Senior MUSIC
Instrumental Ensembles
“Playing in ensembles at King’s has exposed me to new composers and genres of music I haven’t experienced before. I appreciate my friendships with the people I play music with.”
Charlie B, Remove (Y9)
Kings’ Brass
Kings’ Brass is at the forefront of our school as they provide music at many events including special school services at the cathedral. They rehearse after school on Monday afternoons, and play a variety of repertoire, from film scores to classical compositions.
Wind ensemble
Band rehearsals take place on Fridays after school, and are open to wind, brass and percussion pupils of any ability. Our repertoire ranges from original band music from Europe and America, to arrangements of film music. The Wind Band is a regular contributor to school concerts.
Jazz band
Jazz band rehearsals take place on Fridays before school, and all wind and brass pupils are welcome to attend, together with a drummer, bass player, guitarist and pianist. The music is chosen from music written specifically for young developing bands in a variety of styles – swing, ballad, funk and rock. The Jazz Band performs in school concerts, and last year we contributed to a Jazz Mass in Rochester Cathedral.
Chamber Music
Some of our more experienced musicians are invited to form small chamber groups, which enable them to develop their musicianship together while working to achieve a very high performance standard. Our groups have had opportunities to perform in concerts in and out of school, and have done well at local competitions and festivals.
Senior Orchestra
The senior orchestra is a small ensemble of players who meet every Monday afternoon after school. We contribute to many school concerts, and play music that has been specifically arranged to suit the instruments in our ensemble. The orchestra is open to players at any level, as parts will be adapted to suit pupils’ abilities.
Senior Choir
The Senior School Choir toured Spain in Easter 2024 and has been to Germany and Italy in the recent past. In February 2024, King’s Senior Choir gave a full performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in German, in collaboration with Rochester Choral Society, the cathedral choir and period ensemble Aurum Vocale. The choir provides weekly anthems for our Monday matins as well as music for other special services, events and concerts. In the Michaelmas term 2023, the Senior Choir recorded a CD in the cathedral, in collaboration with Vivum music.
