Music is a popular and thriving activity for boys at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. It’s common to spot musical instruments and sports equipment in the same schoolbags on our campus. Our extensive programme encompasses a wide range of vocal and instrumental ensembles.
The Music School is housed in the three purpose-built rooms of the new Specialist building including three specialist band studios as well as the Itinerant rooms of the Malcolm Bracegirdle Memorial School of Music.
Our philosophy is one of both inclusion and excellence. We believe in allowing every boy to participate in music-making to the best of his ability. We have a variety of small group ensembles and an all-comers’ choir, where your son will be able to build foundational skills in music-reading and performing. As boys become more advanced, they will be able to audition for our more prestigious ensembles. The Annual calendar is full of musical events for our young musicians to showcase talent and build confidence.
A comprehensive itinerant programme offers instrumental tuition for a multitude of instruments which prepares the boys to become part of one of the many Co-Curricular ensembles. Annual auditions pave the way for our Jazz and Concert Bands, Choirs, Chamber ensembles and additional groups such as the Recorder Consort and the Flute Choir to become confident performers. For those passionate about singing, our Junior Chorus, Saint Kentigern Singers and Performers Choirs provide vibrant, welcoming platforms for choral music enthusiasts to thrive. Our rock band enthusiasts become our Senior Rockers as they use their expert guitar, bass and drumming skills at year 7 and 8 to be part of our rock bands.
True to our Scottish traditions our Boys’ School also has their own Youth Pipe Band, supporting budding Pipers and Pipe Drummers to come together and strive for performing excellence. The Pipe Band is seen regularly performing at significant events and the highlight of the year is leading the parade at our very own Celtic Day!
Opportunities to perform are numerous: school assemblies and productions, community events, and national and international competitions. Once a year we showcase our top soloists in our Instrumental Competition Final and all musicians come together for the highlight of the year in the Music Extravaganza Evening. Our ensembles regularly enter into local and national competitions and this is a wonderful forum for facilitating performance opportunities as well as giving boys something to aim for, building on their competitive spirit.