Music directory

From classical orchestras and choirs to jazz bands and a cappella groups, we have a wealth of musical ensembles at Downe House.

Prima Voce (Senior Choral) – Barnardo’s Choir of the Year 2018

This prestigious auditioned chamber choir is open to all girls in the Upper Fifth and Sixth Form and is led by our Director of Music, Dr Charlotte Exon. Prima Voce were crowned ‘Senior Choir of the Year’ 2018 at the finals of the Barnardo’s National Choral Competition held at the Royal Festival Hall in London. They were invited to perform at the Hope and Homes for Children Carol Concert in 2019 which also included accompanying Katie Melua.

Polyphonix (Choral) – Barnardo’s Choir of the Year 2019

Polyphonix is a non-auditioned choir open to all girls in the Lower Fifth, Upper Fifth and Sixth Form and is celebrating its 100th year in 2019, having been established in 1919. We are pleased to announce that following Senior Choral’s success in 2018, Polyphonix have reached the finals of the Barnardo’s National Choral Competition 2019. This choir is led by Director of Music, Dr Charlotte Exon.

In Harmony

In Harmony is an auditioned chamber choir for girls in Lower Fourth, Upper Fourth and Lower Fifth. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore the challenge and fun of singing in a smaller group. It is led by Director of Music, Dr Charlotte Exon.

Junior Choral

Junior Choral is the choir for all Lower Fourth and Upper Fourth pupils and performs a wide repertoire designed to encourage girls to develop their musical knowledge.

Once Removed

Once Removed is our choir for all pupils in Remove. It rehearses weekly and is often a girl’s first experience of music at Downe House. This choir is run by Head of Lower School, Mrs Gilpin Jones.

Twice Removed

Twice Removed is our newest and youngest auditioned choir, formed to provide selected Remove singers with the opportunity to rehearse as a smaller ensemble to help girls progress through a more challenging repertoire. This choir is run by Head of Lower School, Mrs Gilpin Jones.

Chamber Orchestra

Each year Downe House’s top instrumental musicians are invited to play in Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble based upon the conventional set up for a small classical orchestra. They focus mainly on mainstreams concert repertoire but have also performed film music and tangos. This orchestra consists of musicians typically ABRSM Grade 6 and above. Their main performances in the School calendar are at the Michaelmas Concert and Founder’s Weekend.

Symphony Orchestra

The largest instrumental ensemble at Downe House for intermediate and advanced players, typically ABRSM Grade 5 and above. Performing works from classical to film at the biggest School concerts, this orchestra is an impressive sight, particularly when performing and inspiring young musicians at our Prep Schools Orchestra Fun Day.

Big Band

A crowd favourite, Big Band is a jazz ensemble which evolves each year based on its instrumentalists and singers. Typically for ABRSM Grade 4 / 5 and above, they are always a highlight of Founder’s Weekend and perform a variety of jazz classics and modern arrangements.

Samba Band

A Downe House special, we are proud to run a vibrant fully equipped samba band for Lower Fourth pupils. It is a spectacular sight to hear and see them perform and the perfect opportunity for girls to broaden their musical understanding and experience.

Sinfonia Wind

A training ensemble for wind instrumentalists who are working between Grades 2 and 5. Musicians explore a range of exciting repertoire and get to grips with foundational ensemble skills.

Sinfonia Strings

A training ensemble for string instrumentalists who are working between Grades 2 and 5. Musicians explore a range of exciting repertoire and get to grips with foundational ensemble skills.

Ad Astra

Ad Astra was created for our ensemble competition called Bring the House Downe for members of AGN House and the girls in this ensemble continue to perform at different House occasions, charity events and music concerts.

Robinson Singers

Established in 2013, Robinson Singers is an auditioned A Capella group and is entirely student led.

Holcombe Singers

An impressive student-led choral group for members of Holcombe House. As well as performing at various House events, the group have released music to raise money for their House charity, Open Arms Malawi.

Tours & Open Mornings

The best way to find out more about Downe House is to experience it for yourself. Book a personal tour or join us at one of our Open Mornings, available throughout the year.

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