Extra Curricular
Ballyclare High School has a long and rich heritage in extra-curricular music-making. There are so many opportunities for pupils to participate in ensembles and choirs every day of every week in the school year. These activities promote teamwork and are a super way for pupils to develop their skills of commitment, self-discipline and perseverance. Extra-curricular music in Ballyclare High School brings us all together, nurturing excellent relationships between staff and pupils and making a massive contribution to the pastoral well-being of those who participate.
Choirs
We have 3 choirs in Ballyclare High School:
- a Junior Choir for years 8 to 10
- a Senior Choir for all pupils in years 11- 14
- a Chamber Choir for years 11-14 (by audition only)
Altogether over 150 pupils sing in these choirs and obviously enjoy the experience! The annual carol services continue to be as popular as ever, with parents and friends of the school attending in large numbers. Numerous past pupils always join in for “O Holy Night”, demonstrating the sense of community which embodies our Music Department.
The choirs also perform at the Annual Spring Concert and compete at various local musical festivals. The Chamber Choir receive many invitations to perform at special functions and concerts in the local and the wider community.
Instrumental Activities
There is also a wide range of instrumental activities for pupils to get involved with.
- The String Orchestra is for all string players and for the most senior woodwind and brass players (auditions apply for woodwind instruments)
- The Wind Band is for the more advanced woodwind and brass players (auditions apply for all instruments)
- The Junior Band is for woodwind and brass players at lower grades from all year groups and we also welcome players from the local primary schools who are Grade 1 standard and above.(no audition is necessary)
- Junior Strings is for our string players from years 8, 9 and 10, and we also welcome players from the local primary schools who are Grade 1 and above.
- The Senior String Quartet
- The Saxophone Quartet
- The Flute Ensemble caters for all flute players at Grade 3 and above
- The Guitar Club is run by a parent and is open to all pupils in the school.
The various musical ensembles participate in the local music festivals, the Carol Services and the Spring Concert, demonstrating the musical talent of the school in a wide range of musical styles. The Wind Band, String Quartet and Flute Ensemble also perform at many events in the Ballyclare area during the year.
Theory Class
Theory class runs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8.45am in room 238 and is open to all pupils.
These classes are designed to support instrumental lessons and GCSE Music students.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are as follows.
Senior activities run during terms 1 and 2, while Junior activities run through all 3 terms.
Monday
Chamber Choir 11 – 11.20am
String Orchestra 3.40 – 4.30pm
Tuesday
Theory Class 8.45 – 9am
Chamber Choir 11.00 – 11.20am
Junior Choir 3.40 – 4.30pm
Chamber Choir 3.40 – 4.30pm
Wednesday
Theory Class 8.45 – 9am
Chamber Choir 11.00 – 11.20am
Junior Band 3.40 – 4.30pm
Thursday
Theory Class 8.45 – 9am
Chamber Choir 11.00 – 11.20am
Senior Choir 3.40 – 4.30pm
Friday
Chamber Choir 11.00 – 11.20am
Wind Band 3.40 – 5.00pm
