The Arts are a vital part of every Amesburian’s development. More pupils than ever are actively involved in some form of the Arts, whether it be choreographing a hip hop dance, singing a Bach Chorale, painting a portrait, programming their own tracks for music videos or performing a monologue on the opening night of the Senior Production.
Amesbury wholeheartedly embraces the arts and recognises the importance it plays in every pupil’s social and educational development. We look upon the arts as a specifically non-exclusive subject, where every child has an equal opportunity to sing, dance, act, make art and express themselves artistically under the guidance of a team of experienced specialists. Engagement in drama and creative opportunities can transform the way children learn and explore the world around them. It can change the way that children view themselves as well as helping them to develop specific skills.
Performing Arts
Since before mankind could speak we have used our bodies and voices to express ourselves. Performance with words, sounds and movements can be the truest expression of our joy or sadness.
In Performing Arts we study music, drama and dance, putting these skills to use in annual productions; in big band; in chapel choir; in instrumental, dance or speech and drama sessions; or in the many opportunities to perform throughout the year.
The Performing Arts Department offers a huge breadth of curriculum, studying styles of performance from across the world and 500 years of history; be that acting a Shakespeare play, dancing a Latin American Samba or programming the beats for a hip hop track.
Performing Arts is a busy, vibrant department. All students are involved in productions in addition to a number of informal performances and recitals throughout the year.
We enhance the curriculum with lessons from invited professionals working in the performance industry and with trips to performances in many genres.
We also offer extra-curricular lessons in speech and drama, dance, music technology, film making and across a range of instruments.
The Chapel Choir (an auditioned group of some 30 singers) has a full programme of commitments and sing at all the major school services including the Carol and Easter Services. They tour on an annual basis.
Mark Reynolds was appointed in September 2011. He joined the staff at Amesbury in 1997 whilst working as a music teacher at St John’s, Leatherhead and Seaford College. At Amesbury, he runs the Junior, Senior and Chapel Choirs and Big Band. Outside of Amesbury, Mark is a member of the Fabulous Fug Band who play throughout the UK and has supported Jools Holland, Katie Melua and Art Garfunkel. He is also an avid supporter of Leicester Tigers.
