster Singers and the Close Harmony Choir, a Soul Band, String Orchestra, Big Band, String Quartet and student rock bands; the department is busy all day, every day!

All pupils are actively encouraged during their time at school to get involved in something musical which they enjoy. From a Year Seven Concert, the first celebration of new talent to the school, held annually towards the start of the year, to large-scale black-tie occasions.  Within the curriculum, KS3 study a broad curriculum encompassing the Western Classical Tradition, Keyboard Skills, Music for Film and Theatre, Blues, Jazz, West African Drumming and Rhythm. The course is largely practical and includes plenty of opportunities for working in our Music iMac Suite where we use GarageBand, Sibelius Ultimate and Logic Pro X.

A large proportion of pupils receive instrumental and vocal lessons taught by  highly qualified, energetic and enthusiastic visiting teachers each week. Lessons take place during the school day. Tuition is available in Strings, Brass, Wind, Percussion, Vocals, Guitar, Piano. Supervised practice sessions are available for both boarders and day pupils most evenings of the week in the music department.

The School regularly enters pupils for music examinations with ABRSM, Trinity, Trinity Rock & Pop and the MTB. Enthusing and inspiring our pupils through music with multiple performances ranging from regular Lunchtime Soloist Concerts, Evening Recitals and our flagship event, Cabaret. Involving a huge proportion of school pupils and staff are at the heart of what we do here at Warminster, giving each student the opportunity to be recognised.

In collaboration with the Drama Department, pupils are exposed to the full spectacle of the stage experience with professional costumes, lighting, sound and a pro-band. Recent shows include Mary Poppins, The Lion King and Little Shop of Horrors.

The Department enjoys visits each year from military bands and tours regularly. Most recently, the Concert Orchestra, Jazz Band and Soul Band toured York and Harrogate and have previously enjoyed European tours to Paris and Catalonia.

Facilities Available

Music lies at the heart of the school with an incredibly busy and lively programme available every day of the week. The Thomas Arnold Hall, complete with state of the art lighting and sound, is utilised as a concert hall for a wide range of concerts both professional and pupil-led. We also host our Lunchtime Concert series in our Chapel and have further rehearsal space in our Boniface Rehearsal Room, both of which have Kawai and Yamaha baby grand pianos, purchased within the last few years. Our Music Technology students benefit from our Studio rehearsal and recording space which has recently been acoustically treated and there are plenty of other rehearsal rooms around the department.

Examination Boards

We currently offer Edexcel GCSE Music and Eduqas A-Level. Edexcel Music Technology A-Level is also offered and students are able to pick both A-Levels post-16.

Co-curricular Activities

These take place before school, at lunchtime, during the ‘Green Zone’ or after school

  • Concert Orchestra: A Full Orchestra who play a range of music from Williams to Walton, Saint-Saëns to Schwartz. Players for this ensemble tend to range from Grade 4 to Grade 8 and beyond.
  • Big Band: Trumpets, trombones and saxes with a full rhythm section; the Big Band play a range of jazz standards and arrangements of tunes from Glenn Miller to Weather Report.
  • Concert Band: For wind, brass and percussion pupils playing a range of concert repertoire aimed to develop ensemble playing. Open to all pupils who are beginners to Grade 4 with music arranged to suit.
  • String Ensemble: Play an exciting mix of classical and more modern hits.
  • String Quartet: A 4-part ensemble with one on a part, aimed to hone our more advanced string players.
  • Warminster Singers: Our Staff and Pupil Choir, Year 9 upwards.
  • Close Harmony Choir: A 4-part acapella group, usually with two or three on a part, singing a range of contemporary songs, arranged to suit the voices in the ensemble.
  • Cantamus: Our Year 7 & 8 Choir
  • Ukulele Orchestra: Huge fun for beginners and more experienced players.
  • Drumming Group: Both experienced and beginner drummers who join together and love to hit things, from chairs, bins and all in between. A brilliant and innovative ensemble.

The Department has an excellent group of Music Scholars who contribute to the musical life of the school in many ways. Scholars will frequently perform in concerts, lead ensembles and assist in rehearsals. Scholars also receive training from visiting musicians beyond those in their weekly peripatetic lessons. For further information on Music Scholarships, please see the Scholarship section.