Music
Pupils at Guildford High School are passionate about music and we create numerous opportunities for participation and performance for musicians of all ability levels. The recent opening of a dedicated Performing Arts building has created a state-of-the-art centre in which students can develop their musical talents.
Music fills our corridors before, during and after school. It is part of the fabric of GHS life.
Mr Grayson Jones, Director of Music
Over 500 instrumental lessons take place each week and there are five choirs, including three large choirs for all-comers and auditioned Chamber Choirs for the most able singers. A Joint Schools’ Chamber Choir was established in 2009 for the most able singers in the Senior Chamber Choir and features tenors and basses from the Royal Grammar School. Pupils can audition for the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Wind Band (Grade 5 / 6 standard and above), while the String Orchestra and Mathias Band offers ensemble opportunities for less experienced instrumentalists. Over 30 ensembles, such as the Big Band, Brass, Guitar, Clarinet and Flute Ensembles, meet each week and perform at concerts.
A lively programme of events includes informal and major concerts at school, instrumental support to all school musicals, concerts including at venues such as Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, an annual European music tour in collaboration with the RGS music department as well as regular highlights such as the Carol Service at Guildford Cathedral.
Being part of the choir is so special. The feeling of everybody having a shared passion is amazing.
year 9 pupil
All pupils enjoy a weekly music lesson as part of the Year 7-9 curriculum, instrumental lessons take place in our many dedicated practice rooms and larger ensembles enjoy use of our purpose built performance venue, the Recital Hall and the Performing Arts Centre.
Visit the GHS Soundcloud to listen to some of our musical highlights ranging from Verdi and Grieg to La La Land and Nirvana.
Joint Schools’ Concert
We are excited to announce that the next joint Guildford High School and Royal Grammar School orchestral/choral concert will be taking place at G Live on 17 March 2025. Rehearsals will begin in January and the performers will comprise the GHS Senior Choir, GHS Senior Chamber Choir, GHS & RGS Joint Chamber Choir, RGS Choirs and the Joint Schools’ Orchestra. A joint parents’/staff choir made up of current and former parents, staff and friends from both schools will also form part of the combined chorus of 350. If you would like to join us and take part in this unique performance, our Director of Music, Grayson Jones, would love to hear from you. Whether you’ve been singing for years or are new to choirs, everyone is welcome, and no auditions are required.
This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of singers, performing iconic sacred choruses. Tenors and basses are especially encouraged to sign up!
