Creative Arts
Creative Arts at Pilgrims’ encourage imagination, expression and confidence, giving boys the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic and creative disciplines in a vibrant, supportive environment.
MUSIC
Music at The Pilgrims’ School is an exceptional strength. It informs so much of all that we do during our school day, and it resonates even with the Pilgrims who do not sing or play. We inspire an understanding and appreciation of music in every boy, which he will find invaluable for the rest of his life.
From Reception to Year 8, all boys have timetabled class music lessons each week. We aim to equip each boy with the tools to unlock a deeper understanding of the subject, irrespective of his musical ability. Composition is crucial, both in terms of inspiring creativity and as a stimulus to musical appreciation.
OUR INSTRUMENTAL TUITION
Not surprisingly, there are more instrumental lessons each week than there are boys in the school. A dedicated team of 28 specialist visiting music teachers means boys can learn any orchestral instrument, in addition to piano, organ, guitar, lute and of course, their voice. Music lessons are arranged so that disruption to lessons is kept to a minimum, ensuring that we preserve the balance between academic subjects, sport, music and free time.
Music practice rooms, including a sound-proofed suite with recording facilities, are mostly located in the music block, but there are pianos, including four grands, dotted all around the school. Boarders also have timetabled practising slots supervised by the music staff.
OUR MUSIC ENSEMBLES AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Practising in isolation is one thing, but the stimulus of group music-making is key to a successful musician – it’s also much more fun!
Performing starts in Pre-Prep and, from Year 6 onwards, two-thirds of boys play in ensembles. Boys perform in at least 12 concerts each year, ranging from the formal to the extremely informal. Chamber music is greatly encouraged and music is specially arranged for any ad hoc combinations that may arise when friends decide to pool their resources. The orchestra plays repertoire that one might expect to hear at a senior school.
Ensemble opportunities include, the Jazz Band, the Rock band, Orchestra and Strings, Guitar, Recorder, Woodwind and Baroque Ensembles, as well as Big Band and Orchestra.
MUSIC EXAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Graded music exam results are consistently high; most grades awarded will be distinctions or high merits. A good number of boys will attain Grade 5+ each year and will have passed their Grade 5 theory. Our aim is musicianship, however, and while grades are important, depth and breadth of repertoire are key. We have an enviable record in securing music awards to senior schools, and a significant number of Pilgrims go on to read music at university, many as a choral scholar at either Oxford or Cambridge.
OUR CHOIRS
At Pilgrims’, we know singing is good for us. You’ll hear snatches of song at all times of day and in the most surprising places.
The two professional choirs of the Cathedral (Choristers) and Winchester College (Quiristers) engage the talents of 38 Pilgrims, but an additional four school choirs including the Chamber Choir who sing for the Christmas Lights switch on every year in Winchester, provide an excellent opportunity for other singers.
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Our Location
Set in the heart of Winchester’s Cathedral Close, the school enjoys a unique and peaceful setting between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College, with the city on its doorstep and the South Downs countryside just beyond.