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Singing, dancing, music and theatre at chb

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 7:48 pm
by HappyRobot
Hello,
Can someone tell me what provision there is at chb for boys who love music and performing.
What opps are available?
Are these activities less encouraged as the children are more academically driven and less focused on music etc?
Thanks for any opinions.

Re: Singing, dancing, music and theatre at chb

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 10:58 pm
by um
I've attended most of the Senior and Junior Drama productions; ds2 has been involved in the Junior ones.
They are always extremely well delivered; with every aspect being top quality; the staging, acting, costumes, tech, music/orchestra etc. I'd honestly say they're every bit as good as going to many external productions!

Ds1 is not musical but ds2 started saxophone at CHB and his tutor has been very good and ds2 really looks up to him. There is an additional cost (not huge) for this tuition each term. There are also separate parents' evenings to receive feedback from the instrumental tutors.

Many boys there play musical instruments to a very high grade and there are regular evening events to showcase the Junior/Senior orchestras.

There's an annual poetry evening including musical pieces.

Re: Singing, dancing, music and theatre at chb

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 3:25 pm
by HappyRobot
Thanks um. I also got feedback from a non-Forum friend's son who attends:

"Yes there are some music groups, but you need to audition. You don't need to be amazing to get in. For the bands there are training (grade 1-3) intermediate (grade 4-5) and senior (grade 6+). Quite a lot of people perform in bands. If you have music lessons you are expected to join a band when you're good enough."

Re: Singing, dancing, music and theatre at chb

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 9:00 am
by solimum
My son's CHB sixth form experience is now several years out of date, but there was certainly plenty of music going on. As an A Level music student he was involved in the higher level bands/orchestra as well as playing for a couple of the musical productions which were excellent (Sweeney Todd one year and Fiddler on the Roof). He also enjoyed various singing groups. Several of the ensembles were joint with e girls school, as was his A level group. Having attended the various concerts there were plenty of younger groups on display too - sometimes far too many! He also had the opportunity to join the Birmingham schools orchestra which was a great experience.