Schools with good music provision Bristol/Somerset

[amr78]

My 10 year old currently attends a private co-ed day school in Bristol. He’s a talented woodwind player but unfortunately the school isn’t musically very strong so there are no options for him to play in ensembles etc. We’re currently looking at other options in the surrounding area for Year 7 entry. I was initially drawn to Wells Cathedral School but worry that this would funnel him down a musical path at the expense of his academic studies. I also don’t like the idea of children being streamed by musical ability. However, I would be really keen to hear people’s experiences of Wells. The alternatives would be to move him to a more ‘all round’ school with a strong musical department or keep him where he is but try and develop his music outside of school which would be more challenging to juggle. Thoughts and recommendations please!

Have you looked into Bristol Cathedral Choir School (BCCS), as it has a strong music focus?

I have but seems very difficult to get into - oversubscribed in every year group so they are operating waiting list with strict criteria

I think it depends what you mean by 'talented' and what he wants to do with it.

If you mean G8 distinction at age 10 and aiming for NYO and conservatoire, then Wells would be a good bet.

If he's around G5 at this point and enjoys playing but doesn't want to make it his life's work, then there's no need to organise his whole education around it - there are lots of opportunities to do ensemble playing outside school, and IME there are huge benefits to the child/teenager to having a music peer group that is separate from/additional to their school peer group.

Somerset County Music run a youth orchestra and various band and ensembles, although prob a bit far for you if you're in Bristol. But I'm sure Bristol or BANES would run similar. And there's a Bristol branch of the Centre for Young Musicians.

www.bristolplaysmusic.org/learn/orchestras-and-ensembles/

Have you asked his teacher's advice?

Having done some further research last night have ruled out pursuing the specialist music school route as don’t think it would be the right fit for him. He’s of grade 4 standard but grade attainment probably less relevant than potential, particularly given he’s playing woodwind instrument which is started later than strings and piano etc. His teacher is very enthusiastic but exam focused and didn’t appear to have any idea of what opportunities are available in Bristol. A London based teacher who teaches at the Junior Royal Academy has agreed to take him on for remote lessons over the holidays so will see how that pans out. Attempted to get in touch with ‘Bristol Plays Music’ on a couple of occasions well before lockdown but never got a response. Hopefully in September groups will get up and running again as he’s keen to play with other children.

I would have thought that Bristol Grammar, QEH and Clifton College would have good music departments?

So much will depend on the enthusiasm and drive of the music staff (who are probably busy scratching their heads to wonder how to get wind, brass and choirs back performing next term).

Apologies. Here is a link to the music provision for schools in Bath & North East Somerset:
www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/schools-colleges-and-learning/governors-teaching-professionals/music-service

On the right side there are links to the South West Music School etc.

You might get more suggestions in the extra-curricular threads over in "Education".

Also now might be a good time to look at G5 Theory if your DS has time on his hands.

You won't ever get a response out of Bristol Plays.

Could he sit the musical aptitude test at Bristol Cathedral?

Clifton High also do musical scholarships.

Thanks Madcats I will take a look. We’re cracking on with the theory - it’s a hard slog but needs must!

Definitely worth trying for BCCS music specialist place, he does not have to accept a place if it is offered, but the music there is fantastic - 4 orchestras, lots of choirs and other ensembles, and it is free . They generally have difficulty filling the 4 boy chorister places so if he sings, that could be a good way to get in, although they like them to audition in Y4, they sometimes let boys in later.

QEH is also very good for music. Clifton College good but v expensive.

If he wants ensembles now (subject to covid), Bristol Plays Music has a Junior Wind Band, Once he gets to Y7 there are 3 BPM orchestras which rehearse on Saturday mornings at BCCS.