Music

Downside is renowned for the quality of its co-curricular music. Outstanding facilities and expert, inspirational tuition ensure that healthy numbers of pupils participate in a vast range of solo and group activities, with everything from singing and the ukulele to the double bass and bagpipes, and from sacred choral music to the jazz and function bands.

Founded over a century ago, Downside’s Schola Cantorum is formed of boys and girls from all year groups and is proud to be the oldest Roman Catholic school choir in the United Kingdom. Building on the legacy of its distinguished founder, Sir Richard Runciman Terry, the Schola Cantorum maintains Downside’s long tradition of excellence in liturgical music. Its repertoire embraces over 1400 years of composition, from the earliest Gregorian chant, via Renaissance polyphony and Classical Masses, to contemporary works by living composers. The Schola Cantorum provides the choral music for services in the Abbey Church (music list), and it gives concerts of large-scale sacred works accompanied by orchestra at various times throughout the year.

Further opportunities for singers include the three Chamber Choirs and a small close harmony group. They specialise in a cappella performances of sacred and secular repertoire, including the popular May Morning Madrigals from the top of the School’s Roberts’ Tower. They rehearse weekly, and membership is by invitation. The Chamber Choirs sing at Mass on some Sundays and have regular commitments elsewhere, including Wells Cathedral, Oxford and London.

Instrumental musicians also enjoy a wealth of opportunities. Orchestral, band and chamber music all flourish at Downside, with frequent concerts and less formal performances, indoors and out, at the School and elsewhere. Among the annual highlights, the CCF and Pipe Bands lead the annual Remembrance Sunday parade through the streets of Bath city centre. Advanced instrumentalists have the opportunity to perform concertos with the school orchestra, and there are plenty of opportunities for Jazz, Rock and Pop musicians.

Whole-School musical events include the annual inter-house singing competition and the weekly whole-School hymn practice, which many former pupils include among their happiest memories of their time at Downside.

The Music Department enjoys successful collaborations with the Dance and Drama staff, training the principals, chorus and band or orchestra for the annual musical and other productions.

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