Pop and Rock

Senior Rock Bands

We are proud to have a flourishing rock department currently boasting ten bands from years 7 to 13. Each group rehearses once a week, learning repertoire as varied as rock and roll, soul and funk and right through to thrash metal. Our flagship concert is the Bridge House of Rock in January, not to be missed. All interested rockers should speak to Mr Storer, Head of Jazz and Rock.

Senior Jazz Small Bands

There are currently five ensembles in our senior school jazz small band programme rehearsing each week progressing in age, Debut Jazz, Jazz Collective, Jazz Explorers, Jazz Evo and Jazz Combo. These groups have a focus on jazz improvising and learning the standard repertoire from trad jazz to modern. The groups enjoy plenty of performance opportunities including Jazz and Scones, Jazz for Africa, Open Evening and Jazz at the Bridge. These groups are by invite only, interested pupils should speak to Mr Storer, Head of Jazz and Rock.

Little Big Band

Little Big Band is a fun ensemble playing jazz swing, Latin and funk music. The group is for saxes, trumpets, trombones and rhythm section (including guitars, bass, keys and drums), for pupils in Years 7-9. Pupils need to be able to read music well to participate and be at least Grade 2 standard. They perform at the Bandstand Showcase Concerts, Jazz at the Bridge, National Concert Band Festival and open and welcome mornings. We rehearse every Friday 4pm – 5.30pm in the Recital Room. This group is by invitation only, anyone who wishes to join should speak to Mr Storer, Head of Jazz and Rock.

Big Band

Our middle tier big band for pupils Year 10 – 13, Big Band is a fun group for musicians to continue to grow and develop their big band ensemble playing as well as being a space for those wishing to grow as improvisors. We rehearse every Monday 4pm – 5.30pm in the Northgate Room in King’s High Music.

Jazz Lab

Our flagship big band, playing everything from Duke Ellington to Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band and beyond to the highest standard. This ensemble sits at the top of our jazz programme and is a group to aspire to be in. This group regularly represents the school at concerts and in competitions. We rehearse every Thursday 4pm – 5.30pm in the Recital Room.

Junior Jazz

Our junior jazz ensemble rehearses every week and learns well known jazz tunes with a focus on improvising in a jazz style. The standard is high, so auditions are held in September; all pupils hoping to take part should speak to Miss Sharp

Junior Rock Bands

We have three junior rock bands learning repertoire from Elvis Presley to Bruno Mars, and everything else in between. Auditions are held in September every year; all potential rockers should see Miss Sharp.