Performance Music

Orchestral concert - St John's, Smith Square
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Orchestral concert - St John's, Smith Square

Music is central to life at Habs, exceptional both in it’s quality and breadth of opportunity. We have over 70 ensembles a week and one of the most dynamic concert programmes in the country. Through music we can make memories that last a lifetime.

Habs Big Band at Abbey Road Studios
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Habs Big Band at Abbey Road Studios

We were again blown away by the extraordinary quality of music played at the concert today…It really is a sensational opportunity for the children and beautifully and thoughtfully executed.

Parent of Year 5 student

Ensembles

At Habs, music is abundant. From one of the strongest school orchestras in the country, to an award-winning Big Band there are opportunities for every student. We believe that community and collaboration are at the heart of good music making, and ensembles are placed at the front and centre of our school.

With London’s collection of world-class venues at our fingertips we take every opportunity to perform externally. Masterclasses with leading musicians, collaborations with new artists, tours, and studio recordings ensure our students are constantly in touch with the wider world around them.

With the help of our diverse and expert staff team the possibilities are immense. Be it jazz or classical, Indian music or rock bands, chamber music or song writing, there is a home for everyone.

Our Holiday Music Programme offers courses for strings, jazz, woodwind, brass, Indian music and rock bands. These are open to all students, regardless of an existing connection to the school.

Click the image below to read more.

Habs Holiday Music Programme
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Habs Holiday Music Programme

Student successes

Many of our students continue to study music beyond school and participate in internationally recognised programmes. Recent highlights include:

  • Scholarships for undergraduate study at conservatoires (RAM, RCM, GSMD, TCM)
  • Music scholarships to USA universities (Harvard, Stanford)
  • The Royal Academy of Music Junior School + Junior Jazz
  • The Royal College of Music Junior Department
  • The National Youth Orchestra
  • The National Children’s Orchestra
  • London Schools’ Symphony Orchestra
  • The National Youth Choir of Great Britain
  • National Youth Musical Theatre (singers and instrumentalists)
  • Major roles in West End Musicals

Recent performance highlights include:

  • The Orchestral Concert at St John’s Smith Square
  • The Chamber Music Concert at LSO St Luke’s
  • The Jazz Evening at Kings Place
  • Our Big Band’s recording session Abbey Road Studios
  • The piano festival, featuring over 200 performers taking part in venues across the school campus
  • Two original musicals written in collaboration with playwright James Fritz and songwriter Sam Griffiths
  • Our house Music Festival featuring over 500 performers
  • The Carol Service at St Albans Cathedral
  • Choir performances at numerous Cambridge and Oxford chapels
  • The inaugural Habs Company of Schools’ Music Festival
  • Singing at St Alban’s Cathedral and St Paul’s Cathedral
  • One of our students performing as a finalist of BBC Young Jazz Musician

I must just remind you of what a truly special music department you and all your colleagues are a part. You stimulate such outstanding performances from your students, more of which we have enjoyed today. The broader learnings and experiences they gain from playing together are frankly priceless.

Parent of Lower Sixth student
River
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River

Tours

If you get involved in music groups, our music tours will be among the many highlights.

Recent tours have visited Barcelona, Salzburg, Lake Garda and Tuscany.