Music
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
This is a school rich in opportunities for young musicians. Whether they are singers, players, composers, or simply lovers of music, the Inst Music Department can offer them a wonderfully diverse and colourful experience.
It is the aim of this Department that all pupils should:
Enjoy making music
Have the opportunity to participate in musical performances of a high standard
Be able to play an instrument or sing sufficiently to participate in group music-making
Have the experience of playing several kinds of instruments
Collaborate with pupils of different age-groups
Be able to listen with discrimination
Have the opportunity to hear a wide range of music
Become acquainted with the concepts of form and architecture in sound
Have the experience of listening to extended pieces of music
Be equipped with the curiosity to explore further the world of music
Have the experience of creating their own music
Be able to express their own feelings and ideas through music
Have the opportunity to pursue musical studies to an advanced level.
Performing Music
There are enormous numbers of boys involved in musical activities at Inst. The fact that these activities are voluntary gives ample testimony to the loyalty and commitment which the Music Department inspires. Spectacular performances, greeted by (the now customary) standing ovations, represent highlights of the school year, and of many pupils’ school career.
Choir
A voluntary choir of 130 voices would be huge for most schools, but for a Boys’ school it is unprecedented. The age-range is 12-18 (the younger boys providing the upper voices – Treble and Alto – for the older ones – Countertenor, Tenor and Bass). In this way, the juniors can perform alongside the seniors at all the major events of the year – wonderful experience for them!
The repertoire is as wide-ranging as is possible, from the great classics (in recent years: Faure’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb), to more contemporary styles (music by Radiohead, U2, Queen and others).
The two major concerts (the Charity Concert in November and the Spring Concert in March/April), along with the annual Carol Service, are the Choir’s main showcase events. They have also performed many times in exciting venues such as the Waterfront and the Ulster Hall.
The standard is extremely high, and the Choir has made numerous television and radio appearances. They have also won many awards, including the UTV School Choir of the Year.
Orchestra
Jazz Band
Ensembles
Recorder
The RBAI Recorder Ensemble, directed by Miss O’Hara, is one of the Music Department’s many smaller instrumental groups. Boys from all years can play in the group which usually consists of several descant, treble and tenor recorders. This year we are excited to add a bass recorder to the group for the first time.
Boys from the Recorder Ensemble perform at various events throughout the school year. Every December the ensemble ventures to venues such as Castle Court Shopping Centre andVictoria Squareto entertain Christmas shoppers and raise money for Action Cancer and in April a senior member of the group usually plays a technically demanding recorder sonata, accompanied by cello and harpsichord, at the Spring Concert.
Musicals
When the Inst Drama Club hosts musical productions, instrumentalists from the Music Department are selected to play in the Band. The music is directed by Miss K. O’Hara. Recent shows have included Grease and Guys and Dolls.
Why Study Music?
But what career advantage is there for those who simply want to participate in music and enjoy it?
Well, consider the qualities which all musicians develop through practising their art:
- Self-discipline
- Perseverance
- Co-operation (with groups)
- Creativity
- Improvisation (the ability to react quickly and make decisions)
- Self-confidence
- Risk-taking
- Self-expression
- The ability to communicate
- Analytical thinking
- Structural thinking
- Leadership
What employer would not value these qualities in an applicant?
Music Classes at Inst
Here is a brief synopsis of the learning and teaching activities in each year:
Years 8-10
Pupils engage in a variety of listening, composing and performing activities to explore the following themes:
Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 |
Breathing and Singing The Colour of Sound Reading the StaveRounds Ostinato Tempo Pentatonic Improvisation Atmosphere The River (a cross-curricular creative project) Classroom Orchestra |
Singing and Playing Group Rehearsal March Ternary Form Classroom Orchestra Sequence Fanfare War (a cross-curricular creative project) |
Form Harmony Modes Variations Arrangements |
Years 11 and 12
Pupils work towards a GCSE qualification in Music (CCEA).
A detailed syllabus may be viewed on CCEA’s own web-site (www.ccea.org.uk).
Here is a brief synopsis:
Component 1 : Composing and Appraising (30%)
Candidates must create two contrasting compositions
Component 2 : Performing and Appraising (35%)
Candidates must present one solo and one ensemble performance
Component 3 : Listening and Appraising (35%)
Candidates take an examination of aural perception based on core and optional areas of study.
Years 13 and 14
Pupils work towards AS and A-level qualifications in Music
A detailed syllabus may be viewed on CCEA’s own web-site (www.ccea.org.uk).
AS
Unit 1 :
- Making and Appraising Music (64% AS - 32% of A-level)
- Candidates select from the following options:
- Core solo or ensemble performance + composition
- Core solo or ensemble performance + multi-tracking
- Core solo or ensemble performance + sequenced arrangement
- Core composition + solo or ensemble performance
Unit 2 :
- Responding to Music (36% AS - 18% of A-level)
- Test of aural perception
- Written examination
A-level
Unit 1 :
- Making and Appraising Music (30%)
- Candidates select from the following options:
- Core solo or ensemble performance + composition
- Core solo or ensemble performance + multi-tracking
- Core solo or ensemble performance + sequenced arrangement
- Core composition + solo or ensemble performance
Unit 2 :
- Responding to Music (20%)
- Test of aural perception
- Written examination.
Music Staff
Head of Department :
- Mr P.M.Bolton
Assistant teacher
- Miss K. O’Hara
Peripatetic Staff :
- Strings/Piano
- Mrs A. Reid
- Mr J.Simmance
- Mr G.Newman
- Brass
- Mr J.Blakeman
- Woodwind
- Mr C.Irvine
- Mr B.Overton
- Mr G.MacAtasney
- Mr P.McErlean
- Guitar
- Mr M.Newman
- Drums/Percussion
- Mr C.Robb
Who do you want to be?

