Proposed New Music School

'Music is an integral part of Sherborne life.'
Simon Eliot, Headmaster

Every Shirburnian is taught music as a core subject from the start of his career, and more than 50% of the 570 boys study at least one instrument per week.

"The new Music School is an exciting project which will be a clear statement of the School's commitment to music, and which will ensure that music-making at Sherborne continues to be at the leading edge of independent schools' music in England. For the first time since the 1960s, Sherborne's music will be under one roof and yet the modern sound-proofing will enable proper individual work to be carried out by teachers and pupils alike."
James Henderson, Director of Music and OS, m, 1979-84

The existing accommodation was not designed specifically for music teaching, rehearsal or performance, and sound-proofing is generally poor. This means that conditions for teaching are cramped and equipment has to be moved regularly. Despite this, Sherborne has an excellent and diverse musical output. However, the department struggles to be cohesive and its growing popularity demands the use of several disparate buildings.

The proposed Music School comprises a single, state-of-the-art, purpose built centre including a recital room to seat 120, a recording suite and a range of group and individual teaching and practice rooms. All will be fully sound-proofed and ideal for music. The building will also be available for public performances and other events. It could be made available to local schools and should prove to be of major benefit to the wider Dorset community.

Having already secured gifts and pledges totalling £2.35m, the Sherborne School Foundation hopes that as many OS, parents and friends of the School as possible will be able to contribute towards the remaining £150,000 and become a part of this landmark project for Sherborne.

For further information or for details of how to make a donation, please click here.

Posted: Thursday, October 16, 2008