St Mary's Music Department
Teaching Staff
Mr. A. J. Byers - (Director of Music) B.A. (Hons), PGCE, L.W.C.M.D.
Mr. C. P. Johnston B.Mus. (Hons), PGCE.
The College boasts a thriving and energetic Music Department, led by Mr. Byers and assisted by Mr. Johnston. It has a number of peripatetic teachers who teach instrumental and ensemble music to all years and levels on all instruments from the Symphonic Orchestra and Brass Band. The team consists of professional musicians, many of whom are members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra or other professional ensembles within the northwest and beyond.
Practical Music
The department places a high emphasis on performance and practical music making. The College's ensembles range from two Concert Bands, a Baroque String group, full Symphony Orchestra, three Choirs, Symphonic Brass group, Wind Quintet, two Flute groups, and a Swing Band. Each ensemble plays its part in a very busy concert schedule and enters local and national music festivals on a regular basis. Numerous concerts are given and highlights include an annual full-scale concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, our very own ‘Last Night of the Proms', Prize Day at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Christmas and Carol Concerts. The senior ensembles have an envious reputation throughout the region and beyond, and are frequently hired to perform at various functions and engagements. These range from wedding and birthday parties to the Lord Mayor's Ball and regular appearances at The Marriott Hotel Liverpool, Aintree Race Course and the Philharmonic Hall.
The Music Department tours biennially. Overseas tours have in recent years been to Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Italy, Austria and Switzerland taking an average of seventy students each tour.
Soloists are actively encouraged and play an important role in school concerts. Informal recitals are regularly held in the College and in the local community and the College is also a centre for Associated Board examinations which are held every term.
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