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First Orchestra
First Orchestra is one of the Music department’s
flagship ensembles. It has achieved a considerable
reputation in recent years for producing quality
performances of mainstream symphonic repertoire.
Its success can be accounted for by the now
well‑established tradition of proactive recruitment
across the full range of orchestral instruments among
the younger boys (including French horn, bassoon and
double bass) and offering instrumental tuition from a
particularly distinguished team of some 35 instrumental
teachers. The Orchestra plays autumn, summer and
Christmas concerts and at prestigious venues at home
and abroad including Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre. The
Orchestra tours frequently, most recently to Europe, the
USA and the Far East where over 100 boys took part.
Planning is underway for the next full tour to Japan.
Gospel Choir
Gospel Choir embraces a popular style of choral
singing which is both accessible and life-affirming.
We sing traditional Gospel songs and arrangements of
popular songs in a Gospel style! You don’t need to be
able to read music as you will be taught the music
by rote.
Joint Chamber Choir
This select group of advanced singers from Abingdon
and St Helen’s School explores the most challenging
and rewarding pieces in the Choral repertoire. The
mixed voice ensemble enables nine Abindonian Tenors
and Basses to experience singing alongside nine
female Altos and Sopranos. It performs at concerts for
both schools and serves as an important platform
for potential Oxbridge choral scholarship candidates.
Joint Choral Society
Open to all boys and compulsory for GCSE/
A level musicians.
Junior Strings
Performs during the year but especially for the Lower
School Gala Concert. For all string players from
beginner to about Grade 5 standard. The atmosphere
is relaxed and the ensemble progresses significantly.
Lower School Band
This performs twice a year, normally in the New Year
Concert and at the Bands Concert in the summer.
Music Technology
This activity enables a small group of selected students
to learn about studio techniques and the history of
audio recording, under the guidance of a Music
Technologist. It follows the A level course offered by
Edexcel, although it is not envisaged that this will lead
to the qualification. It is also possible to study Music
Technology through individual lessons.
Second Orchestra
Plays at Christmas or New Year Concerts and in the
Summer Orchestral Concert. A Lower School Orchestra
is formed after the Summer Orchestral Concert and
performs at the Lower School Gala Concert at the
end of term.
Symphonic Wind Band
Performs twice a year at the Autumn/Christmas
Concerts and the School Bands Concert.
Plenty of opportunity for international tours.
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