Music, Drama & Dance
The Performing Arts department has a hugely committed team of visiting teachers, many of whom not only teach individual weekly lessons, but also run ensembles, accompany their pupils in informal concerts, and play or sing in the wide variety of concerts and events which we put on each year.
| Director of Performing Arts | Mrs Karen Randall | Percussion/Drum Kit | Mr S.P. Jobbins |
| Theatre Technician | Mr C. Baker | Trumpet | Mr S.D.H. Jones |
| Administrator | Mrs C.N.C. Maggs | Electric Guitar | Mr T.V. Jones |
| Classical Guitar | Mr D. Arcoleo | Bagpipes | Mr R.R. Kerr |
| Singing | Ms A. Carroll | Harp/Piano | Mrs E.J. Mullins |
| Flute | Mrs G.A. Cleverley | Oboe/Saxophone/Clarinet | Mr M.H. Packman |
| Saxophone/Clarinet | Mr S.R. Crockatt | KS3 Choral Animateur | Ms P. Rees-Jones |
| Viola | Mrs A. Green | Cello/Piano | Miss K.M. Robey |
| Violin | Mr J.R. Hughes | LAMDA | Ms P.A. Schofield |
| Double Bass | Miss J. Jobbins | Singing/Piano | Mr C.M. Sheldrake |
| Trombone/Tuba | Mr R.C. Stubbings | Dance | Ms S. Sigley |
| Organ | Mr J.P.B. McNamara |
There are lots of different ensembles at Downside and you will be encouraged to join those which are appropriate to you. Singers have Schola Cantorum (the main school choir), the Mixed Chamber, Boys’ Chamber, Girls’ Chamber Choirs and Barbershop while instrumentalists have everything from Orchestra to Concert/CCF Band, Brass Group, Pipe Band and Jazz Band. Chamber ensembles such as Cello Group, String Quartet and Junior Piano Trio are put together on a more ad hoc basis and there are plenty of opportunities for music-making with others. Some of these groups are auditioned and your teacher will be able to advise you on which is appropriate for you. Over the course of a year there are many musical events including the Choral Concert, St Cecilia Concert, House Music Competition, House Singing, Rock Nights, Music for a Summer’s Evening, regular Abbey services and the joint Charity Showcase various local bands, plus a variety of ‘one-off ’ events involving professional musicians.
