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Following the outstanding performance in our new Auditorium last week, 76 St Catherine's Prep School girls took part in 'One Sun One World' on Tuesday 27th March along with 300 local schoolchildren to support and promote the work of WWF in their 50th Anniversary year. The event was organised and conducted by Alexandra White, Director of Music of the Prep School. She chose Major Choir to be the special Chamber Choir for the occasion giving the girls extra songs to learn. They performed magnificently, their sweet sound perfectly tuned in parts rising above the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra. It was a great honour and privilege to be such an important part in this concert. Soloists were chosen from all the schools and congratulations must go to Katie du Plessis and Helena Shilson for their assured and accomplished singing. Helena took on a second solo at the very last minute due to the sudden illness of one of the boys. In addition Molly Tawse, Annabee Fleming and Sarah Wall joined a small solo group. Next term Major Choir look forward to performing on Open Day.

Music plays an important part in the life of St Catherine’s Preparatory School.  From the earliest years all girls are encouraged to enjoy singing, playing instruments, listening and composing. 

We aim:

• To offer children opportunities to experience personal success and satisfaction from, and in response to, music in all its various forms
• To extend musical knowledge and experience primarily through practical music-making
• To motivate children to enjoy music as a life-long skill

A two year Instrument Programme starts in Pre-Prep III.  Girls learn a stringed instrument for one year and woodwind or brass instruments in the other year, in one of their class lessons.

The String Programme  

For one year girls will receive a weekly group lesson on the violin or cello taught by string specialists and the Director of Music. These lessons will provide a foundation in reading music, ongoing aural skills, and the playing of an instrument as a long term commitment with a goal to achieve. These string lessons and the hire of instruments will be free of charge for the year.

The Brass Programme
 
During the course of the year each girl will receive a trumpet trial lesson.

The Woodwind Programme

For one year girls will receive a weekly group lesson on the recorder and be introduced to the flute, clarinet, bassoon and oboe.

Instrumental workshops

During the year instrumental workshops will be given so that girls can experience instruments not covered in the programme: guitar, percussion, saxophone, double bass etc.

Individual music lessons, including piano and singing, are available to girls from Form I upwards from over twenty visiting instrumental teachers.  The Director of Music is always available to give advice on the taking up of instruments. 

There are musical events throughout the school year.  Our Harvest Festival is held at Godalming Parish Church and Christmas is celebrated in Bramley Parish Church. 

A Music Festival, Chamber Concerts, Lower III musical production and Pre-Prep Concerts are all part of the varied calendar.  Hymns are sung every day in Assemblies and Chapel.  Instrumentalists have the opportunity to perform during morning assemblies. 

Extra curricular groups include two choirs, recorder ensembles, chamber ensembles, a string orchestra and wind band.  Associated Board examinations are held in the school three times a year.