Choirs/Ensembles

CHORAL AND ENSEMBLE MUSIC

Here at the Junior Branch we pride ourselves on the vast array of extra-curricular music ensembles on offer, from choirs to orchestras to bands.  Our choirs and ensembles perform every term, have won several music competitions (namely the North London Festival of Music) and frequently participate in inter-school music events.  There is always at least one music group rehearsing before school, at lunch time or after school, making the Junior Branch a busy, thriving musical environment.

ENSEMBLES, ORCHESTRAS and BANDS

Once a boy has mastered the foundation level on his chosen instrument, he is given a place in the appropriate ensemble (e.g. a boy who has secured an octave of notes on the clarinet will join the woodwind ensemble) and play a part arranged for his ability.  He then works his way through the levels until he is leading that ensemble in Year 6, if not Year 5.  Our instrumental ensembles are:

• Orchestra

• String Ensemble (for advanced orchestral string players)

• Woodwind Ensemble

• Guitar Ensemble

• Big Band

• Percussion Ensemble

• Rock Bands (for Years 5 and 6 advanced students of electric guitar, bass and drums)

• Recorder Ensemble

• Concert Band (Big Band and Woodwind Ensemble combined for very special ceremonial occasions)

CHOIRS

We are very proud of both our Junior Choir (for Years 3 and 4) and Senior Choir (Years 5 & 6).  Due to the choirs' immense popularity, boys audition for a place (auditions are held at the beginning of each term). Our choirs sing an eclectic programme, covering all genres and styles.

All boys at the JB, whether members of the choirs or not, participate in full choral singing at various times of the year, especially in their year level Drama productions.