At St Paul’s Prep, we are committed to inspiring every pupil to achieve the very best of their musical ability. Our extensive programme of ensembles provides boys with opportunities to develop their skills, confidence and musicianship while making music collaboratively and, above all, having fun.

With a wide range of choirs, orchestras, bands and smaller instrumental ensembles, there is a musical opportunity for every pupil, from those taking their first steps in ensemble playing to our most advanced musicians. Pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, perform regularly and develop a lifelong love of music.

Choirs

Junior Choir
The Junior Choir is open to 40+ pupils and provides an enjoyable introduction to choral singing. The choir performs regularly in assemblies and school concerts and rehearses once a week.

There is an informal audition during class music lessons, where pupils are encouraged to demonstrate a positive attitude towards rehearsing, as well as a secure sense of pitch. Pupils who particularly enjoy singing and show the appropriate level of musical development may progress to the School Choir following an audition.

School Choir
The School Choir is available to boys in Upper Second to Upper Third, who have a real enthusiasm for singing. The choir performs regularly at the school’s major concerts, as well as at the Carol Service and Harvest Festival.

Membership provides pupils with the opportunity to develop their vocal technique, musical understanding and confidence as performers, while working as part of a committed ensemble.

Recital Choir
The Recital Choir is an auditioned ensemble of up to 20 boys from Upper Second to Upper Third. Auditions take place at the beginning of the Autumn Term.

In addition to the commitments of the School Choir, Recital Choir members perform at special functions and external concerts, often alongside members of the Senior School Chamber Choir. The choir also performs at major school concerts, the Carol Service and half-termly Eucharist services in the Chapel alongside the Senior School.

Each spring, the Recital Choir performs at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of a joint musical event with St Paul’s School. Rehearsals take place once a week, with pupils expected to attend additional rehearsals when required in preparation for performances.

Membership of the Recital Choir carries a particular commitment to singing. All members must also attend School Choir and are expected to prioritise their choral commitments.

Orchestras and Instrumental Ensembles

Symphony Orchestra
Our Symphony Orchestra is a flagship ensemble of approximately 50 players and is one of the highlights of the Prep School’s instrumental programme.

The orchestra tackles challenging and ambitious repertoire, with the standard ranging from approximately Grade 4 through to Grade 8 and beyond. Woodwind, brass and percussion players are invited to join by the Director of Music, while string players are selected for the orchestra through the String Ensemble, also by the Director of Music.

The Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Tuesday mornings, with the string section also rehearsing on Friday lunchtimes. Pupils are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment, musical maturity and enthusiasm for orchestral playing.

String Sinfonia
String Sinfonia meets on Friday mornings and is a developmental ensemble for string players. It provides an important bridge between individual instrumental lessons and the Symphony Orchestra, allowing pupils to develop their ensemble skills, confidence and musical independence.

The ensemble is designed to support pupils as they progress towards the level required to join the Symphony Orchestra.

Wind Band
The Wind Band rehearses on Tuesday lunchtimes and Thursday mornings and provides an opportunity for woodwind and brass players to develop their ensemble skills and make music together led by the Assistant Director of Music.

All woodwind and brass pupils working at approximately Grade 2 standard and above are encouraged to attend. The ensemble offers an enjoyable and supportive environment in which pupils can develop their musicianship, listening skills and confidence as ensemble players.

Jazz and Contemporary Ensembles

SPJazz & Wednesday Jazz
Our jazz programme provides pupils with the opportunity to explore improvisation, ensemble playing and a wide range of jazz repertoire.

The groups use a traditional Big Band line-up, featuring trumpets, trombones and saxophones alongside a rhythm section of piano, bass, drums and guitar. Places are offered by recommendation from Visiting Music Teachers and the Director of Music.

These ensembles provide an exciting contrast to more traditional orchestral playing and encourage pupils to develop creativity, individuality and confidence as performers.

Rock & Roll Bands
Pupils who are keen to form a band and perform contemporary music are encouraged to speak to the Director of Music. Where possible, pupils are grouped with others of a similar age and musical ability, with an emphasis on developing a strong sense of teamwork and preparing for performance.

The bands are given the opportunity to perform in the school’s termly band concerts. There are currently four available band sessions, and demand is high, so there is often a waiting list for places.

Smaller Instrumental and Chamber Ensembles

Smaller instrumental ensembles are formed where appropriate and when staffing and timetable availability allow. These currently include Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Percussion/Samba Ensembles.

We also offer a number of smaller chamber ensembles, including piano trios, string quartets and other combinations of instruments. These groups provide pupils with the opportunity to work in greater musical detail, developing listening skills, independence, leadership and a deeper understanding of ensemble performance. Older pupils are prioritised for chamber ensemble opportunities where appropriate.

A Culture of Performance
Performance is at the heart of music-making at St Paul’s Prep. Throughout the year, pupils have numerous opportunities to share their music with the school community and wider audiences, including concerts, assemblies, Chapel services, special events and performances beyond the school.

Our ensemble programme is designed not simply to develop technically accomplished musicians, but to nurture confident, collaborative and creative young people who understand the joy and value of making music together.