Music
Welcome to the Music Department at Pitlochry High School, where we aim to develop a love of music in all learners. We are a fully inclusive department promoting the school’s visions, values and aims of “respect, nurture, inclusion and success”
Staff
Miss Richardson (P7 and Secondary Music)
Mrs Barrie (P1 – P6 Music)
Instrumental Instructors
Mr Nicholson – Guitar (Mondays)
Mr O’Hare – Piano (Tuesdays)
Mr Seith – Brass (Tuesdays)
Miss Steele – Cello (Wednesdays)
Mr Bathgate – Percussion (Thursdays)
Mr Steele – Woodwind (Thursdays)
Mr Whiteman – Upper Strings (Fridays)
S1 and 2
In S1 and 2, pupils will build on the knowledge they have gained from Music lessons in primary and choose to focus on two instruments to take further. Options include voice, keyboard, tuned percussion, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele and drum kit. If they play another instrument outside of the classroom they are encouraged to choose this as one of their options.
Pupils split their time between working as a whole class band to develop group performing skills and also working individually to develop solo skills. They will develop their own original music in a range of tasks and learn about different styles of music. Topics include Musicals, Scottish Music and Video Game Music.
S3
Pupils can continue to study Music, further developing their skills on their two chosen instruments, plus creating their own original music and learning about a range of different musical styles including Jazz and Blues, Popular Music, Scottish Music and World Music.
National 3, 4 and 5
Performing Opportunities
Regular performing opportunities are available throughout the year for all pupils, including at our four Community Cafes. Many of our young musicians are also regular entertainers in the local community and there are opportunities to perform in various community settings throughout the year.
Extra Curricular
All pupils are encouraged to get involved in extra curricular Music at Pitlochry High School.
Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band also practise in the school on Wednesday evenings and give lessons to interested pupils from P6 upwards. Those interested in lessons should contact the band directly.
Those having instrument lessons in school are also encouraged to attend our authority wide Central Groups bands who rehearse in Perth once a week during the winter months and perform at two concerts a year. Pitlochry pupils are eligible to for free transport to Central Groups.
The music department benefits from free instrumental instruction in piano, brass, woodwind, upper strings, cello, guitar and percussion. Most of these are on offer to both our primary and secondary pupils subject to availability and are carried out on a one to one basis or in small groups.
Music plays an important part in the life of the whole school and pupils are encouraged to join our Primary Choir, School Band and String Club. They are encouraged to build performing skills playing at our Community Café events throughout the year, school services, shows and events in the wider community.