Music at Whitgift is offered in an eclectic and enriching environment, in which all young musicians can develop and thrive. The school is fortunate to work with professional organisations, tutors and musicians, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, enabling students to learn from and perform with an exceptionally high level of instrumentalists in concerts throughout the school year.
Whitgift provides choristers for the Choir of Croydon Minster through the Minster Choristerships and Minster Choral Scholarships. This has proven an excellent pathway with Whitgift achieving 100% success in conservatoire applications since 2013, as well as several students gaining Oxbridge Choral Scholarships, confirming a growing reputation as one of the most diverse, innovative and inspiring Music Departments in the country.
Candidates wishing to be considered for a Music scholarship, are expected to be of a standard equivalent to at least Grade 3 (10+/11+), Grade 5 (13+), Grade 6/7 (14+) and Grade 8 (16+). A list of the candidates musical ability and suitability for a scholarship, including grades and experience, must be included on the Music Scholarship form, and uploaded during the application process.
In addition to the scholarship form, applicants must submit a video recording of two contrasting pieces, both of which should be about 2 or 3 minutes in which the applicants can showcase their abilities. Where applicants are offering two instruments, one piece for each instrument is requested. Recordings should be sent to the Music Administrator at crp@whitgift.co.uk with the Subject heading "Candidate name and Music Scholarship Recording" by the application closing date.
Candidates in receipt of a Music Scholarship are automatically entitled to at least one Music Award which covers the cost of music lessons. Candidates who are not successful in receiving a Music Scholarship following audition, may still be offered a Music Award.
Assessment
Once academically assessed, and video submissions have been reviewed, selected candidates will be invited to Whitgift for an audition. At the audition Musicians will be expected to
- play one piece on both instruments or, two contrasting pieces if they do not play a second instrument
- play, at sight, a short piece of music
- sing a melodic phrase, undertake elementary sight-singing and other aural tests
- Minster Choristership/Choral Scholarship applicants should sing two contrasting pieces, at least one of which should be sacred
Candidates are not required to provide accompanists at their audition, but may do so if they wish. If a piece is written with piano accompaniment, it must be played as such.
A successful candidate will be expected to make a sustained commitment to Music at Whitgift throughout their time at the school.