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South Hertfordshire

Area Head: Angela Gilby

angela.gilby@hertscc.gov.uk

Watford
Rickmansworth

 

Watford School of Music

The Clarendon Muse
70 Rickmansworth Road
Watford
WD18 7JA

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

Deputy Head
Mary-Ann Bland
Tel: 01923 225531
Fax: 01923 229089

Director of String Development and Head of SMMS
John Brennan (Acting)
Tel: 01923 225531
Fax: 01923 229089
Email: john.brennan@hertscc.gov.uk

Administrative Staff
Roz Garratt
Alison Horwood-Jones
Brenda Riddle

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

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

Music for the Young

Music for Babies and Toddlers
Wednesday 10.00 - 10.45
For Children aged 0-3, these classes are run on a drop-in basis. Explore the basic elements of music and have fun with your baby.

Dalcroze Eurythmics (Pre-School)
Tuesday 13.15 - 14.55
For children aged 3 to 4 years, times for individual groups are available on request. These daytime classes introduce small children to music through singing, rhythm games and use of simple instruments.

Dalcroze Eurhythmics
Monday 16.30 - 17.15
Tuesday
16.30 - 17.15
Wednesday
16.30 - 17.15
For children ages 4+ to 7 years. Eurhythmics 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.

Junior Music School
The Foundation Class

Saturday 09.00 - 09.40 or 10.35 - 11.15
For Nursery and Reception age children these classes involve a variety of activities including singing, playing and exploring percussion instruments and responding to music in different ways.

Musicianship

Junior Music School

The Foundation Class
Saturday 09.00 - 09.40 or 10.35 - 11.15
For Nursery and Reception age children these classes involve a variety of activities including singing, playing and exploring percussion instruments and responding to music in different ways.

The Music Makers Class
Saturday 09.45 - 10.35 or 11.30 - 12.20
Children in Years 1 and 2 follow a programme which develops the children's skills in singing, sound exploration and composition, listening responses and performance skills, with an emphasis on playing tuned percussion instruments.

Year Two Recorders
Saturday 09.15 - 10.15 or 11.20 - 12.20
An alternative option to The Music Makers Class, which gives Year 2 children the opportunity to receive tuition on the recorder and continue to develop their musical skills in singing, composition and musicianship.

Explorer Classes for junior aged children
Saturday (times vary depending on instrumental option)
These classes combine learning to play an instrument with a musical programme which explores composition, improvisation, theory and music from a range of different genres. Explorer classes include the junior choir 'Sing it, Act it' (see below).

The Explore instrumental options include recorder, string (violin, viola, 'cello or double bass), percussion, keyboard, guitar, woodwind (flute and clarinet) or songwriters. Some of these options are only available to older children.

Please speak to the office staff for more details on options, timing and availability.

Sing it, Act it!
Saturday 10.40 - 11.15
A singing group with an emphasis on songs from popular genres, including music theatre, for children in Years 3-6.

Orchestras and Bands

Beginners’ Orchestra
Saturday 08.15 - 08.45

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

Junior String Orchestra
Saturday 11.15 - 12.15

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.

Intermediate String Orchestra
Saturday 08.45 - 09.45

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.

Senior String Orchestra
Saturday 09.45 - 11.00

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 17.15 - 19.45

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

String Chamber Music
Friday 16.30 - 17.30

Please apply to the music school for details.

Junior Wind Band
Tuesday 16.45 - 17.45

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 18.15 - 19.15

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

 

 

Singing

Junior Choir - Sing it, Act it!
Saturday 10.40 - 11.15

A singing group with an emphasis on songs from popular genres, including music theatre, for children in Years 3-6.

Soul Singers
Monday 17.15 - 18.30
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 09.00 - 10.00
10.00 - 11.00
11.00 - 12.00

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

We also offer individual theory tuition. Please contact Watford School of Music on 01923 225531 for more information.

 

‘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 individual lessons are available through the week.

It is sometimes possible to offer group lessons. 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.

 

 

Watford School of Music Timetable of Activities

Monday

4.30 - 5.15      Dalcroze Eurhythmics (4-5 yrs)
5.30 - 6.45      Soul Singers
6.15 - 7.00      Recorder Ensemble (sessional)
8.00 - 9.15      Adult Wind Band

Tuesday

1.15 - 2.45      Dalcroze Eurhythmics (pre-school: 3 & 4 yrs)
4.30 - 5.15      Dalcroze Eurhythmics (4-5 yrs)
4.45 - 5.45      Junior Wind Band
6.15 - 7.15      Concert Band

Wednesday

10.00 - 10.45    Dalcroze Eurhythmics (babies & toddlers)
4.30 - 5.15      Dalcroze Eurhythmics (6-7 yrs)
4.30 - 5.30      Japanese Taiko Drumming
7.30 - 9.00      Guitar Project (fortnightly)

Thursday

7.30 - 9.30      One Voice Watford Community Choir

Friday

4.30 - 5.15      String Chamber Music
5.15 - 7.45      Youth Orchestra

Saturday

8.15 - 8.45      Beginners’ String Orchestra
8.45 - 9.45      Intermediate String Orchestra
9.00 - 10.00    Theory Class
9.45 - 11.00    Senior String Orchestra
10.00 - 11.00    Theory Class
11.00 - 12.00    Theory Class
11.15 - 12.15    Junior String Orchestra
9.00 - 9.40      Junior Music School - Foundation or 10.35 - 11.15
9.45 - 10.35    Junior Music School - Music Makers or 11.30 - 12.20
9.15 - 10.15    Year 2 Recorders or 11.20 - 12.20
9.15 - 11.15    Recorder Explorers (first year players) or 10.20 - 12.20
9.15 - 11.15    Recorder Explorers (second year players)
9.00 - 11.15    String Explorers
9.30 - 11.15    Percussion Explorers
10.20 - 12.20    Keyboard Explorers
10.20 - 12.20    Guitar Explorers
9.15 - 11.15    Woodwind Explorers or 10.20 - 12.20
9.30 - 11.15    Songwriters Explorers
10.40 - 11.15    Sing it, Act it!