Academic : Music

Virtually everyone is drawn to music of some kind and there is so much to choose from: Rap, Hip Hop, Country, Classical, Rock ‘n' Roll, Pop, RnB, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Folk, Metal, Blues, Latin...and the list goes on.

In this age of quick-fix celebrity-dom, internet download, satellite music tv stations and digital radio, some might say ‘isn't it enough to know what you like? And stick with it'. But what we aim to do in the Music Department is develop a deep understanding and appreciation of different kinds of music and to fire up enthusiasm to look a little further. We hope that, through studying music, girls will develop broader life-skills and attributes including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and emotional and cultural development. We explore the diverse and dynamic heritage of music and the essential role it has played, and continues to play, in the spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural lives of people from around the world, both in the past and right now.

Other than a very lively interest in both GCSE and A Level music, music is compulsory in Years 7 - 9. In the early years, much emphasis is placed on practical music making as well as learning the basics of music theory.

Girls are encouraged to develop musical talents by taking individual lessons on a variety of instruments. A large group of enthusiastic peripatetic music teachers cater for all instruments. Lessons are offered within the school day as well as before and after academic lesson times.

The Department boasts a large choir (approx 100) which performs regularly, not only in England, but also abroad. Music tours to Italy, France, Austria, South Africa, USA and Belgium have all taken place in the last few years and we are looking forward to a tour of Hong Kong in Easter 2011.

Extra-curricular music activities include a school orchestra, jazz band, string orchestra, clarinet choir, saxophone ensemble and recorder ensemble.The Department presents termly formal concerts as well as smaller informal class concerts and takes part in Music Festivals and external competitions throughout the year. External music examinations are encouraged and the school runs its own examination sessions three times per year.

Music is alive and kicking at Truro High! Parents are keen for their children to learn instruments, we have a Parent Choir and there are scores of brass bands, string orchestras and wind bands around Cornwall which our girls join as well. A musical life is a busy life, and a fun one, too!