Music: Guide for Parents

Music Guide For Parents Policy

Title of Policy Music Guide for Parents

Inspection Ref.

Applies to Whole School: Staff, Volunteers and Parents

Endorsed by Head Master

Responsibility Bursar

Date reviewed Michaelmas 2023

Next review Michaelmas 2024

Music at

Wells Cathedral School:

A Guide for Parents

Music is an essential part of everyone’s life and we are immensely proud of the excellence and breadth of musical opportunities available at Wells Cathedral School.

The Music Specialist Scheme here at Wells has an international reputation, and we are unique in being part of an extremely successful academic School.

In such a large organisation we must have procedures to support our students and it is important to read the following information carefully before requesting instrumental lessons at the School.

CONTENTS

Please use this guide as the first point of reference involving any aspect of music department policy.

Should you have any further enquiries please contact the Music Office.

1. Young Musician Categories

Musicians

All pupils who attend Wells Cathedral School can request instrumental lessons from our large team of instrumental teaching staff. The music faculty aims to provide general students with an involving, participative, enjoyable and rounded music education. Musicians at Wells have enhanced opportunities compared with a non-specialist school and have the benefit of enjoying and working to professional standards and disciplines. Specialists and non-specialist musicians may have the opportunity to perform together in a number of ensembles and choirs.

Choristers

Choristers benefit from a balanced educational programme which, whilst encouraging a love of church music, also develops a broad interest in music of all styles and genres. The music faculty integrates the choristers into the work of the department and encourages their involvement in instrumental lessons, concerts and ensembles.

It is not possible for them to be instrumental specialists at the same time as being choristers as they are already de facto specialist singers. In the Lower School, choristers are members of a music form.

Special Provision Students

The music faculty aims to encourage high levels of musical attainment in special provision students whilst encouraging them to be realistic about their musical aspirations and to keep their options open. Whilst being seen as embryonic specialists on the one hand, they must integrate their music and academic work. Special provision students should be provided for individually, just as we provide for specialists; they are not second-class. In the Lower School, special provision students are members of a music form.

Specialists

Music is the main focus and motivation for the specialist musician. They must display exceptional talent and potential at their audition and progress is expected and regularly monitored. All specialists at Wells are expected to study music at GCSE and A level. Specialists (with the exception of first study pianists) are advised to take second study piano lessons.

Specialist musicians will be prepared to compete successfully for places in the music profession in its broadest sense. Clear and very high expectations will be set by the music faculty staff and visiting professors. The faculty aims to provide tuition, ensemble opportunities and pastoral care. Awareness of the highest standards, self-knowledge and a determination to achieve the highest international standards will be key aims.

Scholarships

DCSF Scholarships are awarded to some, but not all of those who gain specialist status. Other school scholarships and bursaries may be available to specialist, special provision and non-specialist musicians. These will be awarded by the Head whose decision is final.

Musical status is awarded at the November auditions (for sixth form) and January auditions, and occasionally at pre-auditions.

2. Arrangements for the first lesson

An application form for music tuition is available from the music school and should be returned to the Director of Music by 25th June for lessons to begin in September. Any requests for length of lesson changes for September must also be received by 25th June. For cancellation of lessons please see (7.) Cancellation Notice.

After an application form for music tuition is received (it is not acknowledged) Departmental Coordinators and the Music Timetabler arrange music timetables once they have the pupil's own academic timetable. The school will inform new pupils of the location of lessons, teaching sites and notice boards. For those pupils who learn more than one instrument, Departmental Coordinators will consult each other over time allocations before finalising a timetable. Notebooks are provided free of charge and should be used with all but the most advanced pupils.

Care will always be taken to ensure that students do not suffer from overload; tutors are responsible for monitoring the workload of their tutees and advising on action to be taken.

3. Transfers of Instrumental Pupils between Teachers and Schools

If a change of teacher is requested by the teacher or parent, the Head of Department should be informed. There will normally follow a period of discussion and consultation before the Head of Department or Director of Music makes a decision. A request for a change will not necessarily be granted. Where a request for a change of teacher is granted, the normal notice period will apply apart from in exceptional circumstances, agreed with the Director of Music. Upon transfer into the school, the pupil’s previous school and instrumental teacher may be asked for a report, which will be shown to the new teacher.

4. Service Level Agreement

We plan to deliver lessons for 30 weeks per year. Lessons will not normally be offered during the final week of the Summer Term as those students involved in Symphony Orchestra must attend the orchestral course. Students must check their emails and the music lesson app regularly in case of changes to lesson times.

Refunds will not be given if the teacher has offered 30 lessons. Heads of Department and teachers will strive to be flexible, but there is no guarantee that an alternative lesson time can be offered as a result of school trips, etc. as there are often knock-on effects to other students. If a student misses a lesson due to a compulsory commitment for the school (e.g. an exam or school concert) the lesson is not charged.

Half School days such as St. Andrew’s Day and Ascension Day are normal teaching days for music lessons and lessons should be attended as normal except during the service in the cathedral attended by the whole school.

Parents are asked to insure music fees, along with school fees, against long-term sickness.

5. Second Studies for Year 13 Specialists

Year 13 specialists do not receive second study lessons after Easter of their Upper sixth.

6. Instrumental Staff

Only matters of day-to-day teaching should be discussed with instrumental teachers; for all other enquiries please consult the Head of Department.

7. Cancellation Notice

Notice to cease instrumental/vocal lessons must be received in writing from the Parent or Guardian and handed in, posted or emailed to the Music School Office marked for the attention of the Director of Music.

Instrumental lessons run from term to term. A minimum of eight weeks written notice must be given to the Director of Music. Notice can be sent by email to: music@wells.cathedral.school

The first ten weeks of new instrumental tuition are regarded as a probationary period and lessons can cease at the end of that period, provided notice is received no later than three weeks before the end of the probationary period.

The Music School will acknowledge receipt of cancellation letters and confirm the date that lessons will cease.

8. Parents’ Meetings

There are various parents’ meetings during the school year which are notified to parents at the end of Advent, Lent and Summer Terms. Full-time music staff are available by prior appointment - forms for parents' appointments are given to students and teachers. Visiting music staff do not attend these meetings; communication with them is usually via the Head of Department.

9. Reports and Feedback Forms

Instrumental reports are sent to parents as part of their child’s school report. Each instrumental teacher writes brief comments on work and progress after every lesson so that the Head of Department can monitor each individual’s progress.

10. Practice Policy

Music assistants or staff on duty supervise practice. At least one music assistant is on duty in each venue when they are open. At busy times more assistants are on duty.

The Music Sites opening times are:

	Monday - Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Music School & 26 Vicars Close	7.45am - 9.30pm	8.00am - 5.00pm	9.00 am-5.00 pm
Mullins & The Coach House	7.45am - 9.30pm	8.00am - 5.00pm and 6.00pm - 8.30pm	9.00am - 5.00pm
Polydor	7.45am - 5.30pm	-	-
Cedars Hall	7.45am - 9.00pm	7.30am - 5.00pm	9.00am - 1.00pm

Junior School specialists, special provision and choristers have timetabled practice periods during the school day. Junior School boarders (excluding Choristers) may also do early morning practice from 8.05 - 9.00 am.

Lower School 'M' Forms also have timetabled practice periods during the school day as well as before, and after school practice for specialists and most special provision boarders.

Upper School pupils may practise during free periods by signing into available practice rooms.

All specialist and most special provision boarders are allocated early morning practice (7.45 am-9.05 am) or after school practice.

Day pupils of all age groups can practise during the school day but are expected to do a substantial amount at home depending on instrumental requirements.

Musicians can practise after school as one of their co-curricular activities.

Any queries regarding practice should be referred to the Deputy Director of Music, Alison Armstrong.

11. Hire of Musical Instruments

The School has a small stock of instruments for hire. In most cases we recommend that a parent purchases or contracts to hire and buy from a supplier recommended by Heads of Department. Parents must complete an instrument hire proforma which includes parental acceptance of responsibility for insurance, the repair of damage and replacement strings, bow re-hairs, accessories and reeds. Heads of Department hold their departmental stock and are responsible for the allocation and maintenance of hire instruments. Parents are charged via the extras bill. The hire fee varies from year to year.

12. Procedure for Joining Ensembles

Applications can be made at any time, as can recommendations by teachers, to the director of the ensemble or via the Head of Department or Director of Music. Auditions are required for most instrumental ensembles - seating is allocated by Heads of Department. For many ensembles auditions take place at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. Some ensemble memberships are mandatory for specialist and special provision musicians.

A term's notice is required by pupils for withdrawal from an ensemble.

13. Consultation Lessons and Assessments

Heads of Department organise assessments, occasional masterclasses and termly consultation lessons. These are principally for specialists. Special Provision and non-specialist musicians may also, from time to time, be given the opportunity to play to a visiting consultant or take assessments. In these cases a charge will be made but parents will be consulted before such a charge is incurred. Parents are welcome to attend consultation lessons and masterclasses when invited.

14. Performance Classes

There are piano performance classes, string performance classes and general performance classes. Music staff are encouraged to enter students for them and attend if possible. All students playing in an internal concert are expected to play the repertoire in a performance class prior to the concert.

15. Internal Concerts

Ensemble performance opportunities:

All specialist and special provision musicians will be coached in ensemble musicianship and we have a wide range of performance opportunities including:

Symphony Orchestra concerts take place three times a year (one of which includes a choral work). Please access the Symphony Orchestra Policy for further information

Symphony Orchestra project for schools takes place once a year

Promenade concerts take place twice a year in January

Chamber Music Lunchtime concerts take place two or three times a short term

Jazz Orchestra concerts take place three times a year

Jazz Lunchtime concerts take place three times a year

Jazz in the Foyer sessions take place three times a year

Opera Showcase concert takes place once a year

Pop Lunchtime concerts take place three times a year

Musical Extravaganza concerts take place twice a year for orchestras, choirs and ensembles that include students who are not on the Specialist or Special Provision music course

String Ensemble concerts (younger strings including some junior school pupils) take place twice a year

WYMSO concerts take place twice a year

Solo performance opportunities:

Solo performance opportunities are offered to all musicians in the school. Dates are planned in advance so that instrumental teachers can prepare pupils for these performance opportunities which include:

Departmental concerts take place three times a year

Special Provision and Second Study concerts take place twice a year

Going Solo concerts take place twice a year for any senior school musician who is not on the Specialist or Special Provision music course

Lunchtime Concerts take place twice or three times a week in term time and Specialists are allocated two a year. Special Provision students are allocated a lunchtime concert at the discretion of their departmental coordinator and if there is space in the schedule.

In the Junior School, Year Group concerts take place each long term, and Instrumental concerts take place twice a year. There are also opportunities for solo performances for Junior Specialists at the Christmas celebration and end of year events.

Please note that there are additional concerts both for ensemble and solo performances - these lists give a flavour but are not exhaustive.

Please note that all concerts may be subject to change

16. Collaborative Pianists

The school’s collaborative pianists provide accompaniment for all school events. For examinations and competitions for which the school has entered pupils the school will, if there is no official accompanist, try to provide one. Pianists are not provided for college auditions, NYO, NCO and other auditions.

17. Instrumental Examination Entry

Pupils are entered by the school. If a pupil is withdrawn he/she is still charged for the exam. There are no refunds available beyond those offered by the Board. If a pupil is entered privately by parents or teacher, the School cannot take responsibility for transport, accompanist, etc.

18. Aural and Theory Support Request

Class theory and aural lessons are available and should be attended by examination candidates. Availability of these classes should be mentioned by teachers to all students. It is the student's responsibility to attend.

Individual theory lessons are also available through the same procedures as instrumental/vocal lessons.

Pupils can be entered for theory examinations through the School only if they have attended the theory lessons at School. Permission of the theory teacher is also needed before examination entry.

19. Student Extras

Parents' permission must be sought about any commitments to additional expenditure above £50 per item. For additional lessons, parents will need to fill in an application form - additional teaching time or extended music lessons must equally be agreed by the parents in writing to the Director of Music. Entry to competitions and examinations may well involve entrance fees, transport fees and pianists’ fees. Heads of Department should deal with all applications relating to their departmental staff.

20. Sheet Music

Instrumental teachers will order music for their students through the school. Students are billed for the normal retail cost plus postage if appropriate.

21. Instrumental Repairs

Parents are responsible for repairs to students' own instruments. Repairs can be arranged by Heads of Department only in an emergency. Heads of Department are to be consulted over repairs to School instruments before any action is taken.

22. Insurance

The School cannot accept liability for theft or damage. Certain instruments made available by teachers for the use of students can be covered under the School's insurance policy.

23. Use of private cars with students on business & Guidelines for parents/senior students

If your child is going to be transported by another parent, the School advises that you discuss arrangements and suitability with the driver concerned.

Pupils should not transport other students, nor should they feel obliged to. Full written permission must be obtained. See School Rule 27.

24. Chaperoning

Pupils are not to be transported in a member of staff’s car or taught in private houses except with the written permission of the Director of Music and Deputy Head.

25. Outside Engagements, Concerts, Examinations and Competitions at Weekends, Evenings and Holidays

Pupils should not accept, neither should parents put pupils in for, outside engagements without consulting Heads of Department. The workload of the individual student is monitored by the Heads of Department and instrumental staff.

The preparation of Specialist and Special Provision students for public performances is entrusted to the professional teachers. Students/Parents should seek the permission of Heads of Department and instrumental teachers before agreeing to outside engagements; they should also consult over repertoire and collaborative pianists

. Pupils are asked to acknowledge the School:

'Sarah/Michael Smith is a pupil of Wells Cathedral School, one of the four Specialist Music Schools in England and Wales.'

If a conflict occurs, school engagements will take priority.

If a student is applying for an external ensemble or orchestral course, permission must be sought from the Director of Music and Head of Department.

ALL SPECIALIST AND SPECIAL PROVISION PUPILS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO PLAY FOR SCHOOL ENGAGEMENTS DURING TERM TIME AND OCCASIONALLY DURING THE HOLIDAY; ADVANCE NOTICE WILL BE GIVEN FOR HOLIDAY COMMITMENTS.

The standard way to request permission from your Head of Department is to complete a Permission Form. N.B. this form requests musical permission for absence, but normal school absence should be sought through the usual school channels.

26. School Paid Engagements

The school groups are available for concerts and engagements. Fees and expenses are negotiated by the Director of Music and no fees can go to staff or students except by agreement in writing in advance. Any fees will normally be treated as donations to the Music Faculty funds.

27. Complaints Procedure

If a complaint is received in writing it will be acknowledged within two working days (when the office is open). If the complaint is verbal or by telephone, complainants will be asked to put their complaint in writing. The Director of Music will notify the staff and parents involved in the complaint and they will have the opportunity to present their reply. The decision, once reached, will be communicated to all parties involved and the decision put in writing.

28. Dress Code for Concerts

Specialist and special provision musicians will be required to wear concert dress during their time at Wells. Some general musicians and younger Lower School students may also need concert dress but please make enquiries before buying.

Concert dress code 2023

Black smart formal trousers of DJ/ suit type (No jeans or legging type trousers) with a black or sometimes white long sleeved shirt or blouse.
A black calf length or long skirt with a black long sleeved shirt or blouse (no t shirts).
A black calf length or long dress that covers the shoulders. No strapless dresses.
NB a black cardigan/jacket can be worn if the dresses/blouses are sleeveless.
Shoes must be black leather/patent and formal in style. No trainers/ boots.
A DJ jacket and black bow tie may also be needed for some concerts if DJ trousers are worn.

For lunchtime concerts:

Smart school uniform should be worn, for Sixth Form this is No 1 dress.

Cellists may wear grey/black trousers.

The PA holds occasional second hand clothing sales where it may be possible to purchase appropriate concert dress.

All students should be provided with a suit or dress carrier for transporting their concert dress. Please clearly label this and all items of concert dress.

The above concert dress details outline the basic requirements. The Orchestra Manager reserves the right to discuss with any player the suitability or the general appearance of his or her concert dress. Students not correctly dressed may not be allowed to play.

Responsibilities for quality of dress

Stage Manager of Event:

Deputy Director or Music for major concerts
Head of Accompaniment for Lunchtime Concerts
Heads of Department for Department Concerts
Heads of Department i/c for services, etc.

29. Filming (video), and photography during performances

We want our performers to be able to offer their best during concerts so that audiences can maximise their enjoyment.

The vast majority of school concerts are video-recorded by school technicians and recordings are individually made available to pupils. Pupils can also request recordings from the technical team, who will provide them where they can.

We completely understand why a video recording would be desirable, and that modern equipment is now readily available and unobtrusive. However, recording raises a number of issues surrounding privacy and safety. In the light of this, photography, filming or audio-recording of school concerts is prohibited.