Reception
+44 (0)1344 296600
reception@stmarysascot.com
Address
St Mary’s Road, Ascot,
Berkshire SL5 9JF
Admissions
+44 (0)1344 296614
admissions@stmarysascot.com
Music lessons in Years 7 to 9 focus on practical work and involve developing skills in composing, listening and performing through the study of a variety of genres.
Year 7 explore the elements of music and the instruments of the orchestra. Year 8 investigate The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns and discover samba music through performance and ensemble playing. Year 9 projects include Blues and Song as well as Music for Film and Advertisements.
At GCSE, pupils follow the AQA course. This is a skills-based course in which composition and performance form 60% of the overall grade. Pupils perform and record a solo and an ensemble piece, as well as writing two contrasting compositions. The remaining 40% is a listening paper comprising a variety of musical genres.
At A Level, pupils follow the AQA syllabus, which again comprises 60% composition and performance and a 40% written paper. Pupils perform a 10-15 minute recital to an audience of pupils, parents and staff, and this is recorded. The written component of the course involves the study of Western Classical Music and the option to study two areas of choice. These could include Music for Theatre, Jazz, or Art Music since 1910.
Trips are a regular feature of the Department’s activities through our Culture Club series. We are able to take advantage of the world-class music that is on offer at top London venues, in particular the Royal Festival Hall and the Coliseum. A recent trip saw English National Opera perform Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, which pupils are studying for A Level.
European choir tours are undertaken regularly by Campion, the main senior choir, and are always very popular. In 2024, Campion sang Mass in St Mark’s Basilica, and gave concerts in the Salla della Carita in Padova and St George’s Anglican Church in Venice. They will also visited churches, watched fireworks on the Grand Canal, and saw glass-blowing on Murano. The previous trip went to Budapest, where the choir performed a number of concerts, as well as singing Mass at St Stephen’s Basilica and a festive programme of music on the central stage at the Christmas market.
Concerts at school take place regularly. In the Michaelmas term we hold our annual Music by Candlelight concert, as well as three carol services. The Vocal and Orchestral Concert in March is the main school concert of the year. In 2024, the programme included Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. Soloists and ensembles perform regularly on other occasions such as Open Mornings and alumnae events. Informal lunchtime concerts are held every two or three weeks.
The girls also organise their own major events. The Summer Soirée is a concert organised with Sixth Form pupils who put on ensemble pieces with girls from younger years and guest performers from boys schools. The programme often includes original compositions. The Music Captain also organises and hosts her own annual concert, which might be a formal classical concert in the Chapel, or a contemporary café-style event in the Rose Theatre. In addition to the classical repertoire, the Department also organises regular Open Mic nights, and an annual Rock Concert.
In addition to our practice rooms, we have larger tutorial and rehearsal spaces, and opportunities for collaborative music-making are plentiful and fun. Concerts take place either in the Rose Theatre or in the Chapel.
Campion is the main senior choir, comprising girls from Year 9 upwards. Membership is by audition. Campion is at the heart of the school, providing liturgical music for Sunday Mass, singing at whole school events such as Open Day, and touring abroad every 2-3 years.
Junior Campion is the junior choir for pupils in Years 7 and 8. They lead the singing at Mass once a term, and perform in concerts throughout the year. Junior Campion provides excellent preparation for the senior choir.
Senior Madrigal is a select choir of 16 voices who perform in school concerts and at other special events.
Orchestra is comprised of girls of Grade 5 standard and above who enjoy performing a range of repertoire from Handel and Elgar to film scores by John Williams. They perform in concerts several times a year, including the school’s main annual Vocal and Orchestral Concert.
Junior Ensemble provides an opportunity for younger musicians to learn to play together in a large ensemble, and to perform repertoire that is light and enjoyable, including film and show music. The emphasis is on music-making as collaborative and fun.
Jazz Band provides an opportunity for girls to enjoy ensemble work in a range of different styles, from blues and funk to swing and Latin. Girls learn to play tailor-made arrangements, and perform in both school and charity concerts.
Chamber Music is the focus of a number of chamber groups across the school, including piano trios, string trios, a Flute Group, and the Harp Ensemble, all of whom perform on a regular basis.
House ensembles, led by the pupils, compete for the House Music Cup, comprising separate competitions for Vocals, Instrumentals and Battle of the Bands.
+44 (0)1344 296600
reception@stmarysascot.com
St Mary’s Road, Ascot,
Berkshire SL5 9JF
+44 (0)1344 296614
admissions@stmarysascot.com
