Music

RGS is well known for its strong musical tradition.

It can sometimes be felt by students and parents that, in order to focus on academic work, other activities such as music should be given up. We find that in fact some of our highest-performing students academically are those who continue with instrumental music and singing throughout their time at school. The benefits of the study of music, from communication, inter-personal skills, and creativity, through to analysis, self-discipline and organisation, are relevant to all academic areas, and we actively encourage variety in our young peoples’ lives in order to maintain a healthy balance, but also because it helps to produce better results.

Shaun Fenton, Headmaster

Music infuses our ethos and is an integral part of each school day, whether it be performances in assembly, performing at a community event or taking part in one of the plentiful concerts that fill our calendar.

The Music department values all students who are interested in music, whatever their experience and whatever style of music they are interested in. We aim to develop the musical potential of every student; opportunities are created for those with high ambition and for those who wish simply to be part of the school’s thriving musical tradition. The emphasis is firmly placed on diversity and versatility, seen in the varied and challenging concert programme both within and outside of school.

Individual Lessons
In addition to curricular music lessons, the school offers individual tuition. Lessons take place throughout the school day on a rotational basis to avoid disruption to academic progress. Lessons can be taken in any instrument. RGS provide free group tuition for music theory and aural training. Please click here to complete a music lesson application form.

Ensembles and choirs
All students are encouraged to join an ensemble, as playing and performing with others is an essential part of any musician’s development, not least because it’s a lot of fun! The school has an orchestra, a string ensemble, a swing band, six choirs, two concert bands, wind ensembles, a guitar group, a percussion ensemble, a brass ensemble, rock bands and many chamber groups. There is plenty of musical activity in which your son or daughter can involve themselves and all styles of music are encouraged.

The RGS Saturday Music College
The RGS Saturday Music College is available to 7-18 year old students from all schools. The college offers individual music lessons and promises to expand your horizons with composition, musicianship lessons, chamber music and ensembles. Regular concert opportunities and visiting masterclass experts will be regular features of the RGS Saturday Music College. Please click here to fill in an application form or contact Keri Smith, Music School manager, kes@reigategrammar.org for further information.

Scholarships
Music scholarships are available for children entering the School at 11+, 13+ and 16+, further information is available on our Scholarships page.

RGS Godfrey Searle Choir
The RGS Godfrey Searle Choir is made up of seven to fifteen-year old boy and girl choristers from RGS and Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory and Choir School. Students may request an audition and be considered for a choral award as they join RGS or from within the RGS community.

Choristers rehearse and perform services regularly as well as enjoying tours at beautiful cathedrals such as Chichester, Salisbury, Wells and Winchester. Other recent events have also included singing choral evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, participating at the welcome ceremony for Wales in the Rugby World Cup and providing the voices on the soundtrack for Timothy Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

This is a special opportunity for talented singers who wish to receive excellent vocal training and perform at the highest level. Please contact Mrs Glynne-Jones, Head of Choral Music by email to  tgj@reigategrammar.org for further information

Please take a look at the news and events page or follow our Twitter feed (@rgs_music) to see what RGS music has been performing recently