Why Study Music?
Music at King's Hall all about children finding enjoyment of a variety of genres, involving as many pupils as possible in performing and giving them a solid grounding in musical theory. We believe that music plays an integral part in all our lives, and we try to educate and enthuse in equal measure.
The thriving music department provides an eclectic mix of musical ensembles which pupils are encouraged to join, whether it is to further their musical development or simply just for fun.
Pupils are brought into contact with all styles and genres of music to give them a broad and informed understanding of how music has been developed through the centuries, right up to the present day.
The music classroom contains a array of instruments, an interactive whiteboard and a number of computers with dedicated music software including Sibelius. As music is now so fully integrated into our technological lives, so our teaching has widened to include a multimedia approach to teaching and music-making.
Musical Ensembles
King's Hall has numerous and diverse musical ensembles, including several which are flexible depending on the pupils and instruments that are available.
Some of the musical ensembles that have been active in recent years include Brass Ensemble, Clarinet Group, Flute Ensemble, Guitar Group, Junior String Group, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Piano Trio, Pre Prep Recorder Group, Rock Band, String Group, Junior String Quartet, Senior String Quartet, Swing Band and Woodwind Group.
The award-winning Taunton Children's Orchestra currently rehearses in the Arts Centre each week. Open to any young person aged seven and upwards who has a Grade 2 or above on an orchestral instrument, it is a chance for children to play music with like-minded friends, under the expert tutelage of highly qualified and experienced teachers.
Singing and Senior Choir
Singing is at the forefront of musical life at King’s Hall. We currently have three choirs in the Prep Department (Senior Choir, Rainforest Choir and Pyrland Choir) and one in the Pre-Prep (Pre-Prep Choir) allowing a continuous provision of choral singing from Years 1 through to 8.
The Senior Choir is formed of members of Years 6, 7 and 8. It regularly has between 20 and 30 members and pupils are required to audition to take part. The choir performs in the chapel services which are held every Thursday morning, and the choir is suitably robed in cassocks for the occasion. They also take part in the moving and powerful annual Remembrance Service in November. Perhaps the most prestigious event that the Senior Choir undertakes is that of the candlelit carol service which is held every Christmas in King's College Chapel. Traditional carols with congregational participation are sung, often alongside more modern pieces, contributing to a suitably festive and captivating occasion.