Music

Staffing

• Mr A.G. Jones (Head of Music)
• Mrs. K. Jones (Assistant)

Peripatetic Staff

• Piano: Mrs. C. Johnson, Mrs G Pickett.
• Woodwind: Miss. G Allan, Mrs. Banks.
• Brass: Mr. N. Fielding.
• Percussion: Mr. J. Goodwin.
• Vocal: Mr. M. Derbyshire.
• Guitar & Composition: Mr. S Lees.
• Guitar: Mr. P. Lowry.

Key Stage 3:

The scheme is set by the Music Dept. in line with KS3 requirements. There is one main assessment in term 1 and 2. In term 3 there is a final Performing Test and a final Listening Test. Assessment is internal, using guide lines leading to an overall KS3 level.

• Term 1a: Instrumental Sounds.
• Term 1b: Jazz and Blues. - Assessed on the writing of a 12 bar Blues.
• Term 2a: Music and the Media.
• Term 2b: Music and the Media cont. - Assessed on music and sound effects in a horror story.
• Term 3a: KS3 Assessment - Final Composition - Listening and Appraising Performing.
• Term 3b: Performing and Recording.

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Key Stage 4:

• Coursework Composing 25%
• Coursework Performing 25%
• Integrated Assignment 25%
• Listening Test 25%

Coursework Composing

The composing of one piece, to be based on music for a special event. The event is the candidates choice and can be a past, future or fictitious event. The candidate will provide a written brief, a score and a recording (electronic is acceptable). The composition should be near completion by the end of Yr.10, completion will be by the end of October in Yr.11, the submission will include score, brief and recording.

The department has dedicated music computers each with a Midi Keyboard. Software available is:

• Sibelius 4
• Cubase SE
• Noteworthy 7.5

Each computer has CD burning facilities. The department alsohas a variety of equipment for producing high quality live recordings.

Coursework Performing

This is a gift of 25% marks for any serious musician! The requirement is the performance of one solo and one ensemble, of the candidates choice. The solo can be accompanied by piano (other than a piano solo), guitar and percussion players can use backing track accompaniment. Recording of pieces can take place at any time during the course, any number of pieces any number of times. Selection will be made prior to submission.

Integrated Assignment

In November of Yr.11 the board will issue a set of composition briefs relating to areas studied for the listening test (iv) with the exception of Music for Special Events. The other four areas are:

• Music for Film
• Music for Dance
• Orchestral Landmarks
• Popular Music since 1960

This is a timed assignment working to the set brief, it runs from the beginning of November and concludes at the beginning of May in the year of the examination.

Listening Test

This will be based on the areas of study (listed above). Excepts will be played relating to the areas of study and written answers are required. The test lasts for one and a quarter hours. It is the only formal examination within part the award

This exciting course allows students to further develop their own interests in music as well as providing a foundation for the AQA A? Level Course.

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AS Level

If you play an instrument to at least Grade V Associated Board, enjoy performing, want to develop your performing skills and extend your musical knowledge, then consider Music A Level.

The three modules in the A/S year are:

• Understanding Music (Listening Test) 40% AS. 20% of total A level
• Composing 30% AS. 15% of total A level
• Performing 30% AS. 15% of total A level.

Understanding Music centres around the study of three set works, one of which will be a stimulus for composition. The Listening Test features excerpts from the three set works. There is then an essay section also relating to the set works, with multiple choice in the questions.

The final part of this module relates to development and change of a chosen genre, this can be between fifty and a hundred years. Choice is decided by the college and here the department tries to consider the interests of the candidates. Past study areas have included: Development of Jazz from 1900 to 1960 : The string quartet from Beethoven to Shostakovich; Orchestral Music from Mendelssohn to Stravinsky. This section is examined via essay writing, there is some multiple choice and in all three essays are required.

Composing requires the completion of two works, one of which will be stimulated by a work from module i. The second work is a free choice. Both compositions require a written brief, a score and a recording. One of the compositions must be suitable for submission as part of module iii. Where a live performance is required the candidate does not have to be one of the performers, he / she may act as director; performers do not have to be members of the school / college. Where an electronic realization is required this is acceptable and can be realized in college.

Students have the opportunity to work at a computer controlled work station, hear their work as it develops and print the score. Software available is:

• Sibelius 4
• Cubase SE
• Noteworthy 7.5

Performing an ensemble programme of five to ten minutes. Pieces are the candidates choice, but must demonstrate ensemble skills. Recording can take place any time during the AS course. Centre Assessed.

Content:

• Performing. 15% of total A level
• Understanding Music. 15% of total A level
• Investigation, Report and Composition. 20% of total A level

Performing requires the preparation of a recital lasting between 7 and 10 minutes, including a short viva voce session. This is externally assessed. Performance pieces are of the candidates choice. As is the norm orchestral instruments can be accompanied by piano and backing track can be used when appropriate.

Understanding Musica two and a half hour examination in three sections:

• Section A relates to Musical Genres of the 20c and 21c
• Section B relates the setting of text in the 20c and 21c
• Section C requires the study of one set work examined by a essay questions

Cadidates are required to answer one question from multiple choice.

Investigation Report and compositionhe study of two works of the candidates choice. One must have been written between 1700 and 1850; the other at least one hundred years pre or post the given dates. The study of the works and resulting report with provide the stimulus for the candidates composition.

This enjoyable course is an excellent preparation for degree level study. GCSE music is not always necessary. The course is demanding and requires interest, ability and commitment. First study singers must have some keyboard skills. Grade V Theory offers a helpful start.

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14-19 Careers/ Educational Opportunities

Music is usually studied either because of a wish to pursue a related career or because of a persons love for music, but wishing it to remain a hobby. GCSE Music, supported by other subjects is usually enough to begin work in the music retail business, in which there is only limited promotion possibilities perhaps leading to shop, branch or area manager. This is an area that requires very hard work and often long hours.

A high GCSE grade will enable a student to embark on a GCE course. The latter is necessary for any specialist music career be it further study in performing, or conducting; the music industry including studio work and publishing, each of which require degree qualification. In such jobs you will be working to a very high standard, often under pressure, but well rewarded.

GCE is also required for further study of a related area at university level.

The exception to the A Level requirement is to embark on training within the Band Service of the Armed Forces. The armed forces will train you initially for their requirements, that is the band aspect; but you will also embark on a degree course and if you have not studied A level there will firstly be a foundation course. The Royal Marines also offer further education at colleges such as The Royal Northern, where you can specialise in conducting or performing. Any promotion in the armed services does take time but it is a secure position of work.

The music staff at Audenshaw will be willing to answer any questions relating to further study or job prospects

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