Music

‘Music is the most universal of all the arts. Ask any person, in any city, in any country, what their favourite music is and they’ll always have an answer. So treasure music and keep it with you always.’ - John Suchet, Television Presenter

Music at Highfield takes many different forms with something to suit everyone! All of the children, from Reception to Prep 6, receive two lessons a week both of which are delivered by specialist music teachers. The focus during the class music lessons is on practical music making and the children are introduced to a wide range of musicians, composers and musical styles. During the singing sessions the emphasis is on fun and as well as learning songs for productions and assemblies, links are made to other areas of the curriculum.

Our department is generously resourced and we make regular use of Harrogate Ladies’ College facilities such as the Chapel, Small Hall and specialist teaching rooms, for example the Keyboard Lab, within the Music House. We also invite visiting speakers into Highfield to lead Music workshops which, in the past, have ranged from African drumming to making music on recycled objects to the full percussion section from an orchestra!

An ever increasing proportion of our pupils play a musical instrument: including violin, guitar, drums, cornet, clarinet and piano as well as receiving vocal tuition. All instrumentalists are encouraged to join one of our two orchestras and our Senior Orchestra has received a distinction and 1st prize for the last three years at the Harrogate Music Festival.

Singing plays a large part in the life of our school and as well as Junior and Senior Choirs many of our older children also sing and perform with the HLC Gallery Choir. For those children who feel they want even more music extra-curricular clubs, such as Recorders, are also available! There are performance opportunities for all of our musicians, regardless of ability, throughout the year including assemblies, lunchtime recitals, performances and Chapel services.