Music | Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS)
Source: https://www.swps.org.uk/life-at-swps/beyond-the-classroom/music
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:32
Music | Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS)
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Music
Welcome to the Music Department at SWPS
Music is central to school life at SWPS. It is a fundamental part of human emotion and expression and we strongly believe that each and every student should have the opportunity to enjoy, experience and learn about music.
The department’s ethos is inclusivity for all, but exclusivity and quality for those musicians working at an advanced level. This means there are an abundance of opportunities for students to get involved with the department and perform with others should they wish to, whilst our advanced musicians often work with other scholars and professional accompanists at high-profile, public events. Students make music at numerous events each academic year, with additional opportunities for informal performances. Annual highlights include Year 7 and 8 lunchtime concerts, Scholars’ Recitals, the Year 7 Extravaganza, the Christmas Concert, Carol Service and Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and the Spring Soiree as well as our 300th Anniversary Concert at Sinfonia Smith Square.
“Listening to and learning a musical instrument as a child not only boosts memory capacity, pattern recognition and fine motor skills, but it also develops a child’s social skills, resilience and responsibility, while being a vehicle for self-expression and self-achievement. And it is never too late to start learning.”
Sophie Robertshaw, Director of Music
Helpful links
Music lesson bookings
Guide to music lessons
Rare Instrument Scheme
Does your child have an interest in learning a trumpet, trombone or French horn? SWPS runs a ‘Rare Instrument Scheme’, offering a limited number of places annually for students to learn a rare instrument.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a case-by-case basis. Please express your interest on the application form in the induction pack.
Co-curricular clubs
The school offers a rich and varied programme of orchestras, choirs, bands and chamber ensembles accommodating musicians of all abilities. Ensembles rehearse every week with large-scale performances featuring students in their hundreds to music festivals and more intimate soloist evenings.
Our co-curricular programme includes:
Melba Choir
A choir for students in Years 7-9. This group is a welcoming, non-auditioned group who sing music from any and all genres.
Vox Choir
A choral group for students in Years 10-13. This group is non-auditioned and performs at our large, set-piece events such as the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
Jarvis Orchestra
A training orchestra designed for any instrumentalist working at a beginner up to Grade 3-4 level. If your child can play at least one note on their instrument, we want to see them in Jarvis!
Symphony Orchestra
Our large Symphonic Orchestra consists of approximately 50 students playing at Grade 5 and above level. This group is by audition/invitation only.
Chamber Orchestra
An exceptional instrumental ensemble working at Grade 8+ level, for our music scholars and those at Key Stage 4 and 5 with an advanced level of performance.
Flute Choir
An advanced flute group for those instrumentalists working at a Grade 5 and above level. This group allows students to explore our selection of more specialist instruments such as the alto flute and piccolo.
Swing Band
Our Swing Band is open to those instrumentalists wishing to explore a big band/swing or jazz style, often performing at school events and playing those big band show tunes!
Atrium Beatz
This is our half termly, informal performance opportunity where any student is able to sign up to perform to the SWPS community during a lunchtime. This can be any performance, any style and by any group of students!
ABRSM Aural Practice
A drop-in session for any students aiming to develop their aural skills in preparation for an upcoming ABRSM examination. Any student can attend regardless of whether they learn in or out of school.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships
Continue your
journey
Scholarships
Find out more
Academic Ethos
Find out more
Visit Us
Find out more
Life at SWPS
Skip to content
Book a visit
Music
Welcome to the Music Department at SWPS
Music is central to school life at SWPS. It is a fundamental part of human emotion and expression and we strongly believe that each and every student should have the opportunity to enjoy, experience and learn about music.
The department’s ethos is inclusivity for all, but exclusivity and quality for those musicians working at an advanced level. This means there are an abundance of opportunities for students to get involved with the department and perform with others should they wish to, whilst our advanced musicians often work with other scholars and professional accompanists at high-profile, public events. Students make music at numerous events each academic year, with additional opportunities for informal performances. Annual highlights include Year 7 and 8 lunchtime concerts, Scholars’ Recitals, the Year 7 Extravaganza, the Christmas Concert, Carol Service and Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and the Spring Soiree as well as our 300th Anniversary Concert at Sinfonia Smith Square.
“Listening to and learning a musical instrument as a child not only boosts memory capacity, pattern recognition and fine motor skills, but it also develops a child’s social skills, resilience and responsibility, while being a vehicle for self-expression and self-achievement. And it is never too late to start learning.”
Sophie Robertshaw, Director of Music
Helpful links
Music lesson bookings
Guide to music lessons
Rare Instrument Scheme
Does your child have an interest in learning a trumpet, trombone or French horn? SWPS runs a ‘Rare Instrument Scheme’, offering a limited number of places annually for students to learn a rare instrument.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a case-by-case basis. Please express your interest on the application form in the induction pack.
Co-curricular clubs
The school offers a rich and varied programme of orchestras, choirs, bands and chamber ensembles accommodating musicians of all abilities. Ensembles rehearse every week with large-scale performances featuring students in their hundreds to music festivals and more intimate soloist evenings.
Our co-curricular programme includes:
Melba Choir
A choir for students in Years 7-9. This group is a welcoming, non-auditioned group who sing music from any and all genres.
Vox Choir
A choral group for students in Years 10-13. This group is non-auditioned and performs at our large, set-piece events such as the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
Jarvis Orchestra
A training orchestra designed for any instrumentalist working at a beginner up to Grade 3-4 level. If your child can play at least one note on their instrument, we want to see them in Jarvis!
Symphony Orchestra
Our large Symphonic Orchestra consists of approximately 50 students playing at Grade 5 and above level. This group is by audition/invitation only.
Chamber Orchestra
An exceptional instrumental ensemble working at Grade 8+ level, for our music scholars and those at Key Stage 4 and 5 with an advanced level of performance.
Flute Choir
An advanced flute group for those instrumentalists working at a Grade 5 and above level. This group allows students to explore our selection of more specialist instruments such as the alto flute and piccolo.
Swing Band
Our Swing Band is open to those instrumentalists wishing to explore a big band/swing or jazz style, often performing at school events and playing those big band show tunes!
Atrium Beatz
This is our half termly, informal performance opportunity where any student is able to sign up to perform to the SWPS community during a lunchtime. This can be any performance, any style and by any group of students!
ABRSM Aural Practice
A drop-in session for any students aiming to develop their aural skills in preparation for an upcoming ABRSM examination. Any student can attend regardless of whether they learn in or out of school.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships
Continue your
journey
Scholarships
Find out more
Academic Ethos
Find out more
Visit Us
Find out more
Life at SWPS