Music

Packwood Haugh has a strong music tradition and provides a wide range of activities, both for music scholars and for the many pupils involved in the many ensembles offered.

Every pupil takes part in the yearly Sixes Music Competition and over 210 music lessons occur every week. Over 80% of the school study an instrument and every pupil in the school performs in xylophone ensembles as part of the curriculum. The top form in the pre-prep play in a violin ensemble. Individual practice is monitored as well as coaching in a wide variety of chamber music groups and ensembles including brass, string, percussion, saxophone, clarinet and flute.

Music is taught to the whole school. There is a Director of Music and 16 peripatetic music teachers. There are regular concerts and weekly performances in assembly, not to mention the musicals staged in our new theatre. The music department is equipped with a wide range of instruments including a set of Thai Angkloons. The school also supports professional workshops, recently including ‘Bassistry Arts’.

The Senior Choir takes on an important role at Packwood. It includes 26 pupils, over half of whom sing as their first study, while others have an instrument as their primary interest or just enjoy singing to a high standard. A wide range of music is performed, from a variety of styles from Baroque to the present day. The choristers sing weekly in the local village church and perform in regular recitals. Each year the Choir are the focal point in the Carol service, which takes place in front of a packed congregation in Oswestry Church. They have also toured Jersey in the Channel Islands performing in the Arts Centre and churches across the island.

The Senior Choir can be heard on a CD, released in February 2004, which includes repertoire from recent concerts, the tour and the Carol service. To listen to part of the recording click the links below.

Hear the wind

Oh won't you sit down

Send down the rain