Hebron has run a very successful music programme for many years.  Class music lessons are taught from Reception through to Standard 8 and also IGCSE and ‘A’ level.

Every year students are entered for the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) grade exams and an examiner from the U.K. visits to carry out these tests.  Results over the years have been outstanding.  In November 2010, 100 students entered, 10 received distinctions and 55 received merits.  Then in 2011, again out of 100 entrants, 17 received distinctions and 42 merits. On occasion, Hebron students have also received the Majolly Rolling Trophy in Singing for the most outstanding musician in south India and the Admiral Dawson Rolling Trophy for grades 6 – 8 most promising musician in south India.

Theory grade exams are also taken and once again results are outstanding.  Musicians gaining a grade 8 (the highest award) in an instrument or in voice receive the equivalent of an AS level in UCAS points and this can be looked on very favourably by U.K. universities especially.

As an extra-curricular activity, music takes place informally (perhaps with students forming their own groups or bands) but also formally.  Hebron has a Senior Concert Band, a Junior Concert Band, an occasional Jazz Band and Brass Quintet, a Choir and ensembles from time to time; at the moment there is a String Ensemble and a Chamber Choir.  Music is often a major part of our Drama Festival, Parents’ Week and, of course, the Carol Service and all other school services.

From time to time public music performances are given or hosted.  In 2007 and 2008 we hosted the Hohenlohe Brass Quintet from Germany.  In 2011 the Concert Band, Choir and String Ensemble travelled to Kodai International School to take part in their inaugural Music Festival for a weekend.  Our musicians joined with theirs to participate in workshops, musicianship classes, master classes and then a joint concert was performed.  In 2012 we were privileged to receive a visit from the Shalom Choir from Korea and a small group of students were invited to attend a piano recital at the Ooty Club, which featured the German pianist, Viola Mokrosch.  We have also produced a number of fantastic whole-school musicals.  In 2008, this was Fiddler on the Roof and in 2010, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Tuition is given in most western musical instruments and in voice.  The school tries to accommodate all students who wish to learn an instrument but inevitably, as demand is high, there is a wait list.  There is a separate, but very reasonable, music fee for all tuition.

The school is able to loan some musical instruments (and has 14 pianos and several practice rooms across both campuses) but we would encourage serious musicians to bring their own, insured, instruments whenever possible.

Music is an extremely important part of the lives of Hebron students and staff – both recreationally but also more formally.  We do have a ‘Music policy’ for recreational listening – please contact the school if you’d like a copy.  Above all, please support our programme through your prayers and if you are able to help us with instruments, musical scores or other resources we’d be delighted to hear from you!