Music Dept

Music at St Columb's College...

.Music at St Columb’s College is a thriving, forward thinking subject which is continually evolving to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the workplace...

In particular, the subject encourages its pupils to;

• self-evaluate
• be creative in a traditional and technological manner
• embrace new and challenging music
• develop thinking skills and personalities capabilities
• become more confident through the various musical experiences

All pupils experience Music at Key Stage 3 with a double lesson per week; GCSE and A’ Level are offered as option subjects thereafter.

Staffing and Tuition

The department has three full-time members - Mr Brendan McGinn (Head of Department), Mrs Margaret Burns and Ms Priscilla Connolly – and an extensive list of WELB and private tutors who offer instrumental tuition in the following areas:

Resources

The department, consisting of three classrooms, is well resourced with 2 keyboards suits, 29 computers (PC & Apple Mac), 8 practice rooms, 2 recording areas, an instrumental storeroom, an extensive audio library with over 500 cds and access to 2 further Apple Mac suites.

Extra-curricular Activities (3.30-4.30)

***Rock ensembles can practice in the department throughout the week***

Key Events in the Department

• Monthly lunchtime recitals in the Lecture Theatre
• Bi-annual musical. Past musicals have included Les Miserables (2004), Jesus Christ Superstar (2006), Big River (2008) and Oliver! (2010)
• Annual Spring Concert
• Participation in the Derry Feis
• Year masses including the Year 14 Valedictory Mass
• Carol services for all year groups

Key Stage 3 Teaching and Learning – Key Projects in Music

Year 8

Pupils, in term 2, are involved in a connected learning project with Art and English. The ultimate aim is for pupils, in groups, to produce a healthy drinks advertisement which has, at its core, a bottle designed in Art, a short video produced on iMovie in English and a jingle composed on GarageBand in Music.

Year 9

Pupils, in term 1, study the topic of the environment as part of a wider delivery by 7 subjects. In Music, pupils compose a RAP on an aspect of the environment and these are recorded on GarageBand and uploaded on to a microsite on the school’s website.

Year 10

Pupils, in term 1, undertake a music technology qualification (CCEA) in which they acquire skills to multi-track and learn to record and manipulate sound. Pupils can achieve a level 4, 5 or 6.

Useful Websites:

www.classicsforkids.com
www.creatingmusic.com

GCSE (SPECIFICATION AT A GLANCE)

The Music GCSE course is a popular choice at St Columb’s with between 30 and 40 students each year electing to undertake this examination. The basic breakdown is as follows:

Listening Component (involving 2 listening tests) = 35%

Composing (coursework) = 30%

Performing (solo & ensemble) = 35%

Please click on the link below for further details and resources;

www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/music/ - Click GCSE option

Also try: BBC - GCSE Bitesize - Music (www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music)

A’ Level Music (SPECIFICATION AT A GLANCE)

The AS and A2 level in Music each consist of two compulsory units.  Below is a summary of the units.

(AS 1/A2 1) Unit 1 = “Making & Appraising Music”

Within this unit, you will be able to choose one of the following options.

1.    Opt. A = Solo or Ensemble performance + composition task
2.    Opt. B = Solo or Ensemble performance + multi-tracking task
3.    Opt. C = Solo of Ensemble performance + sequencing
4.    Opt. D = A Composition task + Solo or Ensemble performance

Performance Advice

*Performances include a short interview, which will be assessed. Composition and music technology also include a commentary/annotation
AS Level: Minimum performing standard at AS is Grade 4 and non-classical players e.g. rock musicians will be guided by the teacher in charge.  Students who perform at Grade 5 have access to full marks in performing. Credit will be given to candidates who perform at a standard above grade 5.

A2 Level: Minimum performing standard at A2 is Grade 6 and non-classical players e.g. rock musicians will be advised by the teacher in charge.  Students who perform at Grade 6 have access to full marks in performing. Credit will be given to candidates who perform at a standard above grade 6.

(AS 2/A2 2)Unit 2 = “Responding to Music”

1.    Test of aural perception lasting 1 hour
2.    Written examination lasting 75mins (AS) or 90mins (A2)

www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/music/ - Click GCE option