Farlington – Best School Music Department
04 Feb 2014
Farlington’s Music Department has reached the final shortlist for the 2014 Best School Music Department Award. The award celebrates primary and secondary school music departments with a track record of innovative, inclusive and excellent music education.
Farlington has proved that it has a strong musical impact in its surrounding areas to get to the final five schools from over 200 nominations. The winner will be announced on 7th February 2014 as part of the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence 2014 at the Barbican.
Music is taught to all pupils throughout the school under the inspirational and dynamic leadership of Anne Stearns, Director of Music, who is ably assisted by Jane Thomas. They enthuse the girls with their love of music and offer myriad opportunities to enjoy it through: three Orchestras, two String Ensembles, three Recorder Groups, a Samba Band, a Jazz Band, a Wind Quintet, a Flute Choir, a Guitar Ensemble and a Rock Band!
For vocalists, Farlington has six choirs: Singing Club for the Pre-Preps; Junior Choir; Glee for Years 7 to 9; Skatz – a contemporary pupil choir for Years 9 to 13; Aristoskatz – an elite chamber choir for more advanced pupils; and Farlingtonic – a mixed choir specifically for staff, parents and friends of the school.
Love of music extends far beyond Farlington into the wider community through regular concerts supporting different charities: St Catherine’s Hospice, Action for Children and St. Margaret’s Clock Restoration fund in Warnham, West Sussex to name but three.
Ms Higson, Farlington Headmistress, said, “Both Mrs Stearns and Mrs Thomas work tremendously hard and are unfailing in their enthusiasm and desire to get the best out each girl, regardless of her level. They cater for both the accomplished musicians and singers and those who just want to have a go and enjoy the journey. Their nomination is well deserved!”