Pupils returned from their half-term break to find a new state-of-the-art facility ready to be used. Work has just been completed on a £3.2m Music Centre at Monkton Senior School. A suite of practice rooms, a music technology classroom, a 100 seat rehearsal hall complete with a new Steinway Model B grand piano, percussion and rock studios, and recording and production rooms are just some of the features that pupils can look forward to enjoying.
Commenting on the new Music Centre, Principal, Richard Backhouse, said that “Music plays a very significant role in the development of children and young people – educationally and intellectually; in the pursuit of pleasure; in worship, and in building relationships which are based on discipline, team-work, commitment and leadership. We are delighted to be able to teach these important skills in such a wonderful new environment.” The completion of this new facility is a key milestone in the ongoing development of the School’s vision for music. George Bevan, Director of Music, believes that “all pupils at Monkton should have the opportunity to make and enjoy music, and to develop their full potential in this key subject regardless of age, ability or background.”
This building project is the first in a series of projects designed to transform the music facilities we offer to all our pupils right across the School – from the youngest 2 year old in the Pre-Prep to the oldest student in the final year of their A Level course. Other building projects completed in recent years include a £4.1m Maths & Science Centre and a £0.75m All Weather Hockey Pitch. Since 2004, Monkton has invested over £12m in new facilities.
The official opening of the new Music Centre will take place on Saturday, 2 June. Guests can look forward to a day of celebration, music-making by pupils, former pupils, parents and staff, and the appearance of a number of special guests including former Monkton pupils Richard Stilgoe OBE (song writer, musician and lyricist) and Jordan Black (finalist of the BBC Young Musician Competition 2012). The acclaimed soprano, Dame Felicity Lott DBE, will be the principal guest of honour.