Scholarships
There are Music Scholarships available for pupils applying to enter the school at 11+, 12+, 13+ and 16+. The total funding adds up to 250% of the annual school fee. In 2008, scholarships were awarded to six pupils.
All those who hold music awards receive lessons on one instrument free of charge at the School.
The School aims to provide a first class musical education. Music Scholars may take Music to GCSE, A Level and university entrance level if they so wish, though they need not. The School has an excellent record of choral, organ and music scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge, and of entry to other universities and conservatories.
Good instrumentalists and singers are given time for practice at School, and if need be, the opportunity to attend lessons in London or elsewhere. Many pupils play in orchestras outside the School, such as the Midland Youth Orchestra and the Solihull Youth Orchestra. There is a very wide range of opportunities for performance inside the school with twenty different music groups, including a Chapel Choir, Choral Society, Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. In addition, there is an annual production of a musical in conjunction with the Drama Department. There are a number of major musical events in the year which take place in the Bushell Hall, an auditorium which seats 500.
Those who apply for Music Scholarships must take, in addition to music tests, the appropriate written examination for their age range. In the case of Sixth Form entrants this will mean six or more GCSEs at Grades A or B.
Music Scholarship Tests will be held on Wednesday 28 January and Thursday 29 January for 11+, 12+ and 13+ candidates and Thursday 26 February and Friday 27 February for Sixth Form candidates.
Entries must be received by the Admissions Secretary by the 17 December 2008 for 11+,12+ and 13+ candidates and 6 February 2009 for Sixth Form candidates.
In the music tests, candidates will be expected to perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument (voice is acceptable as a main study) and at least one piece on any additional instruments. Aural tests and sight-reading are given. As a guide to the standard, it is hoped that candidates at 11+ will be of distinction quality at about Grade 4-5 level, at 13+ a distinction standard at Grade 6-7 will be hoped for, and Sixth Form candidates should be of post-Grade 8 standard. Promising musicians are encouraged to apply, even if they have not yet attained these grades. We are looking just as much for potential as well as achievement.
Music Scholars are expected to play a full part in the life of the School. Their musical education is under the guidance of the Director of Music and they are expected to join in such musical activities as the Director may require. The Director, Mr Stephen Perrins, is always glad to meet candidates and parents informally in advance of the examination. He can be reached on 0121 703 2908.