Huntingdonshire Music School Association

Introduction

Huntingdonshire Music Colege Students with Associated Board (ABRSM) passes at Grades 6, 7 and 8 will now benefit from official recognition for their qualifications from UCAS - the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

This means that it will be possible to count the results from practical and theory examinations at higher grades towards the points total needed for admission to colleges and universities. The UCAS siite has information on application to universities and colleges of further education.

Music Examination Points Equivalence

Following government accreditation of graded music exams last year, we asked UCAS to consider including our higher grades in the tariff for university and college entrance - allocating points as already happens for AS and A levels and other qualifications.

UCAS has agreed, and students applying for university and college entrance for courses starting in the academic year 2004-2005 and beyond will benefit from the following points recommendations:

Points awarded for AS levels are in the range 20 - 60 and for A levels in the range 40 - 120.

Associated Board (ABRSM) exams will attract points under the UCAS system.  As with all awards under this system, admission tutors may accept, or not, the recommended points for the courses for which students apply.

Recommended points are based on the highest grade taken; for example, a candidate with practical passes at Grades 6 and 7 and a distinction at Grade 6 theory would claim for the theory and for the Grade 7 practical - a total of 55 points.  This is in addition to points awarded for AS or A level Music.

Recognition

The inclusion of Associated Board qualifications in the UCAS Tariff provides further recognition of the considerable dedication and commitment required in order to be successful at these grades and confirms the educational worth of graded music exams.

At present, ensembles include group theory and aural lessons, 2 Orchestras, 5 Bands and 8 Ensembles. Other ensemble and group playing is encouraged and regular concerts are held in and out of College.

The current groups are:-

Ensembles

• Brass Ensemble
• Choir - Coming Soon (beginning 2010)
• Flute Choir
• Guitar Ensemble
• Intermediate Brass Ensemble
• Saxophone Ensemble
• Senior String Ensemble
• String Ensemble
• Woodwind Ensemble

Bands

• Bluegrass
• Intermediate Concert Band
• Junior Rock Band
• Preparatory Concert band
• Rock Band
• Senior Concert Band
• Big Band

Orchestras

• Junior Orchestra
• Senior Orchestra

The list is fairly fluid as we encourage those with a similar interest to start their own groups.

Students can enter for practical and theory exams from beginner to diploma lessons. Exams are held at Huntingdonshire College every term.

At present, individual tuition is offered on the following instruments -

• Acoustic Guitar
• Banjo
• Bassoon
• Cello
• Clarinet
• Classical Guitar
• Cor Anglais
• Cornet
• Double Bass
• Drum Kit
• Electric Guitar
• Euphonium
• Flugel Horn
• Flute
• French Horn
• Harpsichord
• Horn
• Keyboard
• Eb Bass
• Oboe
• Orchestral Percussion
• Organ
• Piano
• Piccolo
• Recorder
• Saxophones (all)
• Singing
• Tenor Horn
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Tuba
• Viola
• Violin

Tuition for any other instrument can be arranged. If you want to learn the steel drums or mongolian nose flute you have but to ask