In Corpus Christi College we have a vibrant and enthusiastic music department which aims to provide students with diverse and challenging opportunities to develop their music-making skills through both the delivered NI Curriculum and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

All of the staff within the department are dedicated to helping each individual achieve their full potential in a safe and friendly environment.

Pupils are welcome to become a member of the various music groups within the College which cater for a wide range of musical interests and abilities. These include an original and dynamic African Drums group which is very popular and provides cultural diversity within the curriculum; two guitar groups offering both conventional and contemporary techniques and also our annual school productions which provides pupils with the opportunity to showcase their talents.

 

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 level pupils have the opportunity to develop the three core aspects of music making: listening, composing and performing. Pupils will develop their creative mind through a variety of tasks which include individual, pair and group work.
Units of work covered include:

Elements of Music
Composing a Song
Messages in Music
Music and the Media
20th Century Popular Music
World Music
Film Music
DJ Technology

Key Stage 4

The course delivered at this level is the BTEC First Diploma in Music and is the equivalent of 4 GCSE's at grades A*-C. This is a 2 year course and is delivered through the Sonic DJ Academy in conjunction with the College. Pupils will cover 6 units across the 2 years with a portfolio based assessment continous throughout.
Unit include:

Core Units - Compulsory
Planning and Creating a Music Product
Exploring the Music Profession

Specialist Units - Choice of 4
Solo Musical Performance
Exploring Musical Composition
Developing as a Musical Performer
Working as a Musical Ensemble
Introducing DJ Technology
Rehearsal Techniques for Musicians
Producing a Musical Recording
Understanding Music
Exploring Computer Systems used by Musicians
Exploring Musical Improvisation
The Musical World
Exploring an Area of Music

Post 16

The course delivered at this level is the BTEC National Award in Music Recording and is the equivalent of 1 A' Level. Pupils wishing to enrol in this course must have a GCSE in Music or equivalent. This is a 2 year course and is delivered through the Sonic DJ Academy in conjunction with the College. Pupils will cover 6 units across the 2 years with a portfolio based assessment continous throughout.
Units include:

Core Units (compulsory):

Creating a Music Product

Planning a Music Recording

Sound Recording Techniques

 

Specialist Units (choose 3)

Audio Engineering

Computer Music Systems

Introduction to Acoustics

Listening Skills for Musicians

Music Technology in Performance

Operating Live Sound

The Music Freelance World

The Sound and Music Industry

Pupils also have the opportunity to avail of the many extra-curricular activities that are on offer in the Music Department. These include: Choir, African Drums, Guitar Club, School Show and many more.

 

Extra Curricular Activities

College Choir

The College Choir is open to pupils (including 6^th Form) and performs a wide variety of music. Every Christmas we perform at the Park Centre, Our Lady’s Home, Kennedy Centre and also in school during our Christmas services. The Choir regularly performs at various other occasions such as Young Voices in the Odyssey, Prize Day and Open Night.

 

African Drums

The African Drum group has proved to be an extremely popular addition to our ever-growing department. Recently our Year 12 GCSE group was nominated to perform at the CCEA Score Concert which showcases the best performances at this level. We currently have 3 separate groups catering for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced pupils and each of these groups perform regularly throughout the school year.

 

Guitar Groups

These groups provide different approaches to learning the guitar. One focuses on the conventional methods including the reading of guitar tablature and technique whilst the other teaches the more contemporary aspects of rock guitar.

Woodwind Lessons

These take place on a weekly basis with our very talented and committed tutor Ms J Heaney. Pupils have the opportunity to learn the flute and clarinet and to develop their existing musical skills.

 

School Show

The College annual production is a highlight of the school year, providing pupils with a platform to showcase their talents and to perform in front of their families, friends and the local community. It brings together the entire school from Year 8 to 6^th Form and all departments in the school and is always a very enjoyable event in the school calendar.