Music

INSTRUMENTAL & VOCAL TUITION

Learning an instrument and solo singing is not only fun and enjoyable, it provides opportunities to take part in collaborative music making within ensembles, gives children a sense of purpose and self-worth, and develops the ability to work in an independent, organised and disciplined way, all of which are things that universities and future employers look at very favourably.

KES is proud to have an outstanding team of 17 Specialist Music Staff who deliver instrumental and vocal tuition to over 430 KES Pupils every week. They are all accomplished musicians and performers in their respective fields and many also run musical KES ensembles.

To support engagement, we are delighted to offer a package of six, discounted, 30-minute taster lessons which allow pupils to find the sound that reflects and suits them best.

Performance Opportunities

With around 50 performance opportunities a year, we have a very exciting and busy calendar of musical events, both in school and in the wider community. So that our young musicians can experience a wider variety of performance events, without overloading the already busy and balanced school calendar, we run a triennial Music performance programme.

Performance opportunities range from soloist concerts to lunchtime recitals, with concerts often taking place at high-profile external venues such as the Holburne Museum. Semi-formal concerts in front of parents, friends and staff range from our LOWER SCHOOL CONCERT for Years 7 & 8 to the AUTUMN and SPRING COLOURS CONCERTS for pupils from any year, on any instrument and of any level of ability.

Our Masterclass series provide wonderful opportunities to develop solo performance skills. Led by an inspiring visiting soloist, around 6-7 pupils perform a piece of their choice and then have around 20-25 minutes feedback. We hold 5 masterclasses a year in association with our professional partnership orchestra - Bath Philharmonia - for Upper Strings, Lower Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. We also hold masterclasses for pianists and singers on alternate years as well as an in-house, Musical Theatre Showcase.

As well as performing regularly in Whole School Assemblies and internal concerts, our KES Ensembles enjoy an exciting programme of playing outside the environs of the School in such events as the Bath Festival, at the Royal United Hospital, successfully competing in the Mid-Somerset Festival Competition and in performances in collaboration with other choirs and ensembles. In addition, here is a brief flavour of some of the other major performance events that we hold within our triennial Music Programme.

Music Ensembles

A vibrant and essential part of our Music offer, our weekly ensembles are an integral part of life at King Edward’s. Run either by our Academic or Specialist Music Staff, participation is keenly encouraged and is viewed as hugely beneficial for musical development and understanding.

From specific instrumental discipline ensembles (Steel Pans, Carinet, Saxophone, Flute – intermediate & advanced & Cello), through instrumental family ensembles (String Quartet, KES Wind, KES Brass, Percussion Ensemble), choral ensembles (KES24), contemporary music ensembles (Band Workshop, KES Contemporary & KES Soul) to full orchestras and choirs (‘KESOO’ – Kes Open Orchestra, KES Senior Orchestra and KES Senior Singers), there really is something for every musical taste and ability.

In addition, we run weekly Music Theory classes, a special KES Composer’s Club and Music Tech Club.

Music Team

Led by our both, inspirational and aspirational, Director of Music, Rupert Drury, our Music Team consists of 22 dedicated and passionate musicians who work together to deliver a rich and varied Music programme.

Within our academic teaching team, we are fortunate to have our own in-house composer, Mark Boden, who also works as Tutor in Composition with Notated Music Skills at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Mark has been commissioned by a varied range of ensembles including BBC National Orchestra of Wales, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Central Band of the Royal Air Force and Sinfonia Cymru to name but a few. He has also had numerous orchestral works broadcast on BBC Radio 3 – a true role model for our pupils.

Performance skills are highly valued here at KES and as such, we are delighted to count an in-house accompanist as part of our team. Doubling as a Performance Coach, this role is invaluable in supporting our young musicians to reach their full potential.

Delivering first-class instrumental and vocal tuition our team of Specialist Music Staff are second to none. Highly rated in Bath and beyond, they deliver over 450 individual lessons each week across all instrumental and vocal disciplines. Alongside their teaching commitments, all our staff perform professionally, providing a great source of inspiration for their students.

Our Associate Musician plays a key role in facilitating our ensembles and promoting the myriad benefits of playing music with others. A specialist in Music Technology, our Associate Musician is always on hand to assist pupils in making the most of the professional-grade Music software available to them at KES.

Supporting both our Academic and Cocurricular teams, our Music Administrator is the first point of contact for pupils, parents and staff alike. For all music-related questions, our Music Administrator is always available to assist.

Partnerships

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bath is renowned for its cultural offer, and we are proud to call three of our city’s major institutions, partners.

Established in 2013, our relationship with Bath Philharmonia is an invaluable part of musical life at KES. One of the leading professional orchestras in the south west, the benefits of this partnership include the opportunity to rehearse with and perform alongside professional musicians at our annual Gala Concert, as well as numerous instrumental Masterclasses throughout the year. In addition, the partnership extends to allow KES pupils exclusive access to Bath Philharmonia concerts free of charge, including the rare opportunity to meet and learn from world-class soloists such as Nicola Benedetti, Laura van de Heijden, Jess Gillam and Sheku Kanneh-Mason – both in rehearsal and in bespoke, on-site workshops.

Bath Abbey has a highly regarded vocal heritage and we are fortunate to have a well-established relationship with their Song School, producing many exceptional choral singers over the years.

Art at the Heart supports the RUH Bath with an arts programme that stimulates healing and well-being and creates an uplifting environment for patients, visitors and staff alike. It is our pleasure to provide musical ensemble performances in and around the hospital which double-up as valuable fundraising opportunities.