Music at Trinity Academy is a vibrant part of school life. There are opportunities to get involved with many different instrumental and vocal ensembles including choir, jazz/wind/rock bands, string orchestra, guitar ensemble and cello group. These often practise at lunchtimes and information will be available early in the school term.
There is individual instrumental tuition. Pupils who learnt an instrument at primary school have the opportunity to continue this at Trinity Academy. Pupils who didn’t have instrumental provision at primary school are normally offered the chance to audition when they start at S1. Instruments on offer include guitar, cello, violin, woodwind, brass, keyboard/piano and percussion. Children miss half a period (25 minutes) each week to have their instrumental tuition. Timetables rotate so no classes are missed on consecutive weeks.
The music department will send a letter out to all parents to ensure that every child will be aware of the opportunities available and how to discuss what instrument they would ideally like to try for.
Availability for different instruments will vary depending on instrument/teacher.
Buying instruments
Teachers can give advice on how to source a new or second-hand instrument. If buying new, enquire about a VAT-free purchase scheme for pupils (intended for portable instruments required in the child’s education) – the school orders the instrument on your behalf then reclaims the VAT. The parent pays a cheque directly to the school and the instrument is delivered to school.
The following music shops are all in Edinburgh
- Stringers (for violins and cellos)
- The Wind Section (for woodwind and brass)
- Scayles
- Red Dog Music (for guitar, drums, synthesisers)
There are also fantastic events each year. These typically include Battle of the Bands, the Christmas concert and a 3-night school production in the summer such as ‘We Will Rock You’ (2018) and ‘Grease’ (2019).
In addition, pupils often provide musical entertainment at school events as well as volunteering at St Columba’s Hospice and other community events during the year.