THE ARTS
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Denstone is proud of its creativity. Whether you are a budding actor, singer, artist or set designer, we have the means to inspire you and the staff and facilities to make it happen; as part of life in the Senior School.
Drama
Over the years we have developed extensive opportunities for students of all ages to perform on the stage and increasingly shows have grown in popularity, not just for those who participate on stage, but for those who are busy behind the scenes; this is a key part of our co-curricular activities. Our belief in offering drama to everyone means that the subject has evolved as an integral part of the curriculum as well as College life as a whole; supporting our Senior academic provision and the wider experience of life in the Senior School.
On average, the College produces eighteen performances throughout the school year, each playing host to audiences in excess of 150 in the School Room – our theatre. Productions range across the dramatic genres, many requiring students to deal with material and styles which challenge expectations. Our philosophy is to encourage experimentation, introduce concepts and techniques and of course provide a sense of fun; all within our Senior arts programme.
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The Year 7 to Year 9 enjoy drama as part of their weekly curriculum and each Lent Term, Year 8 perform to packed audiences in the Second Form House Drama Festival: The plays performed are written and directed entirely by the Lower Sixth Form; demonstrating strong Senior leadership and service through mentoring and contribution.
Past Drama productions include:
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Music
Music at Denstone is a very active, vibrant and flourishing part of the College. The department organises and runs an annual programme of concerts, competitions, trips and visits. All students are given the opportunity to perform throughout the year, in both solo and ensemble concerts, house competitions, in external events and on tour, and always with the aim of ensuring that our music making is of the highest standard and fun; a core part of our Senior arts and co-curricular activities.
With Choirs and Vocal Ensembles, an Orchestra, Big Band, Concert Band, String Group, Sax Group, Percussion Ensemble, a Rock Band and many other ad hoc ensembles organised by both staff and students, the Music School never rests! While a few ensembles are open by invitation, the vast majority are open to all students who enjoy performing. A varied programme of concerts provides students with opportunities to perform throughout the year. One week it might be the Choral andf Concerto Concert and the next Denstone Rocks. In addition, the Carols by Candlelight and Words and Music for Easter are occasions that are also open to the public and these are particular musical highlights of the year; key moments in life in the Senior School.
There are over 250 instrumental and vocal lessons taught each week by both full-time staff and a team of 18 highly qualified and experienced visiting music staff. Many students take practical and theory exams. We have an inhouse ABRSM exam day each term and organise other examinations, for instance, Trinity and Rock School, either externally or virtually and all our results are consistently excellent. In recent years, several students have taken their performing beyond grade 8, achieving the ARSM Diploma in their final year at the College; supporting ambition within our Senior academic culture.
The Music Department works closely with the Drama Department in the production of Musicals and in providing music for other stage shows. In recent years, this collaboration has resulted in first class productions of Grease, 9-5, Legally Blonde and Fame. Music Theatre has become an increasingly popular activity within the College and several students have gone on to continue performing on stage at university and in professional companies; reflecting the strength of our Senior arts provision.
Trips and visits are a vital adjunct to the music programme. Denstone College is home to the Denstone Music Society, an external charity run in conjunction with the music department, hosting world-class performers in our chapel. Our pupils are invited to attend these concerts free of charge which is a fantastic opportunity for our young musicians. We also take our GCSE and A level pupils to the theatre and concert halls to hear their set works played live and run a music studio trip to experience all sides of the industry. Each year we also run a music tour staying in 5-star accommodation and playing in cathedrals, bandstands, National Trust Properties, Small Churches and an Observatory; enriching life in the Senior School.
Art and Design
Art and Design plays a vibrant part in the College provision with a benefit which stretches beyond subject boundaries. As well as being subjects in their own right, the study of art and design and technology sparks creativity across the curriculum, encouraging enquiring minds and imaginative approaches producing job ready, creative, and innovative problem solvers; an important part of Senior academic life and our wider Senior arts offer.
Art and Design and Technology is a rich and varied field. It includes photography, print making, film, sculpture, ceramics, stitched, printed, woven and constructed textiles, product design, furniture design, fashion design and much more. Above all, it inspires personal expression and creative and practical responses. It promotes imaginative risk taking and provides solutions to the questions and issues which arise in daily life. It is also the starting point for a range of careers from spacecraft engineering to surgery; supported by our Senior academic pathways.
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A Denstone creative education inspires and challenges its young people, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to participate in, experiment with, invent and create their own works of art, and design; at the heart of our Senior arts programme.
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