SCHOLARSHIPS & EXHIBITIONS

Scholarships and exhibitions are available at 13+ and 16+ through auditions and interviews held in January each year for entry the following September. Awards at Sherborne are means tested on application to the Bursar. The life of a music award holder at Sherborne is a busy and full one although, in keeping with the spirit of the school and of its aims and ethos, a balance of pursuits and activities is sought such that music rarely if ever clashes with sport or any other activity. In their first year at Sherborne music scholars and exhibitioners are expected to be in a minimum of three ensembles, to include the Choir, and to practise their instruments regularly during the week, but they are not required to take on further musical work and associated commitments until their second year (the Fourth Form). Music award holders contribute to the huge variety and quality of music-making at Sherborne and, by the sixth form, many of them are involved with a large number of ensembles and groups: even so, a balance is sought right up to and including A levels.

At 13+ it is expected that a boy applying for a music scholarship will play two instruments (singing, strongly encouraged at Sherborne, counts as an instrument) to a standard which may be the equivalent of ABRSM grade 5. Applicants for music awards do not need to have taken ABRSM grades prior to the audition: the music department looks for musical potential, particularly on the first instrument, and an enthusiasm for music in general. Anyone interested in applying for a music award at Sherborne is strongly encouraged to arrange an informal pre-audition with Director of Music James Henderson up to two or three years before entry. The informal pre-audition involves playing/singing some pieces in a relaxed environment and there is the opportunity to ask questions about the commitments and expectations of an award holder at Sherborne.

At 16+ it is generally expected that an applicant for a music award will be approximately ABRSM grade 7/8 standard although, as with entry at 13+, potential and musical interest is sought in preference to ABRSM certificates. Pianists and string players are particularly sought for 16+ awards in January 2012.

A typical week in the life of a music award holder of Sherborne is represented in the music calendar here. Typical Choral Music List for the Term and Current Termly Music Calendar