Music

The Music Department is rich in nourishing opportunities for young musicians and, whether they are pianists, singers, instrumentalists or composers, the GCSE course at Lurgan College offers a wonderfully diverse and colourful experience, whilst providing a solid grounding for pupils to pursue their musical studies to Advanced Level in Years 13 and 14.

GCSE Music has 3 components:

Composing and Appraising 30%

Performing and Appraising 35%

Listening and Appraising 35%

Composing and Appraising

Students compose two pieces of music, one of which they write in response to a pre-release stimulus. They record their compositions and provide a score, a lead sheet or a written account of their work. Students will be encouraged to make full use of our amply resourced music technology facilities in the Mac Suite.

Performing and Appraising

One solo and one ensemble performance will be examined by a visiting examiner in April of Year 12. Throughout the course of study, GCSE pupils can enjoy the experience of learning a new instrument, if they desire, and many willingly participate in a variety of school ensembles – Girls’ Choir, Chamber Choir, Band, Jazz Group, Vocal and Instrumental Trios and Quartets, performing at school, public and private engagements. As part of their ensemble, GCSE pupils will be collaborating with pupils in the senior music classes.

Listening and Appraising

Students build on the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of music gained through composition and performance. They develop their understanding of the relationship between music and its contexts. Students listen to and appraise familiar and unfamiliar music by a range of composers, both male and female, within the four Areas of Study:

• Western Classical Music 1600–1910

• Film Music

• Musical Traditions of Ireland

• Popular Music 1980–present day