2785 Q_TS 099_edited

Music is central to life at Taunton School

Our aim is to provide enriching musical opportunities for everyone in the community, enabling every member of the school to develop their talents, and celebrating all genres of music.

Students at Taunton School regularly secure places at conservatories and top university Music departments. Year 12 and Year 13 students study A-Level and IB diploma Music courses, and numbers are strong at GCSE. Current students have gained representation in the National Children’s Choir, British Youth Music Theatre, and Somerset County Youth Orchestra, among many other ensembles. Recent alumni have gained places for the further study of music at the Royal College of Music, RNCM, Trinity Laban, Berklee College and at Durham University.

An extensive programme of ensembles and performances

The department boasts an extensive programme of ensembles and performances, meeting the musical interests and needs of our entire student body. Among the co-curricular groups rehearsing regularly in the department are Taunton School Chorus, the Chapel Choir, Advanced Vocal Ensemble, the Community Choir, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Wind Band, Dance Band, Funk Band, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, several Rock Bands, and a rapidly growing provision for Chamber Music.

The annual calendar of music events features over 100 performances, including a Concerto Competition, large-scale termly concerts, a Choral Concert, Advent and Christmas Carol Services, full-scale Musical Productions, tours in the UK and overseas, Pro Corda Festival Competition, Evening Recitals, regular Teatime Concerts, Evensongs and other services, Masterclasses and concert trips, Contemporary Music Evenings, and much much more.

Our most recent musical production was The Addams Family, performed by a cast of 50, accompanied by full band at The Brewhouse in Taunton.

Recent masterclass and workshop leaders have included Daniel Pailthorpe (co-principal flute of the BBC Symphony Orchestra), Dr Jonathan James (animateur with the London Symphony Orchestra and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra), and Clive Hughes (violinist, formerly of the Smith Quartet).

A wealth of opportunity and excellent facilities

Under the leadership of the Director of Music, there is an Assistant Director of Music, a full time Music Teacher (Deputy Head), the Coordinator of Instrumental Studies, a full-time Head of Keyboard, a School Organist, a Graduate Resident Assistant in Music, and a vibrant group of outstanding Visiting Music Teachers, many of whom take leadership roles in co-curricular ensembles.

The Music School has its own building, situated next to the school’s historic Chapel, which seats 300 and is used extensively for services and many high-profile concerts. Other performance spaces include the Gwyn Williams Recital Room, seating up to 80, and the Old Library, seating 140. There are three grand pianos, together with high-quality Yamaha uprights in each of the teaching rooms, and a Nord Stage 4 digital stage piano.

The Music Technology Room has 12 iMacs, each equipped with Sibelius and Logic software, there is a separate Sixth Form teaching room, and a fully equipped Recording Studio. Instrumental teaching and practice facilities include a specialist percussion room, chamber music room and a keyboard room with two pianos, alongside numerous teaching/practice rooms.