The Music Department has two large classrooms each equipped with keyboards, guitars, drumkits (acoustic and electronic), piano and hi-fi systems. In addition to this each classroom supports full computer/MIDI workstations using Sibilieus & Logic Audio software. There is also a recently converted and fully equipped digital recording studio.

Courses

Have a look at the courses offered by Music, through Standard Grade to Advanced Higher you can pick the elements of the course to suit you:

• Standard Grade
• Higher Grade
• Advanced Higher Grade

Music Groups

Over the years Teachers and Tutors have started groups of keen musicians playing a variety of instruments. Through hard work, determination and dedication these groups have thrived and become very popular, performing at high standards at many school and local events.

The School Band has now been together for many years. Pupils enjoy playing and performing in the band throughout school life. The band is conducted by Mr McQueen, Brass Tutor in school, on a Wednesday after school (3:45PM - 4:45PM).

Download Music - Course Timeline - 2009-10

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Download Music - Rehearsal Schedule - 2009-10

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Standard Grade Music

Performing
The performance element of the course will develop your skills in performing on two instruments or one instrument and voice. One instrument is chosen as a solo instrument and one as a group performance.

The choice of instruments is wide and includes keyboard, guitar, drumkit, recorder and voice. If you have received instrumental instruction in S1 and S2 (Brass, Woodwind and Strings) you are particularly suited to the Standard Grade course with its emphasis on practical performance.

Listening
You are encouraged to listen to all kinds of music and to become familiar with a wide variety of musical styles. Pop Music, Reggae, Scottish Music, Ragtime, Blues, Jazz and the Symphony are amongst the styles which you will cover S3 and S4.

Inventing
The inventing element allows you to create your own music through arranging, improvising or composing. As in performing and listening, you are encouraged to invent in a variety of musical styles and write for different instruments.

Your Solo Performing and Listening are assessed externally.

Group Performing and Inventing are assessed internally.

Higher Music
There are two units in the Music Course: Mandatory and Optional Unit.

Mandatory:

Performing
Using an instrument or voice (solo group or a combination of both) you are required to prepare a programme of at least two contrasting pieces.

Inventing
You are to produce a folio of inventions using any of the following techniques:

Composing, Arranging, Improvising. The whole folio (scores, tapes and programme notes) is also externally assessed and graded. The Course Log is to be maintained showing an understanding of relevant concepts and how they are deployed in the folio or inventions.

Listening
Through listening to music you will become familiar with a wide range of styles and be able to identify relevant concepts.

A final Listening Paper forms the external assessment and contributes to the final grade awarded at the end of the course.

The Course Log is to be maintained showing an understanding of relevant concepts.

Optional:

Performing Extension
Using an instrument or voice you are required to prepare a programme of at least two contrasting pieces.

Inventing Extension
You are to produce a folio of inventions. These can be compositions and/or arrangements.

MIDI Sequencing
You are to produce a folio of inventions using the MIDI facilities provided. These can be compositions and/or arrangements. See the music staff for details.

Advanced Higher Music

There are two units in the advanced Higher Course: Mandatory Unit and an Optional Unit.

Mandatory

Performing
You are required to perform a live recital of a solo and / or group performance of contrasting pieces.

Inventing
You are to produce a folio of invention or inventions using any of the following techniques: Composing, Arranging, Improvising

Listening
You will be required to show very advanced aural skills in identifying concepts in a wide range of contexts, and in great depth. Reports (250 - 300 words each) on at least two related or contrasting pieces of music are to be prepared. Also, a 1500 word Commentary on two or more related or contrasting musical works is submitted.

There is a wide variety of extensions available in the optional units, speak to Mr Farr or Mrs Keogh for more information.