Music CCA's
Music CCAs at Garden International school are designed to extend musical experience and
learning beyond the classroom. They allow those learning instruments through individual
lessons to develop listening, aural awareness and ensemble skills with their peers. Many of our
CCA groups go on to perform in concerts and recitals.
Primary Music
Choir: Years 1-3
Our Year 1-3 choir is for students who love singing and would like to join together with a big
group to learn new skills and perform some wonderful songs! The choir performs each term at
various concerts and events within school.
Choir: Years 4-6
The Year 4 to 6 choir is a popular group which has a consistent membership of over 60
students. The choir features regularly at events such as the Grand Millennium Hotel Christmas
Tree Lighting Ceremony, GIS Christmas Concert, GIS Annual Concert and The Primary Musical.
Students can enjoy a fun-filled time of singing, smiles and celebrations!
Primary Orchestra
This is a music ensemble CCA for young musicians who play an orchestral instrument such as
Violin, Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Recorder, Viola, or Percussion.
This CCA is an ideal ensemble experience for students who are already taking private lessons
on their instrument. There are no piano parts for the orchestra.
Higher and lower level players are welcome, as music performed will be differentiated, with
easier and more difficult parts provided to appropriately challenge musicians at all levels.
String Ensemble
This activity is for Violinists and Cellists who are already learning to play and can bring along
their own instruments. The students have fun playing in a group using different techniques
such as pizz, arco, tremolo & col legno.
Recorder
The Primary Recorder Group is open to any student from Year 2 to 4. We especially encourage
students who have achieved at least an Orange Belt in Recorder Karate. Please bring your own
recorder if you have one and get ready to enjoy playing in an ensemble! (Students in Year 5-6
who enjoy playing the recorder can join the Primary Orchestra CCA if they have their Purple
Toots and Doods (Year 4)
This CCA is for those students who enjoyed learning the recorder in class in year 3 and would
like to continue on the new specially designed mini Flute (Toot) or mini Clarinet (Dood). The
size of the instruments and the fingering are very similar to the recorder and students will be
able to develop their proficiency on one of these instruments, which could lead them
eventually to play the JFlute or Clarineo.
Woodwind Consort (Old Toots and Doods)
This CCA is for those students who took the Toots and Dood CCA in year 4 and now wish to
continue using the Clarineo and the JFlute. Students will be able to develop their proficiency
on one of these instruments, which could lead them eventually to play the full size Flute or
Clarinet.
Keyboard Ensemble
This activity is for any student who can play piano or keyboards a little and includes:
1. An introduction to the Instruments of the Orchestra, their families, pitch range and colour.
2. Explanation of the functions of the keyboard. How to change voices, transpose, styles etc.
3. Students will learn to play short simple melodies with one instrumental voice and also be
able to recognize each instrument's sound.
4. Each student will be put into different family groups to practice their parts.
Primary & Secondary Music CCA's
Guitar Group
Students who are already taking lessons at school or elsewhere will enjoy playing as an
ensemble in a range of different styles in a fun and relaxed setting. Guitarists will also learn
new skills on the bass, acoustic guitar or electric guitar.
Music Theory: Grades 1 - 5
Music Theory: Grades 1 - 5 provides useful extra practice and guidance for those students
working towards a theory exam and for those taking Music IGCSE as well as being suitable for
any student wishing to improve their music theory skills
Rock Band
This CCA will offer a place to join with other musicians to learn how to play as a rock band and
learn a range of songs. This CCA is especially suited to those who are used to practicing by
themselves, but would like to play more music with others and become a more well-rounded
musician. This is also a great way to start getting involved in events such as Battle Of The
Bands and other school performances.
Ukulele Groups
Our Ukulele groups cater for both primary and secondary students. The Primary Ukulele group
is open to Year 5 and 6 students who will learn a range of fun songs and riffs each week in a
group setting. The Ukulele Pro group is for Years 7 and 8 students who would like to extend
Secondary Music CCA's
GIS Philharmonic Orchestra
Open to all students from year 7-13 who play any wind, brass, string, and percussion
instruments! Music is purposely arranged to suit the levels of each player: the main requisites
are enthusiasm and commitment
Latin Express
The Latin/Jazz Band run by Mr Long gives advanced students opportunity to work at a high
level of performance. Students must see Mr Long first before joining this group.
GIS Community Choir
This group is for those wishing to sing a wide range of choral music in 4 parts. (Soprano, Alto ,
Tenor, Bass). Members of staff and parents are also invited to join.
Chamber Strings
For intermediate and advanced string players. This activity allows our more advanced string
players to develop high levels of ensemble playing. Students must see either see Mr Gui or
Mrs Long before joining these groups.
Senior Boys Choir
Open to all KS4 and 5 men who wish enjoy the challenge of singing in 4 part harmony, usually
in an ‘a capella’ style.
Senior Girls Choir
KS4 and 5 ladies will enjoy the challenge of singing in 3 part harmony arrangements of songs
from musicals, pop, and more.
Flute Choir
More advanced Flautists will enjoy developing their ensemble skills in this group, one
instrument to a part, exploring the flute choir repertoire.
KS3 Choir
Singing fun arrangements of popular songs in 2 or 3 parts, this lunchtime CCA is aimed at all
those students who just wish to sing for fun.