Form 1 Instrumental Music Programme
 

In 1999 Hilton College’s Headmaster, Mike Nicholson, and Second Master, Anthony Lovell, visited a number of schools in Australia. While their main intent was to study the integration of Information Technology in those schools, they returned most impressed by the scope and quality of music education in both government and private schools.

As a result of the Australian experience, Hilton embarked on a similar programme whereby every boy entering the school in Form 1 has the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. This programme was introduced in 2000 with the broad aim of encouraging as many pupils as possible to partake in practical music. Each Form 1 pupil is given the opportunity to play an instrument in his first year at Hilton. A plan of action was formulated and funds were made available to the music department to acquire new instruments. It was decided to divide the +/- 110 Form 1 pupils into two groups, alternating each half year with IT or Art. The choice of instruments would be limited to clarinet, trumpet and trombone and saxophone.

 

Group violin lessons are taken outside, weather permitting!

The original aim of the project was:

  • To afford every boy that attends Hilton College the opportunity to play an instrument
  • To expose every pupil to music on a more personal level than the general class music taught in the past
  • To change the attitude of the school in general towards music within five years 
  • To enlarge the music programme by creating a larger player-base to work with in the department.
  • To strengthen the 3rd pillar (cultural activities) whereupon Hilton College currently builds its reputation, the other two being sport and academics. 

Extra peripatetic staff were employed to cope with the numbers and instrument choices. Group teaching of four hour periods in a two-week cycle with between 6 and 8 pupils per class is currently the norm.

In 2005 a theory element was added to the project. Half of each period is spent in theory class and the other half is spent playing instruments. This was initiated as pupils struggled to play for a full hour, especially on the trumpet and trombone, and it was felt that a more solid theory backing would aid pupils in their performance and reading skills.

This programme falls within the Arts and Culture programme and thus, is at no extra charge to the parents. However, if a boy chooses to play an additional musical instrument as a co-curricular activity, he is charged for that instrument. Please see 'Fees and policy' for further clarity on this matter.   

2009 Form 1's playing the Trombone with Mr. Brown

Current Saxophone players with Mr. Kisby-Green