The Other Half

Blues Society The Blues Society is now an established opportunity for musicians playing contemporary instruments (guitars, keyboards, horns, drums) to learn to play together, with opportunities for performance. We tend to focus on songs from soul and blues genres; enthusiasm, rather than great skill, is the main requirement. Chamber Music A full range of ensembles, numbering between 30 and 40, are rehearsed weekly by members of the visiting music staff. They include a comprehensive range of ensembles for strings, woodwind and brass, and they meet at different times of the week. Any boys wishing to be involved in this work should ask for further details from the music staff. String Trios, Quartets and Quintets; Saxophone Quartet; Bassoon Quartet; Flute Choirs; Double Reed Ensemble; Clarinet Ensemble; Wind Quintet; Jazz Ensembles; Brass Quintets; Piano Trios; String Quartets; Abingdon Academicals – close harmony and many more miscellaneous ensembles. The ensembles perform in two special chamber music concerts after a day of ensemble workshops with coaching from distinguished musicians, prior to competing in the Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition, in which Abingdon groups have won places in the finals concerts for many years. Chamber Orchestra Chamber Orchestra consists of excellent string players who perform on Open Day and at Christmas, New Year and Spring/ Summer Concerts. This Orchestra supports candidates for their A-level exams and gives concerto opportunities to chosen soloists. Chamber Orchestra regularly takes part in international tours including Japan 2019. Chapel Choir The Chapel Choir sings for the School Carol, Commemoration and Leavers’ services, and makes termly visits to sing Choral Evensong in college chapels and cathedrals in a wide area. The Choir tours both at home and abroad and has released a CD. Composers’ Workshop Led by Abingdon Music Teacher and Composer, Dr Jason Preece, this is a session for budding composers – or anyone interested in the craft of composition – to expand their composing experience and learn about the mechanics of how music works. The sessions will include some ‘taught’ elements where composers’ techniques are introduced and some more improvisatory and exploratory sessions in which boys will learn about the essentials of different vocal, instrumental and choral forces and how to write for them. 21