String, Brass, Woodwind and Percussion Ensembles
Until year 8 all students must sing in a choir, play in an ensemble and take a supporting studies class. Older musicians may choose from one or more of the options below. It is usual to take at least three classes.
Ensemble playing is fundamental to SCYM. Students are grouped into chamber ensembles according to their current performance grade, from absolute beginner to advanced.
- Prelude Strings is for string players from absolute beginners from age 6. Children are taught ensemble, technique and note reading skills in a small group.
- String Ensemble is a group for players who have reached approximately grade 1 to 3. The focus is on ensemble skills, the development of reading notation, practical musicianship and consolidation of good technique.
- String Orchestra is for players who are grade 3 to 5.
- Chamber String Ensemble is for players who are approximately grade 6 and above.
- Chamber Groups for String & Keyboard Players is for auditioned chamber groups.
- Cello Ensemble is for players who have reached grade 7 and above.
- Brass Group is for brass players from grade 1 to 4
- Concert Band is for wind and brass players grade 5 and above
- Wind Bands is for wind players from grade 1 to 4 and are for core curriculum students
- Wind Ensemble is for wind players from grade 4 and above and is for core curriculum students.
- Recorder Ensemble is currently for young and beginner recorder players, although more experienced players are welcome.
- Tuned Percussion is an ensemble for students who are at least grade 5 on orchestral percussion, or for pianists who play to grade 6 and above who would like to play in an ensemble at SCYM. We have marimba, vibes and an array of percussion to learn on.
- Percussion Ensemble is for younger students who are first study percussion or drums, or piano and voice. This group also plays tuned orchestral percussion, as well as enjoying a ‘Stomp’ style of percussion ensemble
Jazz Ensembles
- The Jazz Ensemble is small group for musicians who are already familiar with jazz harmony and improvising, and who play trumpet, trombone, sax, bass, drums or piano to a minimum of grade 5 and above. This is a non-auditioned ensemble for full and core curriculum SCYM students, as well as students who wish to take the ensembles only option. This group rehearses from 1300 until 1430 every Saturday and is taught by Miguel Gorodi.
- Jazz Musicians. One group for the absolute beginner in jazz, led by James Free. Students are taught the rudiments of jazz theory, and learn how to improvise and play in the jazz idiom. All instrumentalists who are playing at grade 4 and above are welcome in these groups, with some progressing on to the jazz ensemble when spaces become available.
Singing & Vocal Training
Singing is our bedrock and taking part in a choir is compulsory at SCYM until a student reaches year 8. Great performances, rehearsals, auditions and exam results depend on good sight-reading and musicianship, and singing in a choir makes for greater awareness of group responsibility, co-operation and leadership. It is also the perfect opportunity to mix with other students from outside their own instrumental groups. Choirs are led by Katie McKinnon and Felicity Hamilton with Tatiana Kott and Matthew Ryan accompanying respectively. We currently run two choirs; Young Voices and Vocal Workshop as well as an A Capella ensemble for the more dedicated vocalist.
- Kodaly Class is a 45 minute class is for young children aged 4 to 6, and starts at 11.30. The Kodaly method teaches children to develop their inner ear using singing and rhythm games. Children learn to keep pulse, recognise meter, develop rhythm, and hear and sing pitch and harmony.This can be taken as a ‘stand alone’ class and not part of the core curriculum. To learn more about the Kodaly teaching method, you can visit the Kodaly Academy website: www.kodaly.org.uk
- A Capella is a small vocal close harmony group for more experienced singers, covering popular music repertoire.
General Musicianship, Composition and Supporting Studies
Musicianship classes at SCYM help students develop the skills they need to improve their music making by consolidating their understanding of basic music theory. Musicianship classes are taught using practical work, improvisation, reading and listening.
For older students our history and musical awareness class is very popular, as are the composition, music production and DJ classes. All of which can be taught as in individual lesson if required.
Some classes are specifically used to enable students to achieve Grade 5 Theory, and are available to students who play their instrument to grade 4 standard and above. Others offer support for those taking GCSE, AS and A2 exams. The Musicianship Department can also prepare students for the grade exam 6 to 8 aural tests.
Brass Band
SCYM’s brass band is for brass players of grade 6 and above and is conducted by Jayne Murrill. The band plays popular and challenging brass band repertoire and sit in the traditional brass band format with cornets, baritones, euphoniums, trombones and tubas (basses). To date they have performed side by side with Cory Band in Saffron Hall, and also perform in the community. We aim for the standard to be high and to provide opportunities for soloists. The band rehearses monthly from 2-5 pm.
J Steps
A jazz ensemble for female and non binary improvising musicians. Led by Hannah Horton the players are grade 6 and above and are taught jazz harmony and improvisation, playing standards and originals. J Steps have performed at EFG London Jazz Festival and Saffron Hall foyer and invite new players who want to learn more about jazz in a comfortable and supportive setting. They seek, in particular, trombones and trumpets. J Steps rehearses monthly from 3-5pm.
