Extra-Curricular Music

Music can be found at the heart of Eltham College, both geographically and philosophically. The Department aims to instil an appreciation of excellence in all its pupils, and an impressive array of over twenty-five individual ensembles present pupils with a wealth of opportunities which are designed to enthuse and challenge them. Through the dedication and enthusiasm of its ensemble leaders, the Department aspires to ensure that musicians of all ages and abilities fulfil their potential by demanding professional standards from them in diverse genres and styles. By providing numerous performance opportunities for them both in and out of school, every pupil is able to demonstrate their talent and discover the joy of making music together.

Over 60% of our pupils learn at least one instrument, with many leaving the school having gained Grade 8 or Performance Diplomas in their principle instruments. All pupils learning musical instruments are invited to join ensembles, regardless of whether they have their instrumental tuition at the school or privately.

The Department is housed in a purpose-designed building (2005), with a good number of teaching and practice rooms, each of which is equipped with a piano and audio equipment. Larger ensembles meet regularly in one of two main rehearsal rooms, with smaller groups using the six studio rooms. A purpose built recording studio, a Copeman Hart Organ, two Yamaha baby grand pianos, a Percussion Studio and Harp Studio and a suite of computers with the latest musical notation and sequencing software are all available for pupils to use. In addition, our regular series of concert trips and masterclasses from visiting music experts help to ensure that Eltham gets the best out of its talented musicians. The College Trebles regularly perform with the London Symphony Orchestra and London Symphony Chorus, and there is a long association between Eltham College and the Orchestra of St Johns.

The school's own pupil musicians regularly perform outside the School, and recently Eltham's musicians have been heard at the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan Hall, St John's Smith Square, Blackheath Halls, Eltham Palace and St Alfege's, Greenwich.

Concerts are also frequently held in the school, making use of King George's Hall, Central Hall, Chapel and the ABH Theatre. The end of the academic year is marked with a concert in the Speech Day marquee, and regular Firework Spectacular Concerts take place in conjunction with ECCO (Eltham College Community Orchestra) on the School Fields.

Annual House-based Music and Singing Competitions provide further recital opportunities, giving all the school’s musicians the opportunity to perform publicly.

For more information about any of our main Senior School ensembles please click the links below:

Please click here for the Weekly Rehearsal Schedule

In addition to these main ensembles, the school runs numerous Chamber Ensembles including String Quartets, Clarinet Ensembles, Flute Ensemble, Percussion Groups (Stick Attack and Slick Sticks), Saxophone Quartets, Guitar Groups, Jazz Bands (Dixieland Band and Hot Jazz), Rock Bands and Barbershop Groups. Pupil-led groups are frequently formed, and the Department fully supports any pupils who wish to establish their own ensembles.

The Department also presents a bi-annual Musical production in conjunction with the Theatre. In recent years, shows have included Oliver! and Nine (which were both also presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe), Kiss of the Spider Woman and Chess.