Music

Singing is a beloved aspect of our music program. Our Seedlings Choir, composed of passionate singers from Reception and Year 1, is led by our Music Captain and supported by Ms. Wellings and Mrs. Cooke.

We also have three other choirs:

• Greenhouse Choir: For Years 2 and 3, meeting for 15-minute rehearsals once a week.
• Main Forest Choir: Open to pupils from Years 4 to 6, with weekly 30-minute lunchtime rehearsals, and additional sessions leading up to Christmas.
• Forest Chamber Choir: An auditioned choir of 12-15 pupils from Years 4 to 6, rehearsing weekly for 30 minutes.

Our choirs have performed at prestigious venues like Manchester Cathedral, AO Arena, Stoller Hall, Trafford Centre, and several school festivals. We are incredibly proud of their achievements!

In the Lower School, Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 perform in an annual Nativity, with Year 2 taking the lead, supported by the younger children. This is a highlight of our Christmas season, eagerly anticipated by families and staff alike.

In the Upper School, the focus turns to the Summer Show, a major event in the school calendar. Year 6 students take on the leading roles, with Years 3 to 5 forming the chorus. This is an invaluable opportunity for the children to work as a team towards a shared goal, to practise together to achieve excellence and have a lot of fun and camaraderie along the way.

From Lower School onwards, pupils have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument of their choice. We offer 1-1 tuition with our team of dedicated peripatetic teachers in piano, singing, violin, trumpet/cornet, guitar, flute and drums. With over 45% of pupils in Years 1 to 6 learning an instrument or voice, we’re proud of our growing musical community. Students are encouraged to practise daily and approach their learning with enthusiasm.

Lower School pupils showcase their talents during assemblies and informal concerts, often participating in Brass or String Ensembles under the guidance of their teachers. In Upper School, students can take graded examinations with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Trinity College of Music, and the Music Teachers’ Board.

We enjoy a strong relationship with the other Bellevue North schools and participate in a range of joint activities. One such event is the Bellevue Northern Music Festival, held every other year at Stoller Hall. This event brings together musicians from Forest, Forest Park, Brabyns, and Edenhurst Preparatory Schools, offering a wonderful opportunity for shared music-making and showcasing our pupils’ talents in a world-class venue.

With a specialist music teacher, a talented team of peripatetic tutors, a wide variety of choirs, productions, concerts, competitions, and festivals, music truly thrives at Forest. We encourage every child to develop their musical skills and confidence, regardless of their starting point.