Music
Staff
R. Bingham (Head of Department)
C. Fyffe
KS3
All pupils receive two periods of Music throughout Years 8-10. The primary focus throughout the three years is on acquiring and developing skills in Listening, Performing, Composing and Appraising music of all styles and genres.
Instrumental Tuition Team
M. Quick
V. Yelamo
A. Hughes
L. Edwards
S. Crooks
M. McGlinn
R. Hanson
D. Robertson
M. Carmichael
B. Megoran
- Violin/Viola
- Cello
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Brass
- Guitar
- Piano
- Voice
- Piping
- Drumming
Year 8
The Building Blocks of Music
Rhythm
Melody
Harmony
Timbre
Texture & Form
Practical Music-making = Ukulele, Classroom Percussion & voices
Year 9
Minimalism
Fireworks!
Keyboard Challenge
How the Voice Works (Operas & Musicals)
World Music Passport
Careers in Music
Practical Music-making = Ukulele, Classroom Percussion, Keyboards, Djembe drumming and Samba rhythms
Year 10
Soundtracks – Music for Film
Video Game Music
Hooks & Riffs
What makes a good song?
Music technology (iPads & Garageband)
Practical Music-making = Ukulele, Classroom Percussion, Keyboards, Djembe drumming and Samba rhythms
GCSE
CCEA Music
Content
Assessment
Weightings
Unit 1: Performance
Solo performance
Ensemble performance
Discussion
35%
Unit 2: Composition
2 compositions, lasting 3-6 minutes
30%
Unit 3: Listening and Appraising
Listening Paper – based on set works and unseen music studied throughout the course.
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Western Classical Music 1600-1910
-
Film Music
-
Musical Traditions of Ireland
-
Popular Music 1980 – present day.
35%
A Level
CCEA Music
Content
Assessment
Weightings
AS 1: Performing
Solo performance
Viva Voce
35% AS
14% of A Level
AS 2: Composing
Composition Task
Written Commentary
35% AS
14% of A Level
AS 3: Responding to Music
Test of aural Perception
Written Exam
30% of AS
12% of AL
A2 1: Performing
Solo performance
Viva Voce
21% of A Level
A2 2: Composing
Composition Task
Written Commentary
21% of a Level
A2 3: Responding to Music
Test of aural Perception
Written Exam
18% of AL
Extra-Curricular Music
Junior Choir
Meets weekly on Tuesday break times (10.35am) and is for pupils in Years 8-10. Mr Fyffe is conductor. The Junior Choir performs at our Christmas and Spring events.
Senior Choir
Meets weekly on Tuesday after school (3.30 – 4.30pm) and is for pupils in Years 11-14. Mrs Bingham is conductor. Senior Choir performs at several events throughout the year including, Remembrance Day, Christmas and Spring Concert
Brass Band
Brass Band meets every week on Thursday after school, 3.30-4.45pm and is conducted by Mrs Bingham. All pupils receiving brass tuition in school are expected to attend. Brass Band perform at our events at Christmas and Spring. They also perform at concerts arranged by Strabane Brass Band and for many years took competed in the Brass Band League contests held in Strabane.
Academy Orchestra
The Orchestra is open to all pupils who receive instrumental tuition within school and it meets on Monday after school: 3.30pm – 4.30pm. The Orchestra performs at the Spring Concert. We have been known to have extra-long rehearsals with pizza delivered to keep us all in good form!!
Other ensembles which meet prior to concerts are:
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String Orchestra
-
Woodwind Ensembles
-
Bluegrass Group
-
Rock Group
-
Samba Band
-
Percussion Ensemble
-
African Drumming Ensemble
-
‘The Lads’ vocal ensemble
Spring Concert
The Spring Concert is the showcase event for the Music Department! Taking place in March each year, over 200 pupils from Years 8 – 14 have the opportunity to display their talents in instrumental and vocal music. An exceptional night; in fact, a much anticipated event in the Arts calendar within Omagh and the surrounding community. Tickets are available from the Box Office at the Strule Arts Centre.
** Date for 2022 = Thursday 3rd March ‘Serenade for Spring’ with performances at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now!!!
School Musicals
The Music Department plays a pivotal role in the production of school musicals. These performances have taken place in the Strule Arts Centre and play to packed houses. Check out the images in the school Prospectus, website and Facebook pages to relive these wonderful productions.
2013 ~ Oklahoma!
2016 ~ Our House
2018 ~ My Fair Lady
Music Trips
We enjoy going to concerts at the Strule Arts Centre, going to Belfast to see the Ulster Orchestra perform or watching shows at the Grand Opera House. We look forward to adding more dates/trips to our diary once Covid restrictions have eased.
In January 2020 the GCSE and A-Level Music classes travelled to London for a 3-day trip. During their action-packed itinerary they squeezed in … a tour of the Royal Albert Hall, a tour of UK Parliament, took part in a choreography workshop in the West End, watched an evening performance of the West End musical ‘Matilda’, took part in a Balinese Gamelan workshop organised by the London Symphony Orchestra, shopping, coffee, meals and lots of fun!
Instrumental Tutors
Brass
Mr S Crooks - Wednesday
Mrs L Edwards - Thursday
Woodwind
Mrs A Hughes - Monday
Violin & Viola
Mrs M Quick - Wednesday & Thursday
Cello
Mr V Yelamo - Monday
Guitar
Mr M McGlinn – Thursday
Piano
Mrs R Hanson – Thursday
Piping
Mr M Carmichael – Monday
Snare Drumming
Mr B Megoran – Tuesday
Voice
Mr Robertson – Friday
**More information is available on Extra-Curricular Page and through the Music Department Facebook page**
Diary Dates for 2021/22
Monday 13th December 2021
Brass Ensemble performs at ‘Winter Wonderland’, Omagh
Tuesday 14th December 2021
Rejoice! – a musical reflection for the Christmas season.
Strule Arts Centre, Omagh with performances at 5pm & 7.30pm
Tickets available from the Box Office/Website of Strule Arts Centre.
Friday 17th December 2021
Brass Band perform at Strule Arts Centre – as guests of Strabane Brass Band.
Tickets available from the Box Office/Website of Strule Arts Centre.
Thursday 3rd March 2022
Serenade for Spring - Spring Concert
Strule Arts Centre, Omagh with performances at 2pm and 7.30pm
Tickets available from the Box Office/Website of Strule Arts Centre.
What other events will we squeeze in during 2022?
Make sure you follow our Facebook page to find our more!