Music Scholars
Music plays a major role in the life of the
Ampleforth Abbey and College, and Music Scholarships are available to
those entering the college at 13 and 16. Opportunities for practice,
performance, and the study of music are countless and the standard of
musicianship at Ampleforth is high. Musicianship covers a variety of
activities which range from groups as large as the Orchestra and Big
Band, to specialised groups such as the Clarinet Group and Pro Musica
for strings. Music Scholars' timetables are tailored to accommodate
their musical interests and practice time, and are carefully monitored.
In addition to regular teaching and rehearsals scholars are encouraged
to travel to performances outside of Ampleforth, as well as attending
recitals and lectures within the College.
Very high standards of
choral music are a distinctive feature of the musical life of the
college, and all music scholars with suitable voices are expected to
complement their instrumental studies with membership of the Schola
Cantorum or Schola Puellarum as well as other choirs, as advised by the
Director of Music.
Music Scholars enjoy specialising in music
throughout their school career, and perform in a range of concerts and
recitals over the academic year. These range from performances in the
Abbey Church, to informal concerts in the Music School. Recent
performances have included Bach's St John's Passion and the ever popular
Jazz and Blues nights. In the Lent term Theatre and Music combined to
deliver an exceptional and much lauded production of the opera ‘Dido and
Aeneas.’ Music is also taken on tour, and last year the Big Band travel
to Ireland to perform in a series of concert.
The 2009
Exhibition concert included, from the Brass Ensemble, ‘Twelfth Street
Rag’ by Bowman, Joseph Canteloube’s Songs from the Auvergne , and the
Lord of the Dance Suite by Ronan Hardiman. The College Orchestra played
the Piano Concerto no. 2, op. 102 by Shostakovich, with Charity
Mapletoft as soloist. As an outgoing Scholar Padraig Staunton played
Keyboard Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052 by JS Bach, to great acclaim.
Included in this year’s Exhibition concern there will be performances of
the Symphony No.2 ‘A London Symphony’ By Ralph Vaughan-Williams, and
Violin Concerto No.5 in A Major, K.219 by Mozart. A number of the
soloists and instrumentalists who preform annually in the Messiah were
Old Amplefordians. Scholars leaving Ampleforth often perform a concerto
on their main instrument accompanied by the orchestra.
There is a
continuing programme of recording music and the performances of high
achieving Music Scholars. Many scholars have acted as soloists in
concertos, and many attain diplomas before leaving school. While music
is an important past-time in the lives of many Music Scholars, several
have recently gone on to read music at college, university, or
conservatoire, and entered into Music as a professional field.
Through
Ampleforth's Music Outreach programme Music Scholars find themselves in
a position to share their experiences and performances outside the
College, to the benefit of its students as well as those in other
schools. The Ampleforth Big Band, under the leadership of William Dore,
has made a series of visits to prep schools and venues which include
Malsis School, Bramcote School, Westminster Cathedral and its choir
school, Aysgarth School, Helmsley Arts Centre, and Woodleigh School. The
Pro Musica string ensemble under the direction of Dara de Cogan has, in
conjunction with York Music Therapy Centre, been involved in special
needs in Scarborough, and performed at Sproxton, Helmsley Arts Centre,
and Selby Abbey. These events have given Ampleforth students performance
experience, and involved them in with the wider community.
Music
Scholarship at Ampleforth involves a serious commitment to the
community and its musical life. Through that commitment scholars may
develop their skills, and gain immense pleasure from their study and
performance. When asked what she enjoys about being a Music Scholar
Katie O Kelly commented that "... the Big Band recordings and
performances last year were amazing. The atmosphere at the Jazz and
Blues night made me realise how much I enjoy music at Ampleforth and how
much enjoyment it brings to others." Jessica Snowball says "I really
appreciate involvement, playing some amazing music - and using my
ability".