Senior School - Music
Staff
Mr David Bain, BMus
Miss Elizabeth McCormack BA(Mus)
Transition-S2 Courses:
The course is largely divided into three units: viz. performing, listening and composing.
In performing, pupils study keyboard, guitar, and drumkit. Group performances of different styles of pieces are prepared, with additional use of orchestral instruments when appropriate. Singing in parts is encouraged. Indeed, there is a strong tradition of singing developing at Beaconhurst.
The listening classes teach pupils to analyse music and to explore concepts used by composers. This skill is essential for pupils wishing to go on to Intermediate 2 and Higher.
In composing, pupils are encouraged to compose in different styles around a given framework. The pupils in S2 are given hands-on experience of our advanced score-writing programmes and Midi sequencing equipment to compose electronic music.
S3-S6 Courses:
In the senior school. Pupils in S3 and S4 who elect to study music are presented for the Intermediate 2 course, while pupils in S5 and S6 are prepared for both Higher and Advanced Higher.
The course is divided into four units: viz. performing, listening, composing and (where selected) music technology.
In performing, pupils prepare for their recital exams on a minimum of 1 instrument. Those who specialise in performance for their award are also required to prepare a recital on a second instrument.
The listening course follows the listening requirements for the final exams.
In composing, pupils are required to compose in different styles leading to a their final folio for the SQA exam.
Pupils who do not select performance on two instruments must instead choose between either midi sequencing or sound recording. In midi sequencing, pupils are taught on state-of-the-art software to produce electronic orchestrations of piano music. In sound recording, pupils take on the role of a sound engineer in the recording industry, and are taught on our digital workstation about the techniques and devices used, leading to the completion of their own professional quality CD.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
Music features heavily in the lives of most Beaconhurst pupils. As well as the availability of instrumental lessons from one of our team of visiting music specialists, pupils in the school may apply to join one of the following groups: Junior choir, junior orchestra, senior choir, senior orchestra, Beaconhurst Jazz Band, as well as ad hoc woodwind and string groups.
There are concerts every term, as well as the chance to join other groups outside of school. We are members of the twice-yearly orchestral weekend courses run by the West of Scotland Independent Schools Orchestra.
