Since arriving at Chafyn, it has been my aim to instil into all the children a passion for performing and a love of being creative and expressive. Musical Theatre is a format which binds these two subjects together. I believe that music and drama can touch everyone and help us all to be happier and more fulfilled people. Studying music is so much more than sitting learning an instrument or a song. It is a way of finding yourself and finding a way to express your innermost feelings, and most importantly, it is a way of connecting with others.
Rebecca Arch
Director of Music and Head of Drama
“My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us; the world is full of it, and you simply take as much as you require.” – Edward Elgar
Drama
Drama is flourishing at Chafyn! Taking to the stage starts young with our Nativity Plays at Christmas time. As pupils move up through the School there are more opportunities to perform in many productions, with a musical performed at Easter for Years 5 to 8 and a show in the summer term for Years 3 and 4.
Every child in the school has a drama lesson each week with their class. In these lessons, they learn different skills such as improvisation, devising and how to use their voices effectively and safely. Pupils are able to take additional individual speech and drama lessons leading to LAMDA examinations.
LAMDA
The LAMDA classes can cover Speaking Verse & Prose, Acting, Musical Theatre, Shakespeare or Public Speaking/Presentation Skills. Lessons are 30 minutes and rotate every week (just like the music lessons).
Students can share lessons with a friend that is also looking to start on the same syllabus. Acting or Verse & Prose lessons involve learning monologues/duologues, poems and prose from memory, working on characterisation and projection skills.
For the Presentation Skills examination, a student prepares a presentation on a subject of their choice, the LAMDA teacher will then help them with their posture and projection which will ultimately provide them with essential life skills that they can apply to a variety of tasks such as job interviews and public speaking.
Examinations are taken when the students are ready. Should a student be unsure as to which syllabus they would favour, we can try different things in the first few weeks and the teacher can help them decide where their strengths may lie.
Above is the form to apply for LAMDA lessons.
MUSIC
Life at Chafyn is infused with music at many different levels and we aim to awaken a life-long love and appreciation of music in its broadest sense. Singing, music-making and performance starts young with our musical productions, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Chapel Choir, Junior Choir and String Group.
As pupils grow up through the School, opportunities to try different musical genres, instruments and styles abound, with peripatetic lessons on offer in everything from harp and trumpet to voice and violin.
Our students love to perform and this is encouraged from an early age. We have several informal concerts throughout the year in which everyone is welcome to perform in, if they wish to.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
INSTRUCTION
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
At Chafyn, all pupils have the opportunity to receive one-to-one instrumental tuition.
Whether they wish to learn purely for fun, to achieve ABRSM/Trinity/Rock School qualifications, we have a dedicated team of expert teachers to support and guide them along the way.
Lessons take place during the school day and many pupils enjoy weekly instrumental lessons.
We offer tuition in: Piano, Singing, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Flute, Oboe, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums, Violin, Harp, Double Bass and Cello.
If you wish to enrol your child in one-to-one instrumental lessons, please complete the form below.
GROUP INSTRUCTION
GROUP INSTRUCTION
During the week, we have the following groups.
- Monday lunchtime – Orchestra.
- Tuesday lunchtime – Chapel Choir (Years 5-8)
- Wednesday break – String group
- Wednesday lunchtime – Junior Choir (Years 3&4)
- Thursday lunchtime – Jazz Band.
In Year 2, each child learns the violin and recorder in class lessons. This helps them decide whether they would like to start to learn an instrument and provides an introduction to reading music.
