Music Department

Mrs G Fretigny – Head of Department

Mrs A McCourt

Music Tutors

• Mrs Roisin Dolan – Upper Strings
• Mrs Dawn Liggett – Cello
• Mr Michael McGinty – Double Bass
• Mrs Ashlinn Hughes – Woodwind
• Mr Neil Guy – Brass
• Mr Keith McDermott – Guitar
• Mr David Robertson – Voice

We have a busy Music Department where pupils of all ages have the opportunity to be involved in Music in a variety of ways.

Music is studied by all pupils in Key Stage 3 and it is an optional subject at GCSE, AS and A2 level. Music tuition is provided in strings and woodwind by the EA Music Service Tutors. Voice and guitar tuition is provided by independent tutors. At CBS Omagh there has always been a strong tradition of Irish traditional music. The traditional music group enhances many events both in school and outside.

The Department provides opportunities for all pupils from Years 8-14 to come together to enjoy and perform music. Pupils are involved in the preparation of music for the many school liturgies, and events. In addition to the Junior and Senior Choir and Traditional group there are other musical ensembles that perform at a wide range of events.

The following topics are taught during years 8, 9 and 10. Assessments in Music include practical assessments on the tin whistle and keyboard, listening and composing tasks and research and written theory exercises.

Exam Board: CCEA

Why study GCSE Music?

• This course provides a stimulating and rewarding programme of study and enables you to develop your musical personality, imagination and creativity;
• You will develop technical skills on an instrument or in singing, and become increasingly confident, expressive and mature as a performer;
• You will acquire the skills necessary to write your own music, developing your own character and expressive potential as a composer;
• You will develop skills of critical listening, acquiring the knowledge and understanding to appreciate a wide range of historical to contemporary music;
• Above all, you will enjoy exploring your own personality as a musician.

What will I study?

Performing and Appraising (35%)

A solo performance and performance as a member of a group, of up to 10 minutes in total to a visiting assessor, allows you to demonstrate the technical skills of how fluently you can play or sing and how effectively you can communicate the meaning of the music.

Composing and Appraising (30%)

A portfolio of two pieces written by you in a style of your choice, 3 to 6 minutes in total, allows you to display the skills of melody writing and arranging taught during the course.

Listening and Appraising (35%)

Two 45 minute listening exams based on a range of study pieces including Classical, Film and TV, Irish Traditional and Pop music, allow you to demonstrate focused and critical listening skills developed over the course.

How will I be assessed?

• Play or Sing as a soloist and as a member of a group (external examiner)
• Two 45 minute listening exams based on a range of set pieces from Classical to Film, to Irish Traditional and Pop.
• Write two pieces of music in a style of your choice (Controlled Assessment)

Niall McCrystal rehearsing his GCSE ensemble piece.

What will I gain?

• Confidence and skill to be a better performer in your chosen style.
• Find a voice and skills to write your own music.
• Open your ears to new worlds of music.
• Proof that you have the dedication and ability to develop a high level skill.

‘Les Miserables’ – Senior Choir – Strule Arts Centre

Entry Requirements: Enthusiasm and commitment.

Pupils would usually be able to read music notation or be committed to becoming fluent in reading music, and most would already play or sing. We encourage performers in all styles of music. Students must undertake lessons with a singing/instrumental tutor.

FAQ’s

Isn’t this just for classical players?

Maybe not! Performers from not just a classical background, but traditional, folk, jazz and rock can perform with equal success

Do I have to have lessons?

Having lessons is not required, but the majority of instrumental performers and singers would, and they find these the best way to improve their skills.

Do I have to compose in a classical style?

No, composing in any style can be successful and recently some of the most effective have been rock or traditional pieces.

Useful links

BBC Music Bitesize GCSE

http://sfskids.org/

No society yet discovered is without music. Psychologists identify a separate musical intelligence among the range of intelligences that form our abilities. All people have a natural inclination towards music, in some form. Music forms part of who we are, it enriches our lives, relaxes, inspires, consoles and expresses something in us which cannot be defined in any other medium.

The AS and A Level music specification aims to broaden experience, develop imagination, foster creativity and to promote personal and social development. In particular, it encourages students to:

• extend the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to communicate through music and to take part in music-making;
• engage and extend their appreciation of the diverse and dynamic heritage of music;
• to develop their musical skills through the related activities of performing, composing and appraising; and
• develop particular strengths and interests, thereby encouraging lifelong learning and providing access to music-related and other careers.

What will I study?

CCEA AS and A-Level Music Modules:

How will I be assessed?

This specification promotes students’ opportunities for progression to:

• specialist academic and practical study at Third Level Institutions;
• further study across the Humanities and Social Sciences;
• career paths in the areas of Education and Performance; and
• career paths in the related areas of Sound Engineering and the Media, Arts Management, the Creative and Expressive Arts and Music Technology.

Study at AS and A-Level allows you to develop and prove to Employers and Universities:

• a creative and expressive personality as a talented performer;
• dedication and determination to develop a technical skill;
• cultural awareness and the value of artistic heritage;
• confidence and high standards of presentation; and
• the ability to make an effective contribution in ensemble or group activities.