A Level Music
Performing Arts
The department has a thriving range of extra-curricular music activities and enjoys the support of staff in other departments, parents and friends of the school. All students are encouraged to attend groups as appropriate to their abilities. In 2004-5 The Soul Band played many concerts around the area including joint concerts with the Durham County Big Band in preparation for their joint tour to Spain. Venues included Mickleton Village Hall as part of a residential at Langden Beck YHA and Darlington Arts Centre. In June 2005 the Soul Band Babies were the main group in a ‘Summer Soiree’ at the Witham Hall in Barnard Castle.
Soul Band
The ensemble most in the public eye. This 21-piece group of singers and instrumentalists can list among its achievements:
- Representing the North East of England at the Specialist Schools’ Trust Summer Showcase in Birmingham Symphony Hall in July 2004.
- Being invited to play at the evening function of the Specialist Schools’ Trust annual Performing Arts Conference at the Gateshead Hilton in February 2005.
- Making their first CD in October 2004 with another planned for July 2006.
- Two tours with the Durham County Big Band (with who we enjoy a partnership) to the Costa Dorada area of Spain in 2003 and 2005 with another joint tour to France in preparation for July 2007.
(Rehearses after school)
Soul Band Babies
Essentially a training band for the Soul Band, this group was set up in September 2004 to provide ensemble experience for those students not yet experienced enough to be in the Soul Band. It also replaced the Wind Band as the ‘open-door’ ensemble for wind players.
Rehearses at lunch time.
Madrigal Group
Essentially a small choir for part-singing with a wide repertory. Staff and sixth formers are encouraged to attend.
Rehearses after school.
Choir
Open door singing group. Rehearses at lunch time
Folk Fiddle
Meets after school and comprises students from Teesdale and Staindrop Comprehensive.
The department has a policy of encouraging rock bands and other informal music making in S1 at lunchtimes or after school when appropriate.
Whole School Show
A major event in the department’s calendar is the whole school show which occurs in early December. An open doors policy is place with auditions for lead roles. Drama teachers have directed all shows although in December 2005 a sixth former directed with support from staff in an example of how we encourage more able students.
Previous shows are:
- West Side Story - July 2002.
- Cabaret - July 2003.
- The Life of Galileo - December 2003.
- Return to the Forbidden Planet - December 2004.
- Little Shop of Horrors - December 2005.