Performing arts play an important role at Rowan and the girls’ passion for music and drama is evident at their productions and music concerts, assemblies and church services in which they perform.
The opportunities for participation and performance at all levels are endless. Year 1 girls benefit from the Rowan String Initiative, which offers them the option to learn to play either the violin or the ‘cello. This lays the foundation for an excellent appreciation of music as girls progress through the school. Exceptional visiting music teachers offer individual lessons on a wide range of orchestral instruments as well as, and not restricted to, the piano, percussion and electric or classical guitar.
Our purpose-built music rooms house a fantastic array of musical instruments, and the space to enjoy creative and inspiring curriculum music and drama lessons whilst the dedicated music studios provide a peaceful environment for the girls to prepare for Associated Board exams resulting in music scholarships to a wide range of senior schools each year. The extra-curricular music clubs are an excellent opportunity for girls to enjoy playing in the various Rowan orchestras, ensembles and groups, and LAMDA club has proven increasingly popular year on year with outstanding exam results and success at local arts festivals.
Singing is also a vibrant part of life at Rowan with various choirs – the Junior and Senior Chamber Choirs welcome all girls, and the Rowan Singers provides the opportunity for girls to sing in a smaller, auditioned for choir. Developing musicianship lies at the heart of singing at Rowan with the teaching based on the Kodaly method, so that girls learn to sing with confidence at sight. The choirs have many opportunities to perform during the year and have participated with great enthusiasm in various choral projects including ‘Zimbe’ at the London Lyceum Theatre and ‘Wassail’ at Southwark Cathedral. Giving back to the community is key to the girls and local residents. They love to perform at events including the Claygate’s Christmas lights switch on and singing to raise money for local charity projects.
Cross curricular topics such as the Victorians, Tudors and World War II provide the inspiration for performances in assemblies on a regular basis and the highlight of the Summer term for the whole school is the Year 6 production. This is a showcase of musical and dramatic talent with the chance to perform with professional lighting, sound systems and amazing costumes