There are numerous choirs and orchestras throughout the school and girls can join in with music making all through the Junior and Senior school.
In the Senior School we have 2 orchestras, one string orchestra, a jazz band, 2 non auditioned choirs, 3 auditioned choirs and numerous large ensembles for flute, clarinet recorder etc.
Most of the groups are non-auditioned.
In addition we have a thriving chamber music programme and there are over 20 groups learning standard chamber music repertoire. These groups range from piano trios, string quartets, lieder ensembles, wind quartets and cello groups.
Over the last 15 years, North London Collegiate School has taken part in the National Chamber Music Competition for schools and has won the trophy in many of these years. Last year we for the most number of groups from one school to play in the finals at St Johns’ Smith Square.
As well as an extensive music programme, the music department in conjunction with the Drama department puts on at least one Musical most years.
Larger Ensembles in the Upper Years:
Senior Choir is a non auditioned choir and sings large traditional vocal repertoire. In recent years we have performed Handel Coronation Anthems, Mozart’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Kodaly’s Missa Brevis and this year we are performing Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C. Fathers also have a chance to get involved and sing the tenor and bass part and the orchestra is made up of girls and professional musicians.
Senior Orchestra is a non auditioned orchestra and we try to play the famous classical repertoire. Recent performances include Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition, Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue, Saint-Saens Organ symphony and this year we are going to play Strauss Emperor Waltz.
Chamber Choir is an auditioned choir and is made up of 24 singers. The choir sings at special services at Harvest and Remembrance assemblies and the aim is to give the girls a real challenge and experience of ambitious repertoire.
Jazz Band The Jazz Band is a small group of 15 instrumentalists who play at concerts and in the last year are invited to play at functions around London. Last year we were asked to play at the Marriot Hotel in Central London for the “Wings of Hope”, a children’s charity.
String Orchestra The String Orchestra is run by our resident Cello teacher Miss Pamela Moody and gives string players throughout the school an opportunity to play traditional string repertoire. This year the strings orchestra is playing Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto in C major with a Year 13 playing the solo piano part. In addition the orchestra is preparing a joint concert with Harrow School in April.