Music
Music plays a very important part in the life of Solihull School. There are five full-time members of staff, a Junior School Music Co-ordinator and 18 part-time visiting musicians who between them cover individual teaching on all orchestral instruments, piano, organ, classical guitar, percussion, saxophone and voice. Electric Guitar and bass guitar tuition is also available.
The facilities for music are extensive and include a purpose-built music school with rehearsal/recital room and keyboard / computer laboratory. Additional facilities have recently been afforded with the completion of the Bushell Hall. This new building provides extensive concert facilities, a large purpose-built orchestra pit for musical productions and an additional rehearsal room.
Many pupils achieve considerable musical success at school with the standard of music-making extremely high. There is a long-standing tradition of pupils gaining choral and organ scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge as well as other universities with many sixth-formers furthering their music either by studying music at music college or university, or simply by taking part in the musical life of their chosen institution or higher education, regardless of their 'academic' subject.
We are proud of the quality and variety of our musical ensembles: two orchestras, string orchestra, two wind bands, big band, saxophone groups, clarinet groups, brass groups, samba band, flute choir, chapel choir, choral society and jazz singers. In addition there are several chamber groups as well as several ensembles for the Junior School, including a choir, wind band, string group, handbell group, recorder groups, saxophone group, brass group and orchestra. All pupils have the opportunity to perform in a variety of concerts and recitals held termly. Each year a major musical is performed with full orchestral support. In addition to the newly- built Bushell Hall with its superb facilities for concerts and theatrical productions, there is also a recital room in the Music School. The Chapel Choir sings services every Sunday during term time-in recent years the Choir has also sung at Cathedrals and provided choristers for professional operatic companies on tour.
Music is an important part of the curriculum with all pupils studying it until year nine. Pupils then have the option of continuing it to GCSE, AS and A2 levels. In addition we offer pupils the chance to take practical graded examinations through the Associated Board, Guildhall and Trinity syllabi.
Music scholarships are available for pupils in the 11-13 age range and for those entering the sixth form. These scholarships are open both to new applicants and to pupils already in the school.
We aim to make music a living, vital part of pupils' lives at Solihull. Whether the high-flyer who would distinguish him/herself at any specialist music school or simply the beginner enthusiast, music here is to be individually and collectively developed, enabling pupils to reach their full potential. Most importantly, we believe that all who engage in music-making should enjoy it. School musicians regularly perform both to their peers and also to the local community outside the school.
It is hoped that all pupils will benefit from the musical life here and if we are able to lay the foundations for a life-long enjoyment of music, then we will have succeeded.