GCSE Music trip to the Royal Festival Hall

On Wednesday 20th November, 2024, the GCSE Music students went on a fantastic trip to the Royal Festival Hall for a special lecture, designed to support them in their upcoming theoretical music exams. 

Led by GCSE BrightSparks, the event was also accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, who brought theoretical elements covered on the exam to life for the students in attendance. The concert/lecture hybrid explored a wide range of music from the Baroque period to the 21st century, from Bach to Bacewicz, and from the concerto to film music.

Presenter Rachel Leach guided students through detailed musical analysis, with key terminology highlighted on the big screen, and excerpts pulled out of the music to enhance understanding. The students’ learning was also put to the test, through a number of interactive quizzes held throughout the event. 

Hugo, Year 11, said: “The trip was really helpful! I learnt a lot from watching the orchestra and then having an expert explain key terminology, as the orchestra played. It made some of our key words really clear and I can see how I would now use them in an exam.”

Thank you to the RHS Music Department for leading the trip. We are certain it was a worthwhile day, which enabled students to engage with theory in a practical environment.