Music

Members of the Department

Mrs McClean (Leader of Music)

Miss Cassidy

Aims

At St Joseph’s, we provide excellent musical opportunities for every child. The Music Department offers an all-inclusive, diverse, and inspiring curriculum and extracurricular programme. Our aim is to nurture, inspire and develop our pupil’s love for music, in a fun and positive environment, to build upon self-confidence and enrich their everyday lives.

Musical knowledge is developed through the skills of listening, performing, composing, and appraising. Pupils are encouraged to perform at Mass, Prize Day, Open Night, in School Productions, as well as in the local community, as part of our Shared Education Project.

Our weekly Extra Curricular timetable includes Irish Traditional Group, College Choir, Chamber Ensemble and Keyboard Club.

We have a strong steam of talented peripatetic staff, who provide instrumental tuition for those who wish to avail of it. Instrumental lessons are available in piano, voice, musical theatre, guitar, and drums. Pupils will have the opportunity to undertake ABRSM or Trinity Guildhall examinations in their chosen instrument.

KS3

All pupils receive a 60-minute weekly music lesson throughout Key Stage 3. Performing, composing, listening, and appraising are explored through a variety of topics within our curriculum programme. Pupils will be introduced to key elements of performance, including singing, keyboard, and tin whistle throughout their KS3 musical journey.

Year 8

Elements of Music and Graphic Score composition, Rhythm and Pulse (including notation), Keyboard Skills, Form and Structure and Instruments of the Orchestra.

Year 9

Musicals, Voice works, Variations, Music and Space and World Music.

Year 10

Film Music, Popular Song, Minimalism, Irish Traditional Music and The Blues

KS4

The CCEA GCSE Music specification is for everyone who loves music: composing, playing an instrument, listening to music, or using music technology. It encourages students to develop their musical potential by focusing on performing, composing and listening.

This specification is a linear qualification: students take all the assessment at the end of the course.

The specification has three components: