Music is an integral part of Donhead life. The engaging curriculum provides a holistic basis for musical development, incorporating singing, composition, improvisation, playing, performing, listening and evaluation.
Children have hour-long weekly lessons with access to a wide range of tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments in our dedicated music room, including a class set of ukuleles. They also participate in Singing Practice Assemblies.
All children in Prep School fully engage with the Inter-House Music Competition and there are annual productions for each year group which include singing. Children also participate in choral workshops and Orchestral Play Days at Senior Schools.
Support is available to children who are considering applying for Music or Choral Scholarships at their secondary schools - an area where Donhead children have enjoyed much success.
Music Groups and Soloists
The Music Department is committed to nurturing the musical talents of every child. Whatever his ability, they are encouraged to participate in musical activities. There are two choirs, four instrumental groups and many opportunities to perform in our splendid auditorium. There are informal, formal and ensembles concerts each term. Children who are interested in joining any of the following groups should contact the Head of Music or the respective instrumental teacher. There are no fees for joining or membership of the instrumental music groups.
The Senior Choir is open to all children in the Prep School. Although places are not auditioned and any child can join, membership requires a commitment to attend all rehearsals. Children who are interested in joining this choir should contact the Head of Music. The Senior Choir performs at Ensembles Concerts and School Assemblies throughout the year, and the School Christmas Fair. The Senior Choir rehearses on Monday mornings from 8.00-8.45am in the Music Room.
The Donhead Choir is an auditioned choir, selected from children in the Prep School. Each year, all children are auditioned to see if they are ready to join the Donhead Choir. New members (Probationers) join on a trial basis. Please note that any LP1 probationers will be asked to join the choir at the beginning of Lent Term.
The Donhead Choir performs at the Carol Service, Masses, the Inter-House Music Competition, the Day of Celebration and occasional out of school events. Rehearsals are on Tuesday mornings from 8.00-8.45 in the Music room.
The Orchestra is open to children who are learning an instrument. Children of any grade are welcome, including those who are pre grade 1. Rehearsals are on Wednesday mornings at 8.00-8.45 in the Music room.
The Brass Band (directed by Mr Phelps) is open to children who are learning a brass instrument. Rehearsals are on Tuesday lunchtimes at 12.55pm in Music practice room 2.
The String Group (directed by Miss Iva is open to children who are learning the violin and cello. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday lunchtimes at 12.30pm in the Music room.
The Guitar Group (directed by Mr Coghetto) is open to children who are learning the guitar. Rehearsals take place during Wednesday lunchtimes at 1.00pm in the Music room.
Individual Music Tuition
We have excellent and highly experienced peripatetic tutors who offer paid individual tuition during school hours to any child in Prep School in music theory and the instruments below:
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Classical Guitar
- Cornet
- Flute
- Recorder
- Piano
- Saxophone
- Singing
- Theory
- Trombone
- Trumpet
- Violin
Children can start learning at any time, and do not need to wait for a new term to begin.
Please download the information sheet here: 'Individual Instrumental, Singing and Theory Tuition at Donhead' and complete the application form as instructed on the sheet. This will be passed to the respective instrumental tutor who will then get in touch.
The current termly fee arrangements are detailed on the school website's Fees and Finance page.
Peripatetic Music Tutors
- Piano: Mr O Klok, Mr T Chapman, Miss V Brodovskaja, Miss S Vilmanyi
- Singing: Miss L Cronin
- Violin: Miss I Novakovic
- Cello: Miss R Lock
- Guitar: Mr F Coghetto
- Clarinet, Flute, Recorder, Saxophone & Theory: Mr G Blakesley
- Cornet, Trombone & Trumpet: Mr E Phelps
