“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato
Mrs Atwell, Director of Music, offers an insight into Music at Westonbirt
What a week for Westonbirt Music!
In only 7 days we have opened Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas at the Westonbirt Aboretum, performed a variety of seasonal music at the family Advent, invited the wider community for a two-night sell out re-telling of the Nativity with Community Carols and last night, the department showcased all of its performers to over 180 guests at the whole school Christmas Concert, another sell-out event. |We will end the term with our annual traditional Carol Service.
As I write the programme for the Christmas Concert, I am struck by the sheer number of pupils involved in music at Westonbirt. The popularity of the department has grown significantly over recent years and the variety of extracurricular clubs ensures that there really is something for everyone. It is never too late to start an instrument. Over a third of pupils across both schools either play instruments or have singing lessons, ensuring peripatetic lessons are hugely sought after.
The Music team is hugely passionate and with a wide range of instruments available, they endeavour to accommodate all requests. My philosophy as Director of Music has always been to make music accessible and inclusive, involving everyone, regardless of ability and stretching those who are gifted and talented. Music at Westonbirt is designed to engage and stimulate and to offer students a chance to develop their performance skills and their confidence.
One of my highlights of this term has been supporting the newly formed Staff Choir and rehearsing with colleagues on a weekly basis. Finishing the week singing with staff from across both schools has been a wonderful way to collaborate. It is proven that singing improves physical, emotional and social well-being and the benefits are endless.
In a bid to get the Westonbirt Community singing, I am on a mission to start a Westonbirt Community Choir next term, from January 2019. If you enjoy singing and would like more information then please get in touch as I would love to hear from you! My email is natwell@westonbirt.org. I refer to the Autumn Term as the ‘Term of Music’ so if you have been to one of our many events, thank you for your support, and if you haven’t yet managed to join us, please do come along to our end of term service.
