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Music

Music forms a fundamental part of Norwich School life and with over 20 different music ensembles rehearsing every week, there’s something to suit everyone! Pupils can choose from a range of choirs,

bands, orchestras and chamber ensembles designed to nurture musical performance at all levels. Most ensembles do not require an audition.


Performance highlights each year include the House Music Festival (September), Senior Musical at Norwich Playhouse (November), Senior School Carol Service at Norwich Cathedral (December), Unplugged at Norwich Playhouse (February), Choral & Orchestral Concert at St. Andrews (March), Jazz Night at Epic Studios (March), Royal Norfolk Show (June), Deveson Music Prize (June), Gala Night (July) and the Choral Vigil (July).

Choral Music

Singing is at the heart of school life and features in daily cathedral assemblies, concerts, musicals and services throughout the year. Our choirs have earned a reputation for excellence and some pupils are members of the National Youth Choirs. With 60 regular members, Chapel Choir sings for school services as well as Evensong at a Cambridge college each year. It performs a broad range of repertoire including Tallis, Mozart, Brahms, Arvo Pärt and Coldplay!The Chapel Choir is complemented by many other vocal ensembles, including Choral Society, a Barbershop Group, G-force, and Junior Choir.

Instrumental Music

The Music Department also offers a wide range of instrumental ensembles that play weekly. Pupils are encouraged to join an ensemble as soon as they can play even a few notes, as we have groups that cater for all abilities. Below is a selection of the current groups:

  • Junior Jazz Band
  • Senior Jazz Band
  • String Quartet
  • Cathedral Brass
  • Saxophone Ensemble
  • Guitar Ensemble
  • Baroque Group
  • Überbeat  is a percussion group who perform on both tuned and untuned instruments. It is open to all, but particularly aimed at drummers, percussionists, and pianists who are looking for opportunities to play in a group setting.
  • Gateway Orchestra is the school's most senior orchestra for advanced musicians. They perform a variety of repertoire at all major school events.
  • Sinfonia is our orchestra for developing musicians. Players are able to build confidence and gain skills in large ensemble playing. They perform at a variety of in and out of school events, and often collaborate with other schools in the local area.
  • Various rock groups and pupil-lead bands.
  • Various chamber ensembles

Individual Music Lessons

More than 30 music teachers visit the school, many of whom play an active part in the musical life of the city and county. Specialist instrumental tuition is available in violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, French horn, cornet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium, guitar, voice, recorder, orchestral and kit percussion, bagpipes, piano and organ. Other instruments are available, subject to demand. ABRSM Music Exams are held at the school each term, with entries welcome from pupils learning both in and out of school. Theory tuition is also available, with a weekly theory club running for pupils.

Making Musicans

Making Musicians aims to develop the very best musical talent at Norwich school and beyond. Singers, instrumentalists and composers from both within the School and the wider community participate in an annual series of workshops, lectures, visits, masterclasses and recitals designed to nurture young musicians.

Visit the Making Musicians page

Past Performances, Recitals and Concerts...

Bandfest 2026

Summer Spectacular Concert 2026

High School Musical Jr.

Oliver Jr.

Jazz Night 2026

Choral Society Concert 2026

Unplugged 2026

Button

Carol Concert 2025

The Dyers' Concert 2023

Gala Night 2024

Little Shop of Horrors

Annie

Jazz Night 2024

Guys and Dolls

Bandfest 2026

Music News

By Eleanor Lewis • October 13, 2026
After two full and joyous days of music-making, Repton House emerged victorious! It was wonderful to be back in The Halls for House Song, a much-loved celebration that sees every pupil take to the stage. The Music Department has been buzzing throughout two weeks of rehearsals, culminating in beautifully blended part-song performances and a fantastic array of hastily formed bands for the Instrumental Ensemble class. The solo classes were equally special, showcasing an incredible standard of performance alongside a wonderful spirit of encouragement and support. Congratulations to Alena, L6, for winning the Bernard Burrell Award for best overall solo performance. A massive thank you to all our House Music Captains for their immense hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm in bringing this brilliant event together. And congratulations to Repton House again on a well-deserved victory!
By Eleanor Lewis • October 8, 2026
A beautifully presented and thoroughly enjoyable performance from Timothy M, harp and Jessica L, piano. The performers showed great talent, confidence, and dedication, and it was clear how much hard work had gone into preparing for the recital. The programme was varied and engaging, with each performer bringing something special. A huge congratulations to all involved for putting together such a memorable recital. It was a joy to watch, and everyone should be incredibly proud of what they achieved. Timothy says - This week I was given the opportunity to play my harp as part of a Making Musicians recital. It was great to be able to play in the school chapel and have a lovely audience to share music with. There was even a butterfly that came to join us, fluttering around during my performance, which made it very atmospheric! Jessica says - It was a wonderful experience to perform in the chapel. I am very grateful for this opportunity and all the support from everyone who came to listen!
October 1, 2026
A truly extraordinary and memorable piano recital took place in the Chapel on 01 October 2026. Back on site for the second time after his outrageously successful 2024 recital, Tyler Hay is a keyboard maestro par excellence and he was again on sparkling form. His repertoire comprised the poignant yet dramatic Moonlight Sonata from Beethoven, various Chopin works that took in the full range of Tyler ’s technical mastery, two stunning, well-known Rachmaninoff pieces and finishing with a pair of lyrical but fiendishly difficult Liszt works. With not a note of sheet music in sight, Tyler delivered his recital with both style and panache throughout the two-hour concert. His was the first standing ovation in the Chapel that the author can recall in nearly nine years here. He provided suitable inspiration to the large cohort of young Music Scholars present. Kind sponsorship from friends of the school Bob and Gill Repper ensured that all proceeds from this fundraising concert went towards Bursary support for Music Scholars at the school. This offers life-changing educational opportunities for talented pupils, irrespective of parental means. Head of the school’s highly regarded Making Musicians Programme, Caroline Speca, commented: What a wonderful and inspiring day of music at Norwich School! The piano masterclass earlier the same day with Tyler Hay was a fantastic experience for the pupils. His enthusiasm, musical insight and encouraging approach made the session both engaging and inspiring, giving the students plenty of valuable ideas to take away and develop in their own playing. The evening recital was equally outstanding. Tyler’s exceptional musicianship, sensitivity and technical brilliance made for a truly memorable performance. His playing captivated the audience and his standing ovation at the end was thoroughly well-deserved - a wonderful testament to the impact of his performance. A huge thank you to Tyler Hay for providing such a special opportunity for the pupils and audience alike; an inspiring celebration of music, learning and performance!  Finally, we recommend any music lovers to browse our termly publication: At Close Quarters - Michaelmas Term 2026 with events that appeal across a wide range of interests.
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