Music

“Pupils’ success in art, music and drama is considerable.”
- Independent Schools Inspectorate

Music is an integral part of life at Orwell Park, from singing in morning Assembly to instrumental lessons for over 90% of pupils; from regular choir and ensemble practices to rehearsals for one of over 60 musical events each year.

Specialist visiting musicians teach the full range of orchestral instruments, and also offer, harp, accordion and bagpipes.  Twenty-two ensembles, including wind band, jazz band and orchestra meet every week. Regular chamber concerts prepare for outstanding annual concerts; every year there is a Battle of the Bands in which pupils perform a wide variety of rock bands.

The Music Department is accommodated in three areas of the school; the Pre-Prep has an open performing space as well as a dedicated classroom; much of the basement of the Mansion is equipped with practice rooms (with pianos) and teaching rooms, including a Music Technology suite. Finally there are three chamber concert rooms with outstanding acoustics, each with a grand piano.

There are many opportunities to sing at Orwell Park: in Pre-Prep, Probationary, Senior Choir and Choral Society. Children and adults also combine every year to perform as a Community Choir. Recent works have included Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Requiem, Rutter’s Magnificat and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms.

In addition to our own concerts and productions, Orwell Park pupils represent the school in regional and national ensembles. Building upon considerable Associated Board and Trinity exam success, they participate in the Suffolk Festival, Pro Corda, and the National Childrens’ Choir and Orchestra.

Orwell Park pupils also produce and present plays and musicals. Memorable performances have included: Bugsy Malone, Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph, and The Little Shop of Horrors.