Mrs M Sherred (Head of Department)
Mr B Shaw
Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act.
It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps pupils understand themselves
and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider world. The
teaching of music develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. It encourages active involvement in different forms of amateur music making, both individual and communal, developing a sense of group identity and togetherness. It also increases self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment.
Music at DGGS is taught in a separate building in the far corner of the school grounds. Facilities
include dual computer/music keyboard workstations, recording equipment, a piano and various percussion instruments.
The music room at lunchtime is a very busy place. Activities include senior and junior bands, senior
and junior choirs and a chamber choir, a beginner’s band and a guitar club. All girls are invited to participate in these activities and where possible instruments will be made available.
As well as the main music room the music department have the use of 2 rooms, complete with pianos
in Frith Road House. These rooms are mainly used by peripatetic teachers for individual instrumental lessons, but are available to girls for individual practice. The large visiting peripatetic staff are all highly trained musicians who offer 30-minute lessons throughout the school year to girls learning to play instruments.
Lessons are available in: piano, flute violin clarinet, viola, saxophone, guitar, trumpet, singing. All other instrumental requirements can be resolved on demand. Girls are encouraged to consider learning a musical instrument and application forms are readily available from the music department.
