Wherever possible all girls at HMSG are encouraged to take part in music at all levels; most find it a part of their time at school which they come to value highly. Music is all-inclusive and girls have the opportunity to take part in many musical activities whether or not they are studying Music as an academic subject.
St. Catherine’s Music Department provides each student with a friendly, enthusiastic and stimulating environment in which musical excellence is encouraged and celebrated.
CHOIRS
I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing. ~ William James – American Philosopher
There are opportunities for everyone to sing at HMSG. Whether you are already an experienced singer, a complete beginner or somewhere in-between, there is a choir for you!
CHAMBER CHOIR is an SSA/SSAA choir of 30-35 girls from Years 10-13. Singing lessons are not a pre-requisite but applicants should have at least 2 years previous choral experience and a desire to aim for the highest standards of singing. The Chamber Choir performs an eclectic programme of traditional and modern music and plays a leading role in the musical life of the school, and as ambassadors for the school. In 2011 they performed the SSAA version of the Faure Requiem and in March 2012 will be contributing to a combined Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ performance of Carmina Burana.
In 2011 the Chamber Choir was examined for the Associated Board Advanced Choral Examination and was awarded an A grade. Rehearsals take place twice a week, once in the morning before school and once after school until 5.30pm. Entry is by audition.
JUNIOR SINGERS is a three-part choir for girls in Years 7-8 and is open to everyone. In 2011 the Year 8 members performed the SSAA version of the Faure Requiem. This year the Year 7 members will be contributing to a combined Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ performance of Carmina Burana. Rehearsals take place once a week.
CONCERT CHOIR is for Years 9 and 10 and is open to everyone. Rehearsals take place once a week. It is a choral activity with the emphasis on singing for fun and pure enjoyment, and for those who have a good ear, a good quality voice and an enthusiasm for focused choral rehearsals. The Concert Choir sings an eclectic programme of popular modern and Glee type repertoire, and is often asked to perform in school concerts and special school events.
BOARDERS’ CHOIR is open to all girls who reside in the Boarding House. The Boarders’ Choir sings a varied repertoire and plays a central role in the musical life of the Middle School and the Boarding House. They recently performed Adiemus by Karl Jenkins.
As long as we live, there is never enough singing. ~Martin Luther
INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~Confucius
Instrumental music is an important part and a particular strength of daily life at HMSG. All girls have the opportunity to learn one or more musical instruments, and the musical repertoire covers a wide spectrum - from fun to formal - with regular concerts allowing each girl the experience of performing to an audience. At present there is a: HMSG Orchestra (Grade 5+); Junior Wind Band; Junior St Catherine’s Strings; Guitar Ensemble and Junior and Senior Chamber Music Ensembles.
HMSG JAZZ CRUSADERS has been one of HMSG’s most successful ensembles. It performs extensively during the year, the highlight being the ‘Jazz Café’ evening, when the Music Studio is converted into an atmospheric jazz club at the end of June. On an evening such as this the ‘Jazz Cru’ can easily perform two one hour sets, and still have the energy for encores. In 2006 the Jazz Crusaders were honoured to perform at the special final night dinner for the GSA Heads at their annual conference which took place in Cardiff.
There are three joint ensembles which combine members from the two Haberdasher’s Schools in Monmouth. The Symphonic Winds, who will be visiting and performing in Prague this summer. The Senior Strings and the HMSSO, the Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ Symphony Orchestra. The HMSSO will be performing Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ at a public which also includes the choral masterpiece ‘Carmina Burana’.
Apart from our Annual Eisteddfod in which many of our outstanding musicians compete for their respective Houses, there is a Junior Music Competition for Vocalists and Instrumentalists which takes place in the summer term. This is supported by the very active ‘Friends of HMSG’ who donate the prizes. In the past they have bought a 9’ Estonia Concert Grand for the Music Studio; specially built music stands for the Jazz Crusaders and nearly 40 instruments, string wind and brass for beginner’s programmes in Inglefield House.
Jodie Smith winner of the Junior Vocal Diana Schroff winner of the Junior Instrumental
Without music life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche