Havering Music School Homepage

Saturday Morning Music Centre

Venue: Havering Sixth Form College, Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch
Dates: Each Saturday of term
Times: 9.00am – 12.30pm

The aim of Saturday Music Centre (SMC) is to enable each pupil to strive for the highest standard of musicianship in a happy and structured environment. Pupils attending SMC have their own individual timetable.

List of SMC Ensembles:

Choral	Infant Choir for children in Year 1 to Year 2;
	Junior Choir for children in Year 3 to Year 6;
	Senior Choir for pupils in Year 7 to Year 13.
	Chamber Choir for Pupils in Year 7 to Year 13, (by audition).
Wind Bands	Junior, Intermediate and Senior Wind Bands; Stage Band
String Ensembles	Vivace Strings; Junior and Senior Strings; Chamber Orchestra; Cello Group; String Quartet; Junior and Senior Guitar Ensembles;
Wind Ensembles	Junior, Intermediate and Senior Recorder Ensembles; Clarinet Choir; Flute Choirs (A and B); Brass Ensemble; Saxophone Ensemble;
Percussion Ensembles	Junior, Intermediate and Senior Percussion Ensembles.

List of instruments taught: The following instrumental lessons are available in 30 minute individual or shared group of 2 formats, subject to availability:

BRASS	STRINGS	WOODWIND
Trumpet	Violin	Flute
Cornet	Viola	Oboe
French Horn	Cello	Clarinet
Tenor Horn	Double Bass	Saxophone
Trombone	Classical Guitar	Bassoon
Baritone/Euphonium	Rock Guitar	Recorder
Tuba	Bass Guitar	Fife
Drums, Percussion and Singing lessons are also available. All instrumental lessons are arranged as either individual or groups of 2. Keyboard/Piano is only offered as a second instrument to Primary and Secondary ages, and is taught in groups of 4.

SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE MEMBERSHIP

There are several types of membership available; Registered Membership, Full Membership or Associate Membership. There is also a special category for Infant Membership.

Membership Type 1:	Registration Membership
Total Cost:	Price Band A
Registration Membership includes access to: General/ Practical Musicianship classes: the aim is to develop a thorough understanding of music theory by employing practical teaching methods. Classes are graded, including a fast-track Grade 5 Theory class leading to a qualification in Associated Board Grade 5 Theory. Pupils will be expected to complete a small amount of homework each week. Aural training classes available for examination candidates who are entered at the Saturday Music Centre sessions Higher-grade candidates can also attend Advanced Aural Classes and the Composition/Improvisation Class that supports GCSE and AS Level Music work. Ensembles as listed below. Entry into any ensemble is by teacher recommendation as appropriate.

Membership Type 2:	Full Membership
Total Cost:	Price Band B/C/E + A
Full Membership includes: Instrumental lessons on one or more instruments. See below, ‘List of Instruments taught’ for details (keyboard/piano may be taken as a second instrument option only). Admission to the Registration Membership package (see above)
NB: if you wish to take instrumental lessons at SMC you must also book Registration Membership and take part in the appropriate programme of activities.

Membership Type 3:	Associate Membership
Total Cost:	Price Band F/G
Associate Membership includes: Access to one of the SMC ensembles listed above, subject to availability of places

Concerts:

Concerts are normally held twice a year and are seen as an important part of the Saturday Music Centre’s work. The Christmas Concerts take place in the Theatre of the Sixth Form College on the morning of the last Saturday of the Autumn term. The Queen’s Theatre is the venue for the Mid-Summer Concerts . All pupils are expected to take part.

Examinations:

Saturday Music Centre examinations take place at the end of each term.

Associated Board examinations are normally in the week before the last session of

each term. Trinity College examinations are taken at the Music Centre during the final week of the term. Entry forms must be completed and signed by the relevant tutor and a parent/carer, and must be returned to the Music School by the advertised closing date with a cheque for the correct amount (payable to ‘London Borough of Havering’).

Candidates requiring an accompanist will have two rehearsals arranged prior to their examination. The accompanist fee must be paid on entry.

Safety:

It is most important that all pupils and parents adhere to the safety rules as set out. This includes pupils signing in and out every week if they are staying on site, and wearing a Havering Music School wristband. The signing in register is displayed alphabetically on the notice board in the foyer of the Sixth Form College.

If there is a building evacuation, pupils should go to the member of staff displaying their surname initial to have their name checked. The muster area is the Car Park at the side of the Main Building of the College at the Upminster Road end. Fire drills will take place during the academic year.

Loan of Instruments:

There is a limited supply of Saturday Music Centre and Borough instruments available for short term hire. These are only available to pupils who are having instrumental lessons on that instrument with a Havering Music School teacher as part of our provision. Parent/carers will be required to complete a loan form to be kept at the Music Centre. Please note, parent/carers are responsible for the safekeeping of instruments and insurance against loss or damage should be taken out.

VAT-Free Purchase:

Instruments may be purchased through our VAT free scheme, subject to criteria. Please enquire at the Music School if you are interested in this.

Tuck Shop:

Parents run a tuck shop voluntarily as part of the ‘Friends of Havering Music School’. Parents are encouraged to sign-up as a volunteer by completing the forms issued with invoices each term. There is an official break from 10.25am to 10.35am when refreshments can be purchased and consumed. The tuck shop is very much valued as an integral part of SMC life, especially as it helps to provide vital equipment every year from the small profits made.

Fees:

Fees must be paid in advance and a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope must be sent if a receipt is required. Invoices for subsequent terms are posted at the end of each term. Please note that fees must not be sent until a place is offered and accepted.

Termination of Lessons:

If a pupil wishes to leave Saturday Music Centre, written notice must be given by the week before half term. (See ‘Term’s and Conditions’ as stated on the issued invoice.) This should be addressed to ‘ The Principal’ and marked ‘For the Attention of Mrs A Oddy’; address as above.

Failure to give adequate notice will result in the requirement to pay a termination penalty (normally equal to one third of the total fees due). Pupils will be expected to complete the term’s lessons. However, if they leave mid-term, those fees will be forfeited.