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 |
| Singing/Piano | Mr C.M. Sheldrake | French Horn | Mrs S C Avison |
| 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 | Dance | Ms S. Sigley |
| Trombone/Tuba | Mr R.C. Stubbings | ||
| Organ | Mr M Redman |
Downside offers a wide range of musical ensembles, and you will be encouraged to join those that best suit your voice or instrument. Singers can take part in Schola Cantorum (the main school choir), the Mixed Chamber Choir, Boys’ and Girls’ Chamber Choirs, and our close harmony group. Instrumentalists have options including String Ensemble, Concert Band, Orchestra, Brass Group, Pipe Band and Jazz Ensemble. For our rock and pop musicians we run a rock band mentoring group and a function band. Smaller chamber groups—such as String Quartets and the Junior Piano Trio—are formed as needed, providing further opportunities for collaborative music-making.
Throughout the year, the music calendar is full, with events such as the St Cecilia Concert, House Music Competition, Band Nights, Choral Concert, Music for a Summer’s Evening, regular Abbey services, and a variety of special one-off performances featuring professional musicians. We also run a more informal lunchtime concert series, known as Cloister Concerts which offer pupils of any ability the opportunity to perform to a small and supportive audience.
