'Music for All' at Queen's
Music is part of the rich heritage of Queen’s. We embrace not just learning an instrument but also how to perform and have fun!
Girls are encouraged to try new instruments and techniques but we also try to develop their confidence to enable them to showcase their skills to the best of their ability.
From the first musical steps in KS1 to Years 5 and 6., the girls experience an array of musical styles, perform using different instruments and develop their creativity and confidence.
In Year 2 the girls will learn how to play the flute, Year 3 the recorder and Year 4 and above the ukulele.
Many girls choose to study additional instruments as well. Our fantastic team of peripatetic music teachers offer Voice, Piano, Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion lessons. Some girls take ABRSM exams and enjoy participating in our Lower School Recitals. The annual Summer Serenade concert enables those having vocal or instrumental lessons to have an opportunity to perform. The Queen's Junior Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble and String group are also highlights of the evening.
Reaching out to the community is an equal priority at Queen's. The Music Department work closely with Upton Dean Nursing Home and community projects, Little Beats, and 'Making Maestros' to enable the girls to perform and make a difference to those who need a little music to brighten their day. As well as performances in Chester Cathedral, the girls build confidence whilst creating special performance memories here at Queens. Our 'Big Play' event offered an exciting outreach opportunity where external primary schools combined with Queen's Lower School and completed an orchestral workshop. Playing as part of an orchestra is rather spectacular!
We are fortunate to have three choirs in the Music Department. Our Infant choir 'Songbirds', Year 3 and 4 choir 'Nightingales' and 'Queen's Young Voices' for girls in Years 5 and 6. The girls are very competitive and love taking part in competitions like the 'Chester Festival for Performing Arts' where they returned with a trophy after winning their category.
Most importantly, music has a place for all, and at Queen's we are dedicated to creating a learning environment that is safe, aids confidence, improves wellbeing, enables creativity and allows each and every girl to enjoy.
Developing drama talents and appreciation
Every girl has the opportunity to embrace this aspect of the curriculum. All pupils have a drama lesson once a week, and they all take part in a production once a year. Our girls are encouraged to allow their natural joy of performing to shine through, and it is heart-warming to see how they take on these opportunities with courage and confidence, whilst also developing on their public speaking. Productions take place throughout the school year with Year 5&6 having the opportunity to take their production to the Senior School stage, supporting their transition into Year 7 and Senior School.
All girls from Year 2 to Year 6 are offered the opportunity to participate in Speech and Drama lessons with a Lamda affiliation. These lessons incur an additional charge. Pupils are also given the opportunity to appreciate the arts through visits to see Storyhouse productions, as well as theatre trips further afield.
