Welcome to Music

Musical performance is a strong feature of the school.  Our School Choir was voted Choir of the Year in a competition run by the Blackpool Gazette in December 2008, beating choirs from all other Blackpool and Fylde schools.  Our musicians perform frequently both within school and a busy schedule of community performances. This enables students to build confidence and enhance their skills and experience.  All musical enrichment activities are inclusive, and all students are encouraged to join instrumental and vocal ensembles. In Music, students are encouraged to develop their musical learning and skills both in music lessons and through a varied programme of enrichment activities.  Many students work towards a range of additional qualifications including Associated Board, Rockschool and Musical Theatre examinations for voice and instruments, and the Arts Award course for leadership within musical activities and appreciation of music.

School Band with Ms Waring

The school band is the largest of our instrumental groups and is a very busy ensemble in the approach to Christmas. The band will play at every event from Remembrance to Christmas. The band plays at a wide range of community and school occasions, so membership of the band is recognised highly within school and beyond. The band is a great balance of fun and music, with new players always made very welcome. Band parts can be adapted to suit less experienced players and playing in the band is a fantastic catalyst for further musical development.

Choir with Ms Waring

Join Ms Waring to sing a range of Christmas, folk, chamber and world music. The choir won Blackpool Gazette's School Choir of the Year competition in 2008, beating all other Blackpool and Fylde school choirs, and has sung at a music festival in London, performed live on BBC Radio Lancashire and is a busy group within school. The choir is a sociable lunchtime activity and an opportunity to sing with others in a relaxed atmosphere.  In February 2009 the choir will be hosting gospel workshops with Tyndale Thomas, renowned director of the One Voice gospel group, and performing with Tyndale in a concert on 25th February.

Join Daniel and all our flautists to play Christmas, classical, jazz and popular music in a friendly group. Music is pitched at different levels to support the progress of younger and less confident players but enables progression within the group to more challenging music. This is a great opportunity to develop ensemble skills.

Clarinet Choir with Ben Amphlett

Join Ben and all our clarinettists to play a range of music from classical to pop and Christmas music. There are parts to suit players of all abilities, with support for beginner and less confident players and also the opportunity for experienced players to improve their technique and ensemble skills.

Students can work towards Associated Board, Rockschool, Musical Theatre and Music Theory exams. These offer our students the opportunity to gain additional qualifications and to progress within a framework of musical performance and knowledge. Usually the school is able to host a visiting examiner for Associated Board exams, as many students take these exams. Ms Waring and Miss Murnan work, with our team of visiting specialist teachers, to prepare students for exams, and perform piano accompaniments for our students.

Solo Performance with Ms Waring and Miss Murnan and our team of visiting specialist teachers

There are lots of opportunities for solo performance at our termly Talent Shows, in concerts, recitals and in our programme of community performances. Ms Waring and Miss Murnan can arrange rehearsal time at lunchtimes.

Mr Harding runs three Theory Workshops for students working towards Grade 5 Theory exams. Each group is working at a different stage in the preparation for their exam, so there is opportunity for musicians to work in a group at their own level of experience and confidence.

Mr Lockyer, our Guitar Teacher, runs guitar band sessions on Friday lunchtimes to support students in developing their band skills. Mr Lockyer is an experienced rock band performer himself, playing in a professional tribute band as well as teaching guitar and band skills.

Drummers are invited to join Daniel in his two lunchtime drumkit workshops to develop their skills and build techniques. Daniel runs two workshops for beginner and more experienced drummers.

Carr Hill’s Got Even More Talent

Students and staff were treated to another evening of entertainment with the Valentine’s Talent Show.

Performers payed homage to a string of stars including Chris Martin, Whitney Houston and Duffy and there was even a comedy act with a sketch inspired by the Catherine Tate Show. (see pics below)

Almost 20 acts performed at the event organised by Carr Hill’s Music department and the school hall was packed as fellow students, parents and staff enjoyed the spectacle.

Head of Music Ms Waring said: “This is our students’ chance to showcase their talent for music and dance.

“Once again this was a great event. Everyone involved really enjoyed themselves and entertained the crowd.”

And there was even a performance by staff (pictured below from l-r Mr Napier, Mrs Edwards and Mrs Holden) with a rendition of Bryan Adams Everything I Do.

Proceeds from ticket sales will raise funds for the purchase of a set of samba band drums, enhancing the extra-curricular opportunity in music with samba drumming.

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Meanwhile the school hall was packed once again as Carr Hill hosted a series of gospel workshops culminating in an evening concert with the renowned One Voice choir.

Tyndale Thomas, musical director of the One Voice gospel choir, welcomed youngsters from several of our partner primary schools: Kirkham & Wesham Primary, Medlar with Wesham Primary, St Joseph's Catholic Primary and St Michael's C of E Primary with Carr Hill Choir also benefitting from a workshop.

The One Voice Choir Carr Hill Choir working with Tyndale Thomas

All students involved were given the opportunity to work with the great singer before taking part in an evening performance with the choir.

Local primary school children and Carr Hill students enjoying masterclasses with Tyndale Thomas

Ms Waring said: “This was a great day and evening of music, with lots of students coming together to enjoy music.

“We were delighted to welcome such a talented musician into school who was able to work with so many of our students and those from neighbouring schools.

“This was a real community event that was enjoyed by many.”