Welcome to one of the most dynamic and vibrant departments at St Augustine’s Catholic College! The department has built up an enviable reputation for its results and the high standards achieved by all students throughout the College. For the past two years the department has been recognised nationally for its outstanding levels of performance. This has resulted in a Recorder Trio and House Band (a jazz combo) taking part in the National Festival for Youth in Birmingham. There is a wealth of extra-curricular ensembles including three choirs, Orchestra, Wind Band, Lower and Upper College Jazz Band, Flute Group, Guitar club, String ensemble and Junior Strings. These ensembles regularly perform in competitions, music festivals and events organised by the Music Department. The department strongly believes in giving students opportunities to experience live music and many trips to theatres and concert halls are organised during the academic year.
The department has strong links with Wells Cathedral School which is one of the five DFES funded specialist music schools in the country, and students regularly attend master classes and recitals given by International Artists. Every year many of our outstanding musicians are offered places to study music at top Universites and Conservatoires, including The Royal College of Music, Trinity and Birmingham Conservatoire.
The department offers some of the best facilities and equipment in the county, with a large rehearsal room which contains a Yahama grand piano, a further teaching room, separate drum room, a suite of seven practice rooms and a Music Technology area with Cubase and Sibelius. There are two full time music teachers, Mr O’Mahony and Mrs Medland, and a further twelve peri-patetic instrumental staff. Music plays a fundamental role in the life of the College and at least a third of students take instrumental/ vocal lessons. Music is valued at St Augustine’s and is a subject in which every student is encouraged to achieve their full potential, while at the same time enjoy the experience!