- Music is vibrant at Dean Close, reflecting its purpose-built Music School. An extensive number of vocal, chamber and orchestral groups exist, as well as numerous rock bands and chamber ensembles. These activities reflect the wide-ranging appeal of music across the school. The presence of The Carducci Quartet as Quartet in Residence since January 2011 has proved enormously successful.
- The department stages in excess of 50 concerts each year, ranging from informal lunchtime recitals to major choral and orchestral events, with top Music Scholars being given the chance to perform Concerti with the Orchestra.
- Both Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir make frequent CD recordings and sing Evensong in St Paul's Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey each year, in addition to regular school Chapel services. Choir tours to Paris, Venice, New York, Salzburg and Vienna within the past five years have given pupils the opportunity to perform in exciting venues further afield, including: St Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue; St Mark's, Venice and Notre Dame, Paris.
- A strong tradition of Oxbridge Organ and Choral awards exists, as well as places at the country's leading Conservatoires. Advanced students often choose to study at Conservatoires on Saturday mornings and are encouraged to apply for National Orchestras and Choirs and to enter national and local competitions. Many singers gain invaluable experience from attending the Eton Choral Courses each year. A considerable number of our top Music Scholars go on to become professional musicians, as performers, teachers, composers or in the recording industry.
Regular Music Activities
Regular rehearsals held on a weekly basis throughout the year are listed below. Additional rehearsals are organised as necessary.
Mondays
8.20am String Quartet
1.30pm Chapel Choir
4.00pm Chamber Music
4.00pm Grade V theory
5.15pm Orchestra
Tuesdays
8.20am Chamber Music
1.30pm Chamber Choir
1.30pm Girls' Vocal Ensemble
5.00pm Jazz Band
Wednesdays
8.20am String Quartet
1.30pm Concert Band
1.30pm Sinfonia
Thursdays
8.20am Chamber Music
1.30pm Flute Choir
1.40pm Lunchtime Concerts (as advertised)
7.00 pm Choral Society (Michaelmas and Lent Terms)
Fridays
8.20am Saxophone Group
8.20am Brass Ensemble
1.35pm Chapel Choir