You are in: Teaching and Learning » Hertfordshire Music Service » Area Music Centres & Saturday Morning Music Schools » South Herts, Watford

South Hertfordshire

Area Head: Phil Ellis

Phil.ellis@hertscc.gov.uk

Watford
Potters Bar
Rickmansworth

 

Watford School of Music

Clarendon Muse
Rickmansworth Road
Watford
WD18 7JF

Head
Phil Ellis
Tel: 01923 225531
Fax: 01923 229089
Email: phil.ellis@hertscc.gov.uk

Deputy Head
Elaine Francis
Tel: 01923 225531
Fax: 01923 229089
Email: elaine.francis@hertscc.gov.uk

Administrative Staff
Roz Garratt
Brenda Riddle
Liza Elasin (Temp)

Tel: 01923 225531
Fax: 01923 229089
Email: southmusicenquiries@hertscc.gov.uk

Potters Bar Music Centre (Saturday Only)

Dame Alice Owen's School
Dugdale Hill Lane
Potters Bar
Herts
EN6 2DU

Head
Bernard Bean

Administrative Support
Antoinette Parente

Tel: 01707 643441/622857
Fax: 01707 645011

Office Hours

09.00 to 13.00 Term Time Saturday Mornings only

Rickmansworth Music Centre (Saturday Only)

Little Green Junior School
Lincoln Drive
Croxley Green
Rickmansworth
WD3 3NJ

Head
Patricia O'Sullivan

Enquiries to Watford School of Music
Tel: 01923 225531
Fax: 01923 229089
Email: southmusicenquiries@hertscc.gov.uk

Tuition at Watford School of Music

Individual lessons
and Group lessons

are available for the instruments listed below.

'A' Level Music
Brass: Cornet, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium &Tuba
Guitar: Classical and Electric
Musicianship
Recorder
Singing
Theory

Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass
Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone and Bassoon
Also: Drum Kit, Harp, Percussion, Piano/Keyboard,

Please click on the instruments to see the activities that support the individual and group lessons listed above

Half Term Courses
Activities Timetable

 

Activities

All groups work with experienced staff to develop their instrumental skills through listening and playing as part of an ensemble. They rehearse a wide variety of music, and give regular recitals, performances and concerts throughout the year.

in May of each year we have an open day where people can try out a variety of instruments.

Music for the Young

Pre-School Music Classes
Tuesday 10.45 - 14.45 (group times available on request)
For children aged 2½ to 4 years. These daytime classes introduce small children to music through singing, rhythm games and work with simple instruments.

Dalcroze Eurythmics
Monday 15.40 - 16.25 & Wednesday 15.40 - 16.25
For children aged 4+ to 7 years.
Eurythmics offers a very good basis for children preparing to take up an instrument and complementing what they learn in music lessons and at Key Stage 1.

Starter Saturday School
Saturday 10.00 - 10.30 or 10.30 - 11.00
For Reception age children. Part of our Junior Music School these classes involve a variety of musical activities including music and movement, singing and playing percussion instruments.

Musicianship

Junior Music School

Starter Saturday School
Saturday 10.00 - 10.30 Or 10.30 - 11.00

For Reception age children these classes involve a variety of musical activities including music and movement, singing and playing percussion instruments.

Year One
Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m. Or 11.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.

For children in year 1 aged 5 – 6 this is a structured musicianship class which includes singing.

Year Two
Saturday 10.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m. Or 11.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.

For children in year 2 aged 6 – 7 this musicianship class includes an introduction to playing the recorder.

Year Three
Saturday 8.45 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.

For children in year 3 aged 7 – 8 this course offers children the opportunity to greatly expand their musicianship skills and a chance to receive group lessons on violin, viola, cello, double bass (when available) or recorder.

Year Four
Saturday 9.30 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.

For children in year 4 aged 8 – 9 this course focuses on composition and music technology. This class includes an introduction to Sing, Play, Perform.

Sing, Play, Perform
Saturday 9.30 a.m. - 10.15 a.m.

For children aged 9 - 12 years the Junior Choir sings a variety of musical styles meeting on occasions with other county choirs.

 

Orchestras and Bands

Beginners’ Orchestra
Saturday 8.15 a.m. - 8.45 a.m.

For string players who have been playing 2 terms this is a first ensemble experience and is an introduction to orchestra playing skills.

First String Orchestra
Saturday 11.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.

Up to grade 2 standard as well as practising the strings skills they have already learned, the students will learn the elements of ensemble playing.

Junior String Orchestra
Saturday 8.45 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.

Minimum of grade 2 to grade 4 or equivalent for players who can read music quite well, this group will build on the skills already learned.

Intermediate String Orchestra
Saturday 10.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.

For players of grade 4 to 6 or equivalent standard this group prepares players for membership to the Youth Orchestra. Players should be confident sight-readers.

Youth Orchestra
Friday 5.15 p.m. - 7.45 p.m.

For players of grade 7 standard and above. Standard professional orchestral repertoire is studied.

String Chamber Music
Friday 4.30 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.

Please apply to the music school for details

Junior Wind Band
Tuesday 4.30 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.

Children aged 9 - 13 years who are grade 1 to 3 or equivalent standard are introduced to the enjoyment of playing in a band.

Concert Band
Tuesdays 6.15pm - 7.15pm

For children of Secondary school age who are grade 4 - 5. or equivalent standard.

 

Guitar Ensembles

Wednesday
17.00 - 18.00 Junior
18.00 - 19.00 Intermediate
21.00 - 19.15 Senior

 

Singing

Junior Choir
Saturday 9.30 a.m. - 10.15 a.m.

For children aged 9 - 12 years and part of our Junior Music School the Choir sings a variety of musical styles meeting on occasions with other county choirs

Soul Singers
Monday 5.15 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.
term time only
For age 14 upwards including adults, no experience is necessary. A wide range of music is performed including Gospel, Soul, Pop, Rock Jazz and Blues. Regular performances are given throughout the year

 

Theory

Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.
10.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.
11.00 a.m. - 12.00 a.am

Students up to grade 5 standard or equivalent. Students must bring the relevant grade theory book.

 

‘A’ Level Music

Please phone the music school for details
Students should generally have obtained GCSE grade A or B or equivalent. Times to be arranged. We offer ‘A’ Level Music using the EDEXCEL Foundation syllabus. The course normally takes 2 years and each syllabus involves aural training, history and analysis, harmony (or composition and arrangement) and performance.

 

Recorder

The recorder is taught in individual lessons on Saturday mornings as part of the Junior Music School. In addition there are some small groups as well as Individual lessons as follows:

Beginners
Friday 4.00 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.

Beginners to grade 2 standard or equivalent
Friday 3.30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.

It is sometimes possible to offer group lessons for higher grades. Please contact the music school for further details

 

Half Term Courses: October and February

South & West Hertfordshire Wind Orchestra. This 60 piece symphonic wind band is open to wind, brass and percussion players from grade 5 upwards. It rehearses for 2 three-day courses at the October and February half-terms followed by a concert.

On the Monday of the October 2006 and February 2007 1/2 terms we shall be running an Introduction to Jazz course for players of Grade 4+ or equivalent. Further information and application forms will be available in September 2006

 

 

Watford School of Music Timetable of Activities

Monday
 15.40 - 16.25 Dalcroze Eurythmics
 17.15 - 18.30 Soul Singers

Tuesday
10.45 - 14.45 Pre-School Music Classes
16.30 - 17.30 Junior Wind Band
18.15 - 19.15 Concert Wind Band

Wednesday
15.40 - 16.25 Dalcroze Eurythmics
17.00 - 18.00 Junior Guitar Ensemble
18.00 - 19.00 Intermediate Guitar Ensemble
19.00 - 20.00 Senior Guitar Ensemble

Friday
16.00 -16.30 Recorder Group (Beginners)
15.30 - 17.00 Recorder Groups (Beginners to grade 2)
16.30 - 17.30 String Chamber Music
17.15 - 19.45 Youth Orchestra

Saturday
08.15 - 08.45 Beginners String Orchestra
08.45 - 10.00 Junior String Orchestra
08.45 - 11.00 Year 3 Musicianship (String or Recorder)
09.00 - 10.00 Theory
09.00 - 10.00 Year 1 Musicianship
09.30 - 10.15 Junior Choir
09.30 - 11.00 Year 4 Composition and Music Technology
10.00 - 10.30 Starter Saturday School
10.00 - 11.00 Intermediate String Orchestra
10.00 - 11.00 Theory
10.00 - 11.00 Year 2 Musicianship
10.30 - 11.00 Starter Saturday School
11.00 - 12.00 Theory
11.15 - 12.15 First String Orchestra
11.15 - 12.15 Junior Choir
11.15 - 12.15 Year 2 Musicianship

 

 

Tuition at Potters Bar

Individual lessons
and Group lessons

are available for the instruments listed below.

Brass: trumpet, french horn and euphonium
Drums
Guitar
Orchestra
Piano
Strings: Cello violin, viola,
Theory
Woodwind: clarinet, flute, saxophone

Please click on the instruments to see the activities that support the individual and group lessons listed above

Activities Timetable

Concerts
The Music Centre holds many concerts throughout the school year. These are great opportunities for all Music Centre pupils to demonstrate their skills and experience by performing in a concert.

Parents, friends and family are welcome to come along and enjoy a fantastic evening. For more information please contact the Music Centre

Theory
09.30 – 10.00

A class for theory at all levels. This supports practical work and prepares pupils for examinations.

Wind & Brass

Windband
10.00 – 11.00

Entry: grade 3 standard and above
Windband offers an opportunity for woodwind, brass and percussion players to perform a wide range of musical styles.

Beginner Wind Group
09.30 – 10.00

For woodwind players who are grade 1 or equivalent standard and above. By joining this group you will perform music in a wide range of musical styles that will suit your ability to play competently

Brass Ensemble
09.15 – 10.00

For beginner brass playing up to grade 3 or equivalent.
A variety of brass instruments are played within the ensemble, including French horn and euphonium

Chamber Music
Woodwind players grade 4 or equivalent or above

We are looking to extend our Chamber Music programme. If your child is interested in playing in a small group to develop ensemble skills and be lots of fun, please contact us.

 

String

String Group
10.30 – 11.15

For String players who are approaching grade 1 Standard or just above

String Quartet
12.00 to 12.30

For grade 5 (or equivalent) or above
The quartet is aimed at the more experience string players who develop their musicianship and ensemble skills

Chamber Music
String players grade 3 or equivalent and above

We are looking to extend our Chamber Music programme. If your child is interested in playing in a small group to develop ensemble skills and be lots of fun, please contact us.

Guitar Ensemble
09.30 – 10.15

For grade 1 to grade 3 (or equivalent)
There are two sessions available to beginners and experience players

 

Orchestra
11.15 – 12.00

Entry grade 3 standard or above
The orchestra offers a chance for slightly more experienced string, woodwind, brass and percussion players to perform together.

Chamber Music
Pianists grade 4 or equivalent and above

We are looking to extend our Chamber Music programme. If your child is interested in playing in a small group to develop ensemble skills and be lots of fun, please contact us.

 

Activities Timetable

09.30 – 10.00 Theory

10.00 – 11.00 Windband

10.30 – 11.15 String Group

11.15 – 12.00 Orchestra

09.30 – 10.00 Beginner Wind Group

12.00 - 12.30 String Quartet

09.15 – 10.00 Brass Ensemble

09.30 – 10.15 Guitar Ensemble