We launched our new Instrumental Scheme at the start of the 2023/24 academic year, giving all Year 7 students the chance to learn a woodwind or brass instrument.
The benefits of learning to play a musical instrument are widely recognised. It enhances creativity, discipline and self-confidence, and improves overall wellbeing. A recent study reported that students who play musical instruments do better in science, maths and English than their non-musical peers. Furthermore, playing music in a group setting promotes teamwork, collaboration and social interaction.
Kingsley has always had an outstanding reputation for providing a well-rounded education, giving students many different opportunities to explore their artistic and creative talents alongside their academic studies. The introduction of the Year 7 Instrumental Scheme further strengthens the school’s offering. It has been designed to cater for a wide range of musical abilities, from complete beginners to those with prior experience. Students have always been encouraged to sing in the school choirs and in musical productions; this new scheme will allow for every pupil to access our vibrant instrumental ensembles as well.
Head of Music Mr Chambers says: “We have invested in a wonderful selection of new instruments, giving every Year 7 student their own musical instrument for the academic year. We also have a strong team of highly skilled and experienced teachers to guide them through their musical journeys.” Mr Chambers – who is also Director of Music at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, and has held Head of Music positions at a number of schools in and around Oxfordshire – has experience of launching and overseeing similar instrumental schemes.
The Year 7 music curriculum is delivered through the new instrumental scheme, with students consolidating their note-reading and listening skills alongside their instrumental tuition. It includes various performance opportunities, allowing parents to hear the fruits of their children’s work. Parents may even be encouraged to dust off their own musical instruments, or follow suit in taking up a new one! Our Year 7 ensemble will perform alongside long-established Kingsley ensembles, such as the Swing Band, Flute Choir and String Orchestra, in addition to our many choral groups.
The scheme brings Kingsley in line with its sibling schools within the Warwick Schools Foundation. More and more of our students are joining Foundation ensembles, with Kingsley pupils already playing in Supertonics, the Foundation Wind Orchestra and the Foundation Symphony Orchestra. Our Year 7s were recently invited to play ‘Trepak’ by Tchaikovsky (from ‘The Nutcracker’) alongside Orchestra of the Swan and students from other Foundation schools.
