Music Activities

Participation in musical activities has been proven to significantly develop children's social, cognitive and motor skills as well as foster greater teamwork. The benefits to children are extensive and The British School in Tokyo offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students of all ages .

The Music Department offers the following:

Showa (Secondary) *                              Showa (Primary)
BST Senior Orchestra                                Junior Orchestra
Jazz Band                                                  Junior Choir
Senior Chamber Choir                              Junior Chamber Choir
Senior Choir


Shibuya
Shibuya Choir
Training Orchestra

These groups perform regularly throughout the year in events which include our Christmas Concert, assemblies, various festivals, and the BST Summer Concert.

* Please see below for changes in the Senior ensemble rehearsal schedule

Junior Orchestra (BST Showa) Thursday 12:00 – 12.50pm

This orchestra is open to years 4 - 6. This orchestra gives children who love music and performing an exciting opportunity to further their orchestral experience and have fun performing challenging but great music. Children who are of at least a grade 1/2 or equivalent may join this vibrant ensemble. Pupils who are interested in attending should speak to Mr. Curran or Mr Chapman.

Contact Mr. Curran: rcurran@bst.ac.jp
Contact Mr Chapman: rchapman@bst.ac.jp

Training Orchestra (BST Shibuya) Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:00pm

This orchestra is open to children from years 1 - 3. If your child has been learning an instrument for at least one term, and would like to begin playing in an ensemble, Training Orchestra will give your child a wonderful opportunity to perform fun music whilst beginning the journey of orchestral playing. Children in the Orchestra then progress to the Junior Orchestra in year 4. Pupils who are interested in attending should speak to Mr. Chapman.

Contact Mr Chapman: rchapman@bst.ac.jp

BST Senior Orchestra (BST Showa) Friday 3:30 - 4:30pm(new!)

This orchestra is by invitation only and will include pupils from Year 4 through to Year 11. The repertoire will be challenging and the ensemble will represent the best instrumentalists at BST.

Contact Mr. Curran: rcurran@bst.ac.jp

Jazz Band (BST Showa) Wednesday: 3:30 - 4:30pm (new!)
This ensemble is above all great fun, with students reaching a very high level of performance in a short time. This ensemble will explore Latin Jazz, Soul, Funk, Acid Jazz and Trad. Jazz, and will be offered to children from Year 5 - 11 with a minimum of grade 4 on their instrument. Pupils who are interested in attending should speak to Mr. Curran.

Contact Mr. Curran: rcurran@bst.ac.jp

Senior Chamber Choir (BST Showa) Friday: 12:50 - 13:40 (new!)

This small vocal group is open to pupils in years 7 – 11 who enjoy singing and have developed their skills to an advanced level. An audition is required to become a member of this group. The repertoire is extensive and involves singing in two, three and four part harmony. Pupils who are interested in auditioning should speak to Mr. Curran.

Contact Mr. Curran: rcurran@bst.ac.jp

Senior Choir (BST Showa) Thursday: 12:50 – 1.40pm

The Senior Choir invites singers from years 7 – 11 and all pupils are welcome. The repertoire is varied and includes current pop music in addition to well-known classical songs. Pupils who are interested in attending should speak to Mr. Curran.

Contact Mr. Curran: rcurran@bst.ac.jp

Junior Chamber Choir (BST Showa) Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:00pm

This small vocal group is open to pupils in years 4 - 6 who are developing their singing voice to a high standard. Membership is gained through an individual audition. Repertoire will involve singing in two or three parts and will be quite advanced for the age group. Pupils who are interested in auditioning should speak to Mr. Curran.

Contact Mr. Curran: rcurran@bst.ac.jp

Junior Choir (BST Showa) Monday: 12:00 – 12:30pm

The Junior Choir is open to all boys and girls in years 4 - 6. The repertoire varies from well-known chart music to classical songs. The repertoire is chosen to develop the voice and to encourage boys and girls to enjoy singing together in a supportive and fun environment. All members are welcome and interested pupils should speak to Mr. Chapman or Mr. Curran

Contact Mr Chapman: rchapman@bst.ac.jp
Contact Mr. Curran: rcurran@bst.ac.jp

Shibuya Choir (BST Shibuya) Wednesday: 12:00 - 1:00pm

This has been a particularly popular choir in the past. It is open to students from Years 2 and 3. We will sing a wide range of songs and work towards performances at events such as the Christamas Concert and the end of year Summer concert. Interested pupils should talk to Mr. Chapman.

Contact Mr.Chapman: rchapman@bst.ac.jp

Taiko Drumming Ensemble (BST Shibuya) Friday: 3:30 – 5:30

This exciting opportunity is available to children from Year 1 to 11 as an after school club. The school is fortunate to have a set of 60 authentic Taiko drums. Classes are taught by an experienced master drummer; Moko Igarashi. Year 1 – 3 take Taiko classes for one term as part of the curriculum and get many opportunities to perform throughout the year.

Contact Moko Igarashi: stormy@w7.dion.ne.jp
stormy@gol.com