Music
Music is a vehicle of personal expression and creativity, and it plays an important part in the development of our children at Pennthorpe. Experiencing the joy of performing and creating music in groups is at the core of the Music teaching ethos at Pennthorpe.
Pupils have specialist class lessons from Nursery right up to Year 8 in our dedicated music rooms, and have the opportunity to sing and play a range of instruments together. A huge range of peripatetic music lessons are available; ranging from vocal training, piano, guitar, violin, flute, clarinet, drums, trumpet and more!
Pleasure in Music
Our aims in the music department are to stimulate and maintain pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in music from an early age and to promote ‘musicking’ as a source of pleasure, an important part of leisure activities and a life skill.
Pupils enjoy a weekly lesson with the Director of Performing Arts but have significant opportunities to play musical instruments, be part of musical groups such as Chapel Choir, Rock band, Stage Band as well as participate in performances, Musical Soirees, Tea Time Concerts and competitive festivals.
Performances and Concerts
Numerous orchestras and ensembles are organised to ensure pupils get the chance to perform as part of a group. Pennthorpe also has a proud tradition of choral singing and boasts a Chamber Choir (which children must audition for) and two other choirs – Rock Choir and Rock Choir II (which are open to all).
Our annual House Music Competition encourages solo performances, as well as ensemble performances.
Parents are invited to join us for the regular programme of informal recitals and (slightly) more formal annual Soirées, as well as the Choir visits to Cathedrals and local Festivals
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”Plato, founder of Western political philosophy and appreciator of music (who knew?!)
Drama
There is something for everyone in Drama; whether a budding Oscar winner, technical whizz with sound and lighting or with artistic flair for props and scenery, all pupils take part. Weekly lessons provide an insight into the various dramatical skills and all children can involve themselves in regular performances as well as LAMDA and Musical Theatre.
Children love to act and at Pennthorpe they develop their confidence and co-operative skills through Drama. Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in public speaking competitions within House events and at external festivals to further develop their presenting and performing skills.
Pennthorpe is also a centre for LAMDA tuition and many children take their graded exams.
Drama Productions
Major productions take place throughout the year and all children participate; from Christmas spectaculars in the Pre-Prep to our version of classics such as ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Oliver! Jr’ in the Prep school. For those less comfortable on the stage, they are actively encouraged to engage in the technical elements, scenery, props and costumes; to be part of the performance and the group. Parents, family and friends are encouraged to come to our performances, which are always great fun, and often come along whether or not they have children performing.
“When children pretend, they’re using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A child can be a superhero.”Vince Gowmon, Healer, Speaker, Author, Poet, Musician, Singer-songwriter
The Pennthorpe Stage
performances staged in one academic year
of pupils undertake individual music lessons
of pupils gained distinction in their LAMDA exams
the number of different musical instruments currently taught at Pennthorpe
