Dacorum Music School
Head
Wendy Topping 
Dacorum Music School
Administrative Staff
Martin Boutland
Address
Heath Barn
St John's Road
Hemel Hempstead
HP1 1NP
Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 3.30-7.00pm
Saturday: 9.00-12.00am
Contact
Tel: 01442 214599
Fax: 01442 258923
Email: dacorummusicenquiries@hertscc.gov.uk
Newsletter and Dates
September 2011 Music Fees Price Changes
Parents - guidance on Notice to cease lessons
Activities
Individual lessons and Group lessons are available for the instruments listed below.
- Piano and keyboard
- Strings: Violin, Viola, (including Suzuki Method), Viola and Double Bass
- Brass: Cornet, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone
- Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Saxophone
- Recorder
- Guitar: Classical and Electric
- Drum Kit
- Singing
- Rock School
- Music Theory
Opportunities for Singers
At Dacorum Music School, singing is very important and instrumentalists are encouraged to take part in these activities as part of their musical development. Singing tuition is available on an individual basis but it is not normally recommended until the age of eleven.
Singing in groups is a crucial part of the Junior Music School programme, where members sing regularly, and from Year 3 upwards they are encouraged to join the Dacorum Junior Singers.
Dacorum Junior Singers
Saturday: 11.15-12.00
for children in Years 3 - 7 at school
There is no audition for the choir and you do not need to be able to read music. Pupils will develop their singing skills through rounds, unison songs and simple part singing. They cover a wide repertoire, including traditional, popular and fun songs. Membership of the DJS prepares young singers for the prestigious senior choir 'Ace of Herts'.
click here for more information & price
Ace of Herts
Tuesday: 16.45-18.15
for students in Years 7 - 13 at Secondary school
This is an advanced upper voice choir, who perform sophisticated part songs. There are opportunities for solo work, voice training, national events and the group performs both locally and further afield. There are no auditions for Ace of Herts choir.
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Opportunities for Wind and Brass Players
The Wind and Brass groups at Dacorum Music School cater for all levels.
We try to encourage children having individual lessons on Wind, Brass or Percussion instruments to join one of these groups to enhance their skills and experience the joy that playing in a large ensemble can provide.
All the groups give regular concerts throughout the year.
Players who have lessons outside the Music School are welcome to apply for the following activities:
Flute Ensemble
Monday: 16.40 – 17.25
For senior school flute players Grade 3 and above
The group plays various styles of music from classical to Jazz. There is also an opportunity to try music in two or more parts.
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Recorder Consort
Thursday: 18.30-19.00
for advanced Recorder players at the teacher’s discretion.
This group is a lot of fun and works on music from hundreds of years ago as well as contemporary pop and jazz tunes. Descant, Treble, Tenor and Bass recorders are all in use in this group.
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Junior Wind Band
Thursday: 17.15 – 18.00
for beginner players upwards.
The children play and compose a wide variety of music. The accent is always on fun.
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Senior Wind Band
Thursday: 18.00 – 19.00
for players Grades 2 - 6 standard or equivalent
For players who are generally at Secondary school. They perform more advanced music and explore a wide range of different styles.
Dacorum Youth Orchestra
Dacorum Youth Orchestra
Tuesday 17.15 – 19.00
This group is for all string, woodwind, brass and percussion players of Grade 5 and above.
The group practices and regularly performs popular orchestral music from around the world. They have recently performed with members of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Music on the Moor.
If you would like to play in Dacorum Youth Orchestra, please ask your teacher to contact us with a recommendation.
Other Opportunities
Dacorum Jazz Orchestra
Friday 17.15-18.15
For Kit, Bass, keyboard, jazz guitar, sax, clarinet, flute trumpet and trombone players who are generally at secondary school. This is a fantastic opportunity for players interested in accessing this wonderful and vibrant style of music.
Theory Class
The Theory class runs on Fridays from 16.15-17.00 to prepare students for their Grade 5 Theory exam. It is recommended that students join this class after passing their Grade 3 instrumental exam.
Rock School
Thursday: 16.00-18.00 at Kings Langley School for ages 9 – 18
Rock School is for Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard and Vocals.
Sessions include a workshop format by professional tutors with wide experience in popular music. They work on exciting repertoire in a band environment.
- It includes playing contemporary music, learning about older styles and advice on recording techniques and demos.
- There is an opportunity to record your own music and perform in local venues and larger concerts.
Opportunities for Younger Musicians:-
Saturday Morning Music School 9.15am – 12.00noon
Ideally suited for beginner or inexperienced musicians, a wide variety of musical instruments can be practiced in groups. This includes orchestral string instruments, brass, and recorder.
KS1 Music
Saturdays 9.30am – 10.15am (starting 7th November 2010)
For beginning musicians in Year 1 and 2
This is a practical class for all Key Stage One children. Activities include singing, musical games and playing percussion.
Opportunities for String Players
The orchestra is built on the String section; therefore, we have a number of orchestras to promote strong String players. It is only at Youth Orchestra level that all the disciplines of String, Wind and Brass are combined.
- All string-playing activities are designed to provide a clear and strong sense of progression for your child
- All groups give regular concerts throughout the year
Players who have lessons outside the Music School are welcome to apply for the following activities:
Stringfonia
Thursday: 17.00-18.00
for String players, Grades 2 - 6 or equivalent
A wide range of repertoire is studied and good String-playing skills are consolidated and developed by concentrated rehearsal and performance.
Berkhamsted Music Centre
Mondays 16.00-17.45
Ideally suited for beginner musicians this centre includes a Beginner String Group (16.00-17.45) and a Beginner Band (16.00-17.00).
Activities Timetable
Monday
16.00-17.45 Berkhamsted Music Centre (Greenway School, Berkhamsted)
16.40-17.25 Flute ensemble
Tuesday
17.15-19.00 Dacorum Youth Orchestra
Wednesday
18.00-19.00 Stringfonia
Thursday
16.00-18.00 Rock School, Kings Langely Secondary School
16.30-18.00 Ace of Herts
17.00 - 18.00 Brass Club group brass tuition and introduction to Junior Wind Bnd ( New)
17.15-18.00 Junior Wind Band
18.00-19.00 Senior Wind Band
18.30-19.00 Recorder Consort
Friday
15.45 - 16.45 A Ukulele Club at Thomas Coram School in Berkhamsted, Families welcome.
16.15-17.00 Theory
17:15-18.15 Dacorum Jazz Orchestra
Saturday
09.45-12.00 Dacorum Junior Music School
10.00-10.45 KS1 Music
11.15-12.00 Dacorum Junior Singers