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Music (curriculum and extra-curricular) |
| Hebron has run a very successful music programme for many years. Class music lessons are taught through to Standard 8 and consideration is being given to offering music to IGCSE and ‘A’ level once staffing permits. 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 2003 all 54 candidates passed, most at ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’ level. In 2004 there was only one ‘fail’ grade. 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. 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. 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, a Jazz Band, a Brass Quintet, an occasional choir and ensembles from time to time. 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. Recently we hosted the Kodaikanal string orchestra and pianists as well as a worship concert by Abey and Swapna, professional musicians and Hebron parents. In 2005 we also had a visiting choral group from Covenant College, Georgia, USA. The Brass Quintet played at a public concert in Coimbatore and at school whilst the Jazz Band was a star attraction at the 2004 Ooty Flower Festival. The school is able to loan some musical instruments (and has 19 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! Head of Music: Miss Wendy Baills
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