Extra-Curricular

Music

The Music Department offers a range of opportunities for pupils to practice and perform.
The Senior Choir - Conductor Mr B Coffey; Accompanist Mrs W McConnell
Rehearsal Times
Wednesday and Thursday mornings 8.50-9.10am
The Senior Choir is open to students in Years 11-14 and performs at Down High School’s two biggest musical events, the Christmas Carol Service and the annual Spring concert. The choir’s repertoire includes Christmas music, works from the classical choral tradition, ancient airs and songs from the shows.

Orchestra – Conductor Mr B Coffey
Rehearsal Times
Thursday 3.30-4.10pm
The orchestra gives string musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents. The orchestra performs a range of classical and popular tunes and plays a leading role in the Spring concert.

Chamber Choir -  Conductor Mr B Coffey; Accompanist Mrs W McConnell
Rehearsal Times
Wednesday and Thursday 10.45-11.00am
The Chamber Choir is much smaller than the Senior Choir and performs technically difficult pieces best achieved by a reduced choral ensemble. Entry into the Chamber Choir is gained through audition and many of its members receive vocal coaching. The Chamber Choir performs at both the Carol Service and the Spring concert and their performances always delight the large audiences.

Junior Choir – Conductor Mrs W McConnell
Rehearsal Times
One day per week during lunchtime
The Junior Choir consists of approximately 80 pupils from Years 8, 9 and 10 who meet weekly to rehearse pieces reflecting a variety of musical styles in preparation for the annual Spring concert in March. Three pieces are performed at this event and the choir provides the audience with a ion of new music, “old favourites” and a piece ed by the members of the choir. Popular pupil choices tend to feature songs from Musicals, the Disney song archive or the world of “pop”.

Jazz Band – co-ordinated by Mrs McConnell
Rehearsal Times
One lunch-time per week

The Jazz Band meets weekly to prepare for the annual Spring concert in March. Consisting of thirteen members, the Jazz group performs at least two pieces providing a range of tempi.

Concert Band – Conducted by Mrs McConnell
Rehearsal Times
Thursday 3.20-4.00pm
The school’s Concert Band meets every week to prepare for the Annual Spring concert. There are over 70 brass and woodwind musicians in the band, covering all of the year groups in the school. Practices are organised using a rota system so that pupils will have free weeks scattered throughout the academic calendar during which they can enjoy other extra-curricular activities. The band’s music represents a range of genres and tempi and performances are always received enthusiastically.