“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan and not quite enough time.”
Leonard Bernstein
Creating, performing, listening and appraising, the Ballard Music Department is a hub of creative energy, where pupils and staff enjoy keeping music live and relevant. A varied ensemble programme, pupil bands, studio work, recitals, concerts, trips, festivals, gigs, school shows, sound and lighting, Specialist Visiting Music Teachers and 1:1 lessons, the Music Mentor Programme – there is all to play for! From Mozart to Metallica and Shostakovich to Singing in the Rain, good music is good music no matter the genre. Create, Perform, Go beyond…
We are incredibly proud that in an era when music education is being squeezed nationally, it continues to thrive at Ballard.
The Music Department is staffed by enthusiastic and energetic teachers, committed to making music fun and fulfilling for all; they have a range of specialist skills from the classical and commercial world in both instrumental and vocal work. Music is part of the curriculum from KG – Year 11, with a track record of 100% A*- C at GCSE and 100% Pass to Distinction Grades 1-8 for Music Exams (ABRSM/Trinty). Highlights from our performance calendar include our Carol Service at Christchurch Priory, Informal Christmas and Summer concerts, the Classical Concert at Beaulieu Abbey Church, European Tour, and Musical Productions for all ages.
Pre-Prep
Pre-Prep music at Ballard is all about fostering a sense of enjoyment and achievement, building confidence, co-ordination and collaborative skills through a variety of fun activities (singing, playing instruments, listening, discussing and reacting to music and basic notation).
All children participate in performances, including the annual Nativity and Summer Showcase and have the opportunity of instrumental lessons (age dependent).
Lower Prep
Lower Prep pupils receive weekly music lessons from our specialist teachers in our well-equipped music building and iMac Studio.
Pupils study composers (classical-contemporary) and their music, composition skills (iMac Studio), musical notation, and a range of fun, practical activities to increase musicianship skills (class ensembles, band work, vocal groups).
Pupils also enjoy an Expressive Arts programme, working across music, dance and drama to prepare for a range of performances including an annual musical production.
Upper Prep
Upper Prep pupils receive weekly music lessons from our specialist teachers in our well-equipped music building and iMac Studio.
Pupils study composers (classical-contemporary) and their music, composition skills (iMac Studio), musical notation, and a range of fun, practical activities to increase musicianship skills (class ensembles, band work, vocal groups).
Pupils in Year 6 also enjoy an Expressive Arts programme, working across music, dance and drama to prepare for a range of performances including an annual musical production.
Senior
Year 9 pupils receive weekly music lessons from our specialist teachers in our well-equipped music building and iMac Studio.
Pupils study composers (classical-contemporary) and their music, composition skills (iMac Studio), musical notation, and a range of fun, practical activities to increase musicianship skills (class ensembles, band work, vocal groups).
Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE pupils have a wide range of opportunities to help prepare them for the next stage of their music education and the wider world of the music industry, whether it be contemporary or classical, or progressing from GCSE music to study music at 6th Form.
