Overview
Music has a unique role in the curriculum at Bangkok Patana School, both in Primary and in Secondary. It combines intellectual and physical skills and evokes a deep emotional and aesthetic response. It embraces all ages, cultures and social backgrounds. Music is given high priority at Patana and the skills and appreciation of music are taught and encouraged across the two schools. Children perform regularly in school productions and concerts, and at functions around Bangkok where they represent Patana. We have close liaison with other international schools and join together for choral and instrumental festivals.
The aim of the Primary Music Curriculum is for all students, by the end of Year 6, to have developed their music ability through performing, composing, listening and appraising music from a range of contexts and styles. Students should develop:
- skills needed for singing, playing, composing music and being an informed listener;
- understanding of musical structure and style;
- knowledge of repertoire involving music of different styles and settings; and
- attitudes of confidence in, enjoyment of, and interest in, a variety of music
In the Secondary School the music programme is focused upon the areas of performing, composing, listening and appraising and is based on the UK National Curriculum. All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 learn a chosen instrument and attend music lessons in performance groups instead of class groups. These performance groups include string ensemble, concert band and guitar ensemble.
Instrumental Music
Over 400 students receive music tuition on an individual basis. Highly qualified and motivated tutors visit the school each day to teach students on the following instruments: flute, clarinet, alto, tenor and soprano saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, tuba, violin, viola, cello, piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar (jazz/rock), voice.
Students may also elect to undertake examinations set by The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music. Our results in the practical and theory examinations have been excellent with many students gaining merit and distinction passes.
School performing groups include the Primary Concert Band, Recorder groups, Guitar Ensemble, Choirs, Secondary Concert Band, Orchestra, String Ensemble and Rock Band.