Music

The  Music Department has had a kick start to the new school year, and would like to welcome two new members of staff Mr Hutchinson and Mr Mansfield. 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 teaching and experimentation, and some of the results have been very surprising!   

Instrumental lessons are continuing in the department, delivered by Mr Hutchinson and Mr Mansfield. There are a growing number of budding guitarists within the school and interest in the bass guitar is also increasing. Drum-kit lessons are also on-going, and there is a well established singing group under the expert direction of Ms Bonner. The group recently went to sing at Canterbury Cathedral after rehearsing throughout the summer holidays for a joint ULT/UCST performance of David Fanshawe’s ‘African Sanctus’; an event that was very memorable and a fantastic learning experience for all.   

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, students are encouraged to write their own songs and perform live in showcases.   In the run up to Christmas the Music Department will be very busy hosting auditions and running rehearsals for Manchester Academy’s very own ‘X Factor’ competition. As always, hundreds of young hopefuls will try out for this exciting event.  

This year will also see the return of ‘Moss High Musical’, written by Mrs Langley with musical direction from Ms Bonner. It is set again to be an exciting and professional production, and all students and staff are encouraged to take part. This year it will be staged at Manchester University, in the John Thaw Theatre running for three nights.  

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