Music

Music Groups

Our Music groups cater for varying abilities and tastes and are open to all. Rehearsals are scheduled within your College timetable and lead up to large public concerts.

College Choir

This is the largest music group and is open to all who enjoy singing in a fun, friendly and challenging environment. The repertoire varies from Gospel to Motets and annually includes one large choral work; recent performances have included Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Schubert’s Mass in G Major and Mozart’s Requiem.

Chamber Choir

You might need to audition to join this group of able singers. You will perform more complex music than the College Choir, mostly unaccompanied. Members commit to a challenging programme of vocal training.

Orchestra

A large group of 50-60 players of string, brass and woodwind instruments. Open to performers above Grade 4, though the repertoire is considerably more difficult (practice copies are available). Recent works include Sibelius’ Karelia Suite and Copland’s Rodeo.

String Orchestra

Join other string players in our specialist orchestra.

Big Band

A large band playing Jazz and Latin standards, as well as arrangements of Soul and Blues. Saxes, Clarinets and Brass players are welcome, plus an auditioned rhythm section of Piano, Bass, Drums and Guitar.

Jazz Combo

A small group of Sax, Trumpet, Piano, Guitar, Bass & Drums (auditioned due to demand).

Guitar Group

Guitarists and Bassists meet for improvisation workshops with a specialist teacher in Blues and Rock styles.

Chamber Ensembles

These small groups consist of any instrumental grouping depending on current students e.g. String, Brass or Wind Quartets, Trios etc. Specialised weekly rehearsals lead to regular performances.

Aspen Centre for Music

Aspen Centre for Music was purpose built to offer the best experience for those wanting to advance their musical skills.

The music suite and performance space includes:

• 2 recording studios with RedNet Technology
  Studio 1: Audient ASP 8024 HE Mixing Desk
  Studio 2: Allen and Heath ZED 16 Mixing Desk
• Industry standard microphones, guitar amplifiers etc
• 2 sound proof live rooms for recording
• A Mac suite equipped with the latest Apple iMac computers running Logic X, Ableton, Sibelius 8
• Editing/production suite with Allen and Heath QU24 Digital Mixing Desk
• 2 large specialist music teaching classrooms
• 5 purpose built practice rooms equipped with pianos for instrumental lessons and individual bookings
• Secure instrument store cupboard and vast library of printed music
• Instruments and sound equipment available to loan

Also on campus we have a number of well equipped practice rooms:

• Red Room – Large practice room with stage, full PA and recording facilities, Drum Kit, Amps and Piano
• Green Room – Piano, PA, Drum Kit, Amps
• Blue Room – Drum Kit, PA Amps and Recording facilities

Instrumental Lessons

Individual instrumental or vocal lessons are available for students on any course. We recommend a range of fantastic peripatetic teachers for voice, traditional instruments such as piano and violin, as well as rock/jazz instruments, such as guitar and drums.

Your parent/carer and yourself need to contact the teacher directly and set up an individual agreement with them about the cost, duration and terms of the lessons. When you join Huish you will find full details and biographies of each teacher on our Moodle platform. If you are in receipt of the College Bursary, you may be able to direct some of the financial assistance towards your music teacher.

Please contact melw@richuish.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Guildhall Young Artists Taunton

Guildhall Young Artists Taunton (GYAT), a division of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, provides high quality progressive musical training and drama workshops for under 18’s and is based at Richard Huish College on Saturdays in term time.

If you are interested in joining GYAT please contact them directly at gyataunton@gsmd.ac.uk.

Visiting musicians from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama regularly provide free concerts and workshops for both GYAT and Huish students.