Welcome to St. Bees School Music Department where music and music-making are at the heart of life at School.
Hugh M. Turpin is the Director of Music. In addition to the School Choir and Orchestra Hugh runs the Priory Singers and conducts the West Cumbrian Orchestra and the West Cumbrian Choral Society. He is a founder member of Lakeland Opera with whom he appears regularly and is an occasional recital and concerto soloist.
Hugh Turpin, Director of Music
Jane Bell trained at the Birmingham Conservatoire. She teaches Clarinet, Oboe, Flute and Saxophone and sings with the Priory Choir. She assists with the Symphony Orchestra and runs a variety of wind ensembles.
Gill Hudson (left) runs the Brass Ensemble and teaches music to the Sixth Form. Gill is an enthusiastic and very able Cornet and Bass player and is a very accomplished singer.
Margie Simper (right) teaches the piano and singing, theory and practical musicianship and aural group classes. She also directs the Gaudeamus Ladies Choir. Prior to coming to St. Bees she sang with the BBC Daily Service Singers and the Academy of St. Martin In the Fields.
David Shirt (left) teaches the Violin and Viola. He was Head of Strings at Wellington College for many years. He played originally with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and has acted as orchestral leader to the London Chamber Strings. He directs the St. Bees School string orchestra.
A team of over 8 visiting music teachers come to St. Bees each week to give one-to-one instrumental tuition. Although pupils may opt to have private lessons outside of School, provision is made for any pupil who wishes to take lessons as part of the school day. Over 150 of our pupils learn at least one instrument.
The Music Department houses a range of practice rooms, each of which is equipped with a piano.
In addition it boasts a well equipped music studio with 28 track recording equipment.
The Department is a thriving, busy and exciting place. An extensive array of musical lessons, activities and performances take place every day, every week and every month.
It is the Departments’ aim to ensure that each pupil has the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy good music, in a variety of styles, whether they are a performer or a listener.
Every pupil is able to demonstrate their talent and discover the joy of making music.
The Music Department has a well deserved reputation of being a centre of excellence. The subject is taught both at GCSE and A Level. Individual tuition is available on a wide range of instruments from the violin to the harp and students can achieve Grade 8 and above through excellent one-to-one coaching.
Besides a School Choir and Orchestra, there are Wind and CCF Bands and
numerous other small ensembles which meet regularly to practice musical
pieces for invitation and public concerts held throughout the school year.
Music Scholarships:
50% Scholarships are available at ages 11, 13 and 16
Music Award:
An award scheme is woven into the curriculum and offers pupils the opportunity to attain special recognition in the form of Blue, Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for their significant contribution to the musical life of the School.
Pupils from St. Bees have successfully gone onto study at The Royal Northern College of Music, The Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, Birmingham Conservatoire and Durham and Leeds Universities.