Music

MUSIC

In the Inspection Report of 2005, music was described as a ‘strength of the school’, and it continues to play an important role at Cliff.

CURRICULUM
The Director of Music teaches every form in the school from Nursery to Year 6, with each receiving a minimum of two lessons a week. Singing plays a large part in class lessons (often as a preparation for school assemblies, concerts and services), and recorder is taught in class from Year 1-Year 6. Each pupil, therefore, leaves Cliff being able to read music, play at least one instrument and with (if appropriate) a grade examination.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR
The Junior Choir (Years 1 & 2), Senior Choir (Years 3-6) and Orchestra rehearse weekly. Other ensembles meet from time to time.

INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
A team of five visiting staff teach piano, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar and singing on a weekly basis.  Pupils receive 30 lessons over the year for which there is a termly charge.

CONCERTS / PRODUCTIONS / COMPETITIONS
Regular concerts, involving all the pupils, are held each term. Events throughout the year may include: Autumn Concert, Christmas Concert, a spring or summer musical, House Music Competition and Performing Arts Festival.

ASSEMBLIES / SERVICES
A hymn/song is sung in each Assembly with music being played as the children enter and leave. At certain times of the year special Assemblies, and Services in St. John’s Church, are held and children from Nursery upwards may prepare music for Harvest, Remembrance Day, Easter and other occasions.

SINGING PRACTICE
The Director of Music holds weekly thirty minute practices at Bar Lane (Kindergarten – Year 2) and Leeds Road (Years 3-6) in preparation for Assemblies, Services and concerts.

GRADE EXAMINATIONS
Pupils may (with parental permission) be entered for the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and London College of Music (who use Cliff as their Wakefield examination centre). Pupils have the opportunity, if they reach the appropriate standard, of achieving success in Early Years Examinations (LCM), recorder, singing, and other instrumental grades as an outcome of class or individual lessons.