Music

January saw the return of Ms Bonner from maternity leave, and the Music Department has had a kick start to the New Year. There are many continuing and developing activities going on outside the classroom, as well as some exciting events on the horizon. 

The department’s Recording Studio is as busy as ever. It is a great tool for learning, where students have the opportunity to learn how to use different pieces of equipment and software and are given the chance to record and produce their own music. Students learn different recording techniques through both teaching and experimentation, and some of the results have been very surprising! 

Instrumental lessons are continuing in the department, with the help of the tutors from the Music Board. There are a growing number of budding guitarists within the school and interest in the bass guitar is also increasing. Drum lessons are also ongoing, and there is a well established Year 9 percussion group under the expert direction of Mr Bucknor. They are currently using the working title of Manchester Academy Drummers and designing a ‘MAD’ logo with the help of the Art Department. 

The diversity of the Music Department is further illustrated by the rock bands we have within the school. As well as facilitating practices for the bands, they are encouraged to write their own songs and perform live in showcases. 

The school choir is still going very strong. It is open to students throughout the school, and some members of staff have even decided to join in and give it a go! The group sing a varied and exciting repertoire, including Gospel, R’n’B, Pop and songs from musicals.  

Speaking of musicals, the choir will be singing the chorus line when Manchester Academy stages an original production later this year! With the script written by Mrs Langley and musical direction from Ms Bonner, it is set to be an exciting and professional production, and all students and staff are encouraged to take part. 

With so much going on in the Music Department, the next few months look set to be very busy and exciting!