Music

Welcome to Sheldon Heath Music Department. Staffing currently consists of Miss Bywater and Mr Andrews.

Overview of the department

The music department facilities consist of 2 teaching rooms, each with 15 computers with USB keyboards and Cubase sequencing software. There are also 3 practice rooms housing keyboards and a drum kit. The music department has expanded its technology resources with the addition of a professional standard recording studio. The department puts on several large and small concerts throughout the year and participates in the performing arts productions.

Due to our successful peripatetic programme, many students receive free instrumental tuition ranging from Brass through to Dhol. Other available options are woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone), guitar (both standard and bass), drum kit, vocal and keyboard tuition.

There are various small ensembles running within these lessons as well as a wind/brass ensemble, keyboard club, vocal group and a rock band.  Several of the students also form their own groups and use the facilities to rehearse for these.

Key stage 3

Currently at key stage 3 (year 7 and 8) the music department follows a practical based and exciting curriculum; and incorporates up to date and topics within this curriculum. The key stage 3 curriculum is as follows:

Key stage 4

Currently at key stage 4, year 9 and 11 are following the EDEXCEL GCSE Music course. The pupils study the following tops in the GCSE Music course:

• Performance (pupils perform on their own and in an ensemble)
• Composition (pupils compose Baroque and Minimalism compositions)
• Listening (set pieces)

This runs along side the single option BTEC First Certificate in Music (year 10). This new and exciting course incorporates composition, performance, the music industry and studio work all delivered in a practical and vocational way. The units delivered in the BTEC First Certificate in Music are:

• Working in the performing arts
• Professional development
• Planning and creating a music product
• Exploring musical composition

Key stage 5

The music department has recently introduced AS/A2 level Music Technology. This course consists of intense studio work collaborating both sequencing and live recording. Students are also expected to study music theory to a high standard and be able to analyse and comment on recording/sequencing techniques of several pieces of popular music.

Out of school activities

Many of our pupils participate in musical opportunities out of school hours; these have included some of the following:

• Birmingham schools area band
• ICC – Brums big night out (charity cancer event)
• Turning on of the Sheldon lights
• National rock and pop festival at the NIA and Town Hall
• Birmingham schools jazz band
• Birmingham schools battle of the bands
• Solihull music service open mic event
• Tour of the symphony hall
• Handel’s Messiah at the Town Hall