lower school music
Lower School music at Sevenoaks has been a fun and engaging
experience. There are oodles of activities in the Music department,
ranging from singing in choirs to meeting professional musicians.
When I first started here, I was overwhelmed by the wealth of
music-making and struggled to decide what I should pick to
do. However, I soon got into the habit of going to Foundation
Orchestra on Tuesdays and Lower School Singers on a Thursday.
As a Music scholar, I was also able to be in a quartet, with Mr Dyer
leading us for the first two terms and Mrs Hendry in the last term.
I have really enjoyed Foundation Orchestra, because it feels like
being a member of a full and dynamic ensemble. I would even go as
far as to say that under the leadership of Mr Potts and Mr Palmer,
the orchestra has sounded to my ears almost like a professional
group. This year I have had the chance to play Gustav Holst’s The
Planets as well as Brazil (a medley of Brazilian themes from films).
I thoroughly enjoyed the Foundation Orchestra trip where we
visited the Royal Festival Hall and heard a spectacular performance
by the LPO. In Lower School Singers, I have really enjoyed the
variety of pieces that we have looked at with Mr Palmer.
On arriving at Sevenoaks I was fortunate to be given the
opportunity to learn two new instruments. I chose the organ and
the piano. My teachers, Mr Ho and Mr Brooks, are very committed,
and I know that learning these two instruments is something
I definitely want to continue with in the next few years.
I’ve also been able to contribute to chamber music, being a
member of a string quartet who have been afforded different
opportunities such as participating in a masterclass with the
Sacconi Quartet (and then having a very nice dinner!), and taking
part in the Pro Corda competition. There has been an abundance of
concerts across the year, and I’ve played in many of them.
To top off the Lower School musical experience, the curriculum
in Year 7 has been really amazing. From learning how to play the
djembe all the way to avant-garde music, I have found class music
exciting and it has broadened my musical horizons.
Aryan Marxaney, Year 7
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PERFORMING ARTS