Music at BGS

Co-curricular Music

Instrumental Tuition

The core of our provision beyond the curriculum is a high quality instrumental tuition scheme, with over 200 pupils currently involved taking private lessons with 16 visiting specialist tutors. Instruments available include all orchestral and band instruments, guitar, voice, piano and drums. About 100 pupils take ABRSM or Trinity College Music grade exams each year. In most cases, pupils are loaned a school instrument for 2 years. Places are allocated following auditions, and every effort is made to give all pupils who wish to learn an instrument as part of the scheme the opportunity to do so.

á

Making Music Together

The following groups perform in school at different times throughout the year:

Concert Band

• Junior Orchestra
• Choir
• Senior Wind Band
• String Group
• School Play Band
• CCF Band

In addition, pupils are strongly encouraged to develop their own bands and ensembles to help develop skills of leadership, ensemble performance, and personal development. Pupils benefit enormously from the social aspect of performing together in school groups.

Pupils are also encouraged to apply to be part of local county bands and orchestras, and an increasing number gain admission to the Ulster Youth Orchestra, Ulster Youth Choir and summer choral courses in Armagh and Eton.

Events

Music is central in the life and routine of Bangor Grammar School. A typical year includes major performances at Speech Day, Remembrance Day, School Play, Christmas Carol Services, Open Day, a House Music Competition, the Spring Concert and usually a number of charity performances outside the school. The music making in Bangor Grammar School is characterised by its own unique mixture of musical excellence, balanced with appropriate informality and audience appeal.

From time to time we also host occasional concerts from visiting musicians as diverse as Jeff Rich (drummer from Status Quo), an Oxford choral group, the band of the Royal Irish Regiment and top jazz performers Paul Eschelby and Tina May.

In this 150th Anniversary Year we organised a spectacular concert in the Waterfront, with 336 participants in an eclectic programme of celebration and entertainment.