Extracurricular
Music
Celestia Singers
The Celestia Singers is a choir which is open to all students in years 10 to 13 and is run by Mr Davies. This is a low-pressure group which you can drop into when you fancy a sing. It meets on Monday lunchtimes.
Chamber Choir
This choir is open to all students in years ten to thirteen. We perform challenging music ranging from pop covers to classical repertoire. The Chamber Choir performs at all school concerts and frequently performs outside of school including our regular trip to sing Christmas carols in Trafalgar Square and collaborating with Ashford Choral Society. We have also performed abroad during day trips to Bruges and residential trips to Paris and Budapest. The ability to read music is helpful but not necessary. If you are interested in joining please email Mrs Booker.
Clarinet Ensemble
The clarinet ensemble is run by our music prefects and is open to clarinettists of Grade 3 and above. They perform at our school events and are a small, informal group.
Gospel Choir
The Gospel Choir is led by members of Highworth’s Afro Caribbean Society and is open to all singers across the year groups. Come along to G313 on Tuesday lunchtimes for some uplifting Gospel singing.
Flute Choir
The Flute Choir is open to all flautists from about Grade 3 standard. It is run by our flute teacher, Miss Ovenden and they perform a range of music from film music to classical pieces. If you are interested in joining, email Mrs Booker or just come along to PAS2 at 3.35pm on Monday afternoons!
Folk Band
Our award-winning folk band is open to all instrumentalists, although being of Grade 3 or above standard is recommended. We arrange imaginative performances of traditional folk tunes from the British Isles and beyond. We also enjoy creating folk-style performances of other material. While the band performs at school events they also perform at Tenterden Folk Festival and have taken part in the National Festival of Music for Youth on regular occasions.
Fusion Band
Fusion Band is run by our clarinet and saxophone teacher, Mr Brazier and is open to all musicians with beginners being very welcome! Parts are arranged for performers of any ability on any instrument and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The Fusion Band perform at all of our school concerts and events. Just come along on Friday lunchtimes in G142 and bring your instrument (guitars, ukuleles, keyboards and drum kits are provided).
Guitar Ensemble
Our guitar ensemble is currently paused due to a change of guitar teachers in the department. Watch this space as it will be back soon!
Highnotes Choir
Our Highnotes Choir is an energetic group which is open to all singers in years 7, 8 and 9. They regularly perform both at school events but also outside of school such as our regular carol singing slot in Ashford town centre and our recent performance at the Kent Green Schools Awards. No previous singing experience is needed, just come along to PAS2 after school on Tuesdays.
String Ensemble
Tuesday lunchtime is when our string ensemble meets. It is open to all players of bowed stringed instruments of Grade 3 and above. It is run by Miss Jolliffe, one of our violin and viola teachers.
Tuned Percussion Ensemble
The tuned percussion ensemble was started with the aim of giving our advanced pianists a group in which they can use their skills within an ensemble context. It is suggested that players should be of approximately Grade 5 standard on piano although please email Mr Parrish if you are interested in joining. The ensemble performs a range of music from the theme from the film ‘Up’ and arrangements of popular and classical music.
Swing Band
Our Swing Band is run by Mr Brazier, our clarinet and saxophone teacher. It is open to woodwind, brass and rhythm players of approximately Grade 4 standard but email Mrs Booker if you are interested in joining. The band perform at all school events and perform a significant set at our annual jazz night.
Orchestra
Highworth’s orchestra is open to all performers of orchestral instruments from approximately grade 3 and above and performs a range of music from classical to film music and arrangements of pop tunes. The orchestra also form the band for our annual production.
Ukulele Group
The ukulele groups meet on Thursday lunchtimes and is open to all ukulele players, from beginners to those with more experience. This group is run by Mr Davies and you can borrow a school ukulele.
Uptown Junk
Make your own instruments out of recycled materials with Mr Davies and then learn to play music using them! No prior musical experience needed.