Music
Music is highly valued at Worplesdon and children are taught from Reception through to year 6 in the well-resourced PAC (Performing Arts Centre), with a broad curriculum underpinned by Kodaly principles. This uses singing games and rhymes to teach all the elements of music in a joyful and holistic way. The children leave Worplesdon with a very high level of musicianship and knowledge.
As well as learning recorder and piano as a part of their Class Music lessons, children are actively encouraged to start an instrument, join choirs and ensembles, and to explore the many opportunities for performance that occur throughout the school year.
If your child learns an instrument outside school, please make sure that you let Mrs Philpot know, so they can be included in performance opportunities and their achievements celebrated.
The School is also a training hub for music, and teachers from all over Surrey regularly come to observe and learn about this approach.
Please contact Mrs Philpot (fphilpot@worplesdon.surrey.sch.uk ) if you would like to find out more about how you can get involved in the musical life of our school.
Instrumental Learning
If you would like your child to start an instrument, please feel free to come and chat to Mrs Philpot to discuss options or contact the instrumental teachers directly.
| Instrument | Teacher | Email Address | When | Ensembles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin & Viola | Mrs Symington | trishsymington@gmail.com |
Monday Wednesday Friday |
Super Strings Wed 9.50-10.10 Mini Mozarts Fri 10.10-10.30 |
| Piano | Gaby Westwood | Monday | ||
| Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium) | Mr Nash | andrewtrptnash@btinternet.com | Thursday | Brass Tax Thurs 9.50-10.10 |
| Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet) & Piano | Jasmine Ravenhill | jasmine_ducker@yahoo.co.uk | Tuesday | Flute and Veg Tues 9.50-10.10 |
| Drums and Guitars | Rock and Pop Foundation | admin@rockandpopfoundation.com | Friday | |
| Rock Band Club | Guildford Rock School | contact@guildfordrockschool.com |
Thursday Friday |
|
| Cello | Mrs Amanda Stratton | Friday |
For non-Rock and Pop, lessons are billed by the teachers directly and fees are payable one term in advance:
- Individual 20 minute lesson: £16
- Individual 30 minute lesson: £24
- Groups of 2, 30 minute lesson: £14
Children are strongly encouraged to participate in ensembles, choirs and the many performance opportunities held throughout the school year. There is no charge for ensembles or in-school concerts. There may be minimal charges to cover transport etc on other occasions.
Children typically start with 20 minute lessons but are encouraged to move up to 30 minutes once they are developing their technique, and certainly if they are preparing for exams. Lessons are invoiced by the individual teacher concerned, payable a term in advance.
The school has instruments to loan at £45 a year so you don’t need to buy until your child is sure of their instrument. Please come and talk to Mrs Philpot if you have any further questions.
Music Clubs
We have a wide selection of clubs on offer to cater for all ages and stages of music-making! Some run throughout the year, others are brought together for a specific event or performance. From Hand-bells to instrumental ensembles, to Choirs and Rock bands, there is bound to be a music club to appeal.
Please visit the Clubs and Activities page for a current list of music clubs offered.
Here is a typical selection of Music clubs and groups:
MTech
Tuesday 3:20 Nightingales. Please contact office@mtechonline.co.uk
Choirs
Our choirs prepare for all sorts of exciting performances throughout the year for Christmas events, school fairs, and concerts plus, events further afield such as Young Voices at the O2, Primary Music Days at Winston Churchill School in Woking and Guildford Primary Music Day at GLive.
- Show choir is on Mondays 3:20-4:20 in the PAC with Miss Taylor
- School choir is on Wednesdays 3:20-4:20 in the PAC with Mrs Philpot
Choirs are open to everyone at no charge.
Recorders
Recorder Groups
In year 3, all children have a recorder which will stay with them throughout their time at Worplesdon. Learning to play the recorder develops a myriad of musical literacy, coordination and ensemble skills, all creating a strong foundation to build on when taking up future instruments.
Year 4 children who are interested in taking their recorder playing to the next level can join the Recorder Club.
Theory Class
When there is sufficient demand, Mrs Ravenhill is able to offer a before school Theory class.
Children who have already started preparing to take exams are also encouraged to begin theory classes at Worplesdon. Our aim is for children to be at around Grade 1 to 2 standard in their theory by the time they leave Worplesdon. Grade 5 Theory is needed before taking ABRSM Grade 6, so this stands them in good stead to be well prepared for their future music-making.
We are very pleased to continue to be a Surrey Arts Music Mark school for the academic year 2024-25! Please download the attached Music Mark welcome letter to read more about this.
