The College music department is accommodated in the new Birley Centre, a purpose-built music facility which opened in September 2011.  The building contains an auditorium with Steinway concert grand piano, foyer and exhibition area, fully equipped recording studios, rock room, two music technology suites with AppleMac computers, specialised teaching, rehearsal and practice rooms.

The academic teaching of music forms an important part of the school’s curriculum.  Music is an integral part of the curriculum for all Year 9 pupils, and GCSE and A level music are popular options.  There are many platforms on which performers may gain experience, including the regular Informal Concert series, House Concerts and the House Music Festival.  A high proportion of A level students, some of whom have gained scholarships, go on to read Music at university or study at a College of Music.

Music Technology was introduced in September 2006 and is popular as an academic subject. The fully equipped recording studios and associated resources also provide opportunities for the wider community to experience the many facets of the recording process and CD production.

The department has four full-time and twenty-two part-time music staff offering tuition in strings, brass, wind, percussion and vocals, as well as keyboard, organ, kit percussion, classical, electric and bass guitar, jazz piano and advanced theory.

The College has a strong choral tradition with weekly choral services. The Chapel Choir regularly sings Evensong at local cathedrals and has recorded two CDs and broadcast on national radio.  The Chamber Choir offers opportunities for advanced singers to explore both sacred and secular repertoire.  The Choral Society presents a major work each year in St Saviour’s Church, Eastbourne in conjunction with the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra.  There is also a secular choir, Euphonix, which provides a weekly opportunity for any interested singers. 

Chamber Music plays an important role in the ongoing work of the department.  There are currently six or more groups that rehearse and receive coaching on a weekly basis.  These groups tackle some challenging pieces and frequently perform in concert. 

The College Symphony Orchestra performs an extensive symphonic repertoire, with regular opportunities for pupils to present concerto performances.  The Concert Band, Swing Band and jazz ensembles explore a wide range of styles ranging from traditional standards to contemporary jazz-fusion.  There are a variety of opportunities for rock and other styles of pop musicians including the annual and ever popular Battle of the Bands. A full-scale musical is staged biennially in conjunction with the Drama Department.  The String Chamber Orchestra comprises some of the most advanced string players in the College.  Directed by the Assistant Director of Music they perform challenging and exciting repertoire at high profile events and venues.

The College’s Promusic series of professional concerts provides pupils and members of the local community with the opportunity to experience world-renowned artists in a more intimate and informal atmosphere than is usually found in the concert hall.  Performers are encouraged to talk about their repertoire, and concerts are often linked to masterclasses and workshops.  Further details of the current programme may be found in the Arts Brochure.

Click here for a full history of music at the College