The Arts and Music department is a place of opportunity and collaboration. We aim to provide a space for students to explore and discover, as individuals and as part of a group. We strive to create a safe space for our students to express themselves. A happy place, where anyone is welcome, and everyone matters.

In the pre-school phase, Dance, Movement and Music form part of the school day. During the afternoons, students may choose to participate in extra-curricular activities on offer, including Dance and Music theatre. In the second term of Grade 0, students may start with individual Music lessons.

In the Foundation Phase, Art, Music and choir singing form part of the day. Drama and Dance are also included in our Creative Arts programme, Intokozo, where the focus is on having fun in the Arts. The extra-curriculum programme includes Ballet, Modern Dance, Pottery, Drama, Chess, Ensembles and Orchestra.

In the Senior Primary phase, Art and Music form part of the day and Chess and Afro Dance form part of the extension offering. The extra-curriculum programme includes Art Club, Ballet, Modern Dance, Drama, Choirs, Ensembles and Orchestra.

The Music Department aims to give every girl the opportunity to learn to play different instruments. In Grade 2 the students learn to play the Violin, in Grade 3 the Flute, in Grade 4 and 5 Brass (including trombone, trumpet and French horn) and J-Sax (a combination of Saxophone and Clarinet).

In the Senior School, Art, Drama and Music form part of the academic programme. The extra-curriculum programme includes Art Club, Ballet, Modern Dance, Traditional Dance, Drama Club, Choirs, Band, Ensembles and Orchestra.

Our students develop courage by performing regularly on stage.

Our Arts and Music calendar includes annual Grade 7 and Senior School productions and One-Act plays.

In Music, our students perform regularly at Music concerts, eisteddfods, assemblies, and external examinations with international examination boards.

We also participate in Interschools events such as the Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts, and various Music Festivals.

Kingsmead hosts annual Interschools’ Orchestra and Ensemble Festivals for Senior and Junior Schools. In 2019 Kingsmead will host our first Interschools Dance Festival and in 2020, our first Interschools Choir Festivals.

The Interhouse Arts Competition is a firm favourite on the Arts calendar.

The Music department offers individual tuition in a range of instruments, including Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Guitar (Acoustic, Electric and Bass), Drum kit and Orchestral Percussion, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Horn, Voice, Music Production and DJ classes.

The magic of Music happens when everyone plays together. In our Choirs, Orchestras and Ensembles, we see students blossoming, making new friends and learning more about themselves, while developing a range of musical and other skills along the way. Young people grow in confidence when they perform alongside their peers while being inspired to be better. It offers the unique opportunity to play or sing alongside professional musicians, being mentored and guided along the way. All our musicians are encouraged to participate in at least one of the groups on offer.

The Music groups at Kingsmead includes:

• Choirs: Grade 2, 3, 4-7 and Senior School Choirs; Junior Glee and Senior Glee groups
• Orchestras: Junior and Senior School Orchestras
• Bands & Ensembles: Grade 1-3 String and Flute Ensembles, Junior School and Senior School Wind bands, Senior School Jazz band, Rock bands and a range of Marimba Bands.

Public Speaking enables our students to learn to speak confidently in front of an audience. Debating challenges the students to effectively communicate their opinion and argue their case. Both activities are relevant and enabling skills our students will most certainly use in their future careers.