News

Pupils and staff at Dartmouth Academy came together this month for the grand opening of the school’s new music facility.

The Mayor of Dartmouth, along with the Deputy Mayor and the Town Crier all came along to the event, with the Mayor cutting the ribbon to declare the facility officially open.

The school received funding in order to develop the new facility, which includes music hardware and software. The money was provided by the The Dart Music Festival Foundation, a charity which is dedicated to promoting music through study and education within the community.

The Deputy Mayor gave a speech at the opening in which she spoke about the power of music to help people develop motor skills, emotional intelligence and the role it has to play in supporting wellbeing. 

There were musical performances during the afternoon, demonstrating the talents of many Dartmouth pupils.  There will also soon be an exciting auction coming soon, featuring two tickets to an upcoming London concert generously donated by renowned singer-songwriter David Gray.

The music curriculum at Dartmouth Academy is designed to teach pupils what makes a good performance.  They learn about the elements of music, instruments of the orchestra and perform regularly as a class or as a small ensemble. 

Pupils are also taught how to use word-setting when composing a piece of music. They then learn how familiar themes can be transformed using a variety of compositional techniques and study Concertos, Medieval Music and Reggae.  Later in their music education, pupils compose their own Blues song, their own pop song and conclude their study by creating a mini musical or film scene as a small group.

Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:

“I want to say a big thank you to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Town Crier for taking the time to come along and officially open our new music facility.  It’s great that we are able to provide our pupils with everything they need to explore their creativity, develop their talents, and find their voice.”

Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:

“The ongoing support of the Dart Music Foundation is something we highly value. It means that more young people are able to experience music tuition and we are extremely grateful.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“At Education South West we believe that studying music is a vital part of a well rounded education, which helps young people learn the power of discipline and collaboration.  As well as giving them opportunities to express themself emotionally. 

“It’s wonderful to hear that Dartmouth Academy has unveiled its new music facility this month, together with key figures in the local community.  I hope the pupils enjoy getting to grips with all the new equipment.”