Music

Music thrives at Yarm and plays a major role in the everyday life of the School. With some of the best school performing facilities in the North East which include our 750-seat auditorium, Recital Room, Dance Studio and Studio Theatre.

Music is as much an activity as it is an academic subject. Our many instrumental and vocal groups meet weekly and put on a variety of concerts each year as well as providing the music for key school events.

Choral groups range from the 120 strong full choir, to barbershop, music theatre, pop groups, chamber choir and cappella groups. Instrumentally, our aim is to cater for all instruments and abilities. In addition to the larger ensembles such as symphony orchestra, string group, big band and wind band, a number of smaller ensembles meet on a weekly basis.

The new Music School, which opened in September 2016 houses classrooms, 10 instrumental tuition rooms, a drumming suite and a recording studio. There is also a 140-seat lecture theatre with retractable seating, making it a truly flexible performance venue for smaller concerts and rehearsals. The Recording Suite enables students to use industry standard software for their composition and performance work. You can step into our Music School via our Virtual 360 Tour.

Numerous platforms for performance are available throughout the year, from school Prize Givings to concerts attended by the school and local community. The annual Community Christmas Concert is an extremely popular event and has moved to two performances due to demand.

Instrumental Music

The Music School offers opportunities for children to learn any instrument of their choice. Over 250 pupils receive instrumental tuition from our talented team of visiting music teachers. Instruments include:

• Piano
• Organ
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Harp
• Flute
• Recorder
• Clarinet
• Oboe
• Bassoon
• Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Cornet
• French Horn
• Tenor Horn
• Trombone
• Tuba
• Classical (acoustic) Guitar
• Electric Guitar
• Bass Guitar
• Drum Kit and
• Orchestral Percussion

Performance Examinations

All pupils are encouraged to take performance examinations, although some pupils simply decide to learn works for enjoyment. Many pupils achieve Grade 8 before leaving for university and some current pupils have gained diploma status. We are currently host examiners from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Rock School and London College of Music.