Musicians joining the SWCHS Sixth Form have the unique opportunity to apply to join our Music Academy. This is an exciting programme of enrichment carefully coordinated by Miss C Law (Director of Music) and Mr E Reed (teacher of Music and Music Technology). The programme is advanced yet inclusive, covering classical, jazz and folk idioms. The programme runs alongside normal studies and Music Academy students enjoy a weekly timetabled session which does not conflict with curriculum lessons. Course Content: The course is designed for musicians of Grade 6 standard and above. Weekly classes focus on performance, practice, analytical and sight reading skills. The programme provides regular performance opportunities on the Saffron Hall stage and also in local venues such as St Mary’s church and Audley End House. A Music Academy focus is collaboration and the cohort work together in developing accompanying and chamber music skills along with composing and conducting. Focussing on the skills and interest of the students, they lead exciting outreach projects in local primary schools and are encouraged to promote their solo recitals and ensemble performances. Saffron Hall is not only one of the best concert venues in the country, boasting a programme to rival any, but it also has a keen interest in supporting and promoting music education. Working with the Saffron Hall Learning and Participation team, we provide opportunities and facilities for young musicians studying at SWCHS that are unrivalled in Eastern England. During their time in the Music Academy, students take part in masterclasses delivered by world class performers. Our students benefit from working with visiting artists such as Nicola Bendetti, Jess Gillam and Robert Hollingworth. In recent years they have performed alongside NYJO, LPO, The English Concert Orchestra and Iestyn Davies. Our Post-16 Music Academy attracts some of the best student musicians from a wide geographical area. Academicians are welcomed to both a regional centre of excellence for music education and a school that sets the highest of academic standards. While most applicants will naturally want to follow the A-Level Music route, this is not a prerequisite, as we recognise that at this stage, some talented musicians prefer to further develop their musical skills and experience, while studying for a career in another discipline.
+ Grade 6 Merit instrument or voice Applicants will be required to perform as part of an audition and interview process.
What is expected from Academy students? • Be a regular member of one or more Senior Ensembles • To be fully immersed in community music and project based activities • Participate in the Masterclass programme • Take part in concerts, recitals and festivals • Make a sustained contribution to the wider SWCHS musical community • Generally, seek to maximise the opportunities offered, including those from Saffron Hall Learning and Participation
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, CB11 4UH |
Musicians joining the SWCHS Sixth Form have the unique opportunity to apply to join our Music Academy. This is an exciting programme of enrichment carefully coordinated by Miss C Law (Director of Music) and Mr E Reed (teacher of Music and Music Technology). The programme is advanced yet inclusive, covering classical, jazz and folk idioms. The programme runs alongside normal studies and Music Academy students enjoy a weekly timetabled session which does not conflict with curriculum lessons. Course Content: The course is designed for musicians of Grade 6 standard and above. Weekly classes focus on performance, practice, analytical and sight reading skills. The programme provides regular performance opportunities on the Saffron Hall stage and also in local venues such as St Mary’s church and Audley End House. A Music Academy focus is collaboration and the cohort work together in developing accompanying and chamber music skills along with composing and conducting. Focussing on the skills and interest of the students, they lead exciting outreach projects in local primary schools and are encouraged to promote their solo recitals and ensemble performances. Saffron Hall is not only one of the best concert venues in the country, boasting a programme to rival any, but it also has a keen interest in supporting and promoting music education. Working with the Saffron Hall Learning and Participation team, we provide opportunities and facilities for young musicians studying at SWCHS that are unrivalled in Eastern England. During their time in the Music Academy, students take part in masterclasses delivered by world class performers. Our students benefit from working with visiting artists such as Nicola Bendetti, Jess Gillam and Robert Hollingworth. In recent years they have performed alongside NYJO, LPO, The English Concert Orchestra and Iestyn Davies. Our Post-16 Music Academy attracts some of the best student musicians from a wide geographical area. Academicians are welcomed to both a regional centre of excellence for music education and a school that sets the highest of academic standards. While most applicants will naturally want to follow the A-Level Music route, this is not a prerequisite, as we recognise that at this stage, some talented musicians prefer to further develop their musical skills and experience, while studying for a career in another discipline.
+ Grade 6 Merit instrument or voice Applicants will be required to perform as part of an audition and interview process.
What is expected from Academy students? • Be a regular member of one or more Senior Ensembles • To be fully immersed in community music and project based activities • Participate in the Masterclass programme • Take part in concerts, recitals and festivals • Make a sustained contribution to the wider SWCHS musical community • Generally, seek to maximise the opportunities offered, including those from Saffron Hall Learning and Participation