Music
Music at Newtownhamilton High School
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent."
Victor Hugo
Music is everywhere! Indeed, in the 21st century it is virtually impossible to get away from it. Newtownhamilton High School is no different, with pupils becoming more and more excited about the endless resources there are available at their fingertips, from smart phones, to tablets, and even small recording studios built right into their devices. The opportunities are limitless, and these are often put to great use in the Music Department.
Key Stage 3 Music:
At Key Stage 3 there is a firm emphasis on music being a practical, relevant subject, of course through the three components: listening, performing and composing. It is essential that pupils can relate to the music that they are studying, and so it’s not all about the orchestral instruments and classical music! Pupils are encouraged to bring their own styles and musical preferences into the classroom, whether this is through piano, classical violin or bagpipes.
A well-equipped department allows pupils to experiment and develop their creativity, through traditional classroom instruments such as tuned and untuned percussion, keyboards, and in recent years we’ve also been fortunate to add ukuleles to our resources. These have been extremely popular in class and during our lunchtime Ukulele Club. Pupils explore music in advertising, television and film, as well as the endless possible career opportunities. Who knows, perhaps we will have budding composers of film music or advertising jingles in our midst!
Pupils explore a wide range of musical styles through various listening and performance exercises, and often discover they actually enjoy music which initially they imagined they would hate! Pupils will listen to and become inspired by the composers of Jazz, Ragtime, Rock ‘n’ Roll and even Reggae, to name a few, as well as the more popular artists of today, such as Coldplay, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift! Pupils then become enthused to compose their own music, usually working in pairs or small groups.
Performance is a firm favourite for many pupils. Don’t worry, it’s not like X-Factor – but all pupils perform parts which they are comfortable with, and at the same time challenge them to step outside of their comfort zone and experience performing with the whole class.
Assessment is continual throughout the year. Listening tests are made up of a combination of styles listened to throughout the term. Composition is usually completed in either pairs or small groups, with everyone in the class contributing! Continual assessment also allows pupils to evaluate themselves, setting and reviewing targets.
Whether pupils are Grade 7 or simply beginning their music education for the first time, there is something for everyone. This also applies to the various choral and instrumental groups that feature throughout the school year.
Extra-Curricular Music:
As mentioned above, the Music Department is busy, perhaps especially outside of the classroom environment. Right from the off in September we have various engagements lined up: special assemblies, Prize Night, Christmas Carol Services both inside of school and within the wider community, Open Night and Shared Education visits.
May 2025 saw our first ever Spring Concert, “Music in May” which was a huge success, and definitely an event we want to repeat in 2026. Pupils were outstanding in their performances, as soloists, in choirs and instrumental groups. We were particularly delighted that our school showcased our pipe band, assisted by Mr Ian Burrows, who has become heavily involved in our department through Ulster Scots.
Extra-curricular music allows everyone to become part of our department. Our rehearsals are held during form time, break and lunchtimes. Our pupils are definitely a committed, enthusiastic bunch, happy to give up their breaks. Our groups include:
Girls Choir
Accordions & Drummers
String Ensemble
Shared Education Group
Pipes & Drums of Newtownhamilton High School
Our department also hosts a number of private music lessons. These include:
Piano (Mrs Charlotte Adair)
Violin (Education Authority – Mr Henry Savage)
Brass (Education Authority – Mr David Moore)
Bagpipes (Ulster Scots – Mr Ian Burrows)
Shared Education through Music
We’re extremely fortunate to be involved in Shared Education along with our partner schools: Newry High, St. Joseph’s Crossmaglen and St. Paul’s Bessbrook. In 2024/5 pupils thoroughly enjoyed 4 days of activities, discovering “Music across the Island.” Through practical music making, and indeed dance, pupils learnt about different music traditions, before coming together as a mass group to perform a number of pieces as a celebration. Feedback was excellent, with pupils looking forward to continuing with this project in 2025/2026, with indeed a visit to Stormont a possibility.