Norwich High School for Girls is delighted to welcome Mr Mark Hall, our new Director of Music. Mr Hall joins us from Alton School in Hampshire, where he was Head of Secondary Music.

Mr Hall has enjoyed a highly successful and varied career. He enrolled in the Royal Marines School of Music at the age of 17, playing the piano and trumpet in a range of ensembles for the Royal Marines Band Service after completing full initial military training. Later specialising in conducting and composition, he served as Sergeant Bandmaster and then as a Senior Instructor at the Royal Marines School of Music. He has performed with many internationally-acclaimed musicians and studied under conductors Malcolm Binney and Timothy Reynish, and composers Paul Patterson and Barrie Forgie.

These days, Mr Hall’s true passion lies in helping others to perform rather than performing himself. He said: “Too often, students (and parents!) claim to ‘not be musical’ as if that’s something set in stone. But technical ability can be taught and young people are incredibly passionate about the music they love. I want to instil enthusiasm and confidence in our students. Every pupil at Norwich High School for Girls is a musician. We are all musical.”

Mr Hall continues: “It’s easy to think in binaries when it comes to music education: academic or practical; classical or popular; highbrow or low culture. Those either/ors are nonsense. Our students learn academic theories of composition through making music practically. Popular and improvised forms of ensemble music are just as exciting and valuable for young people as orchestras and cathedral choirs.”

Mr Hall is updating Norwich High’s music curriculum to emphasise the practical application of musical theory. He has introduced three core strands to our music curriculum in Years 7-9: composition, performance and appraisal. He is also changing our GCSE music exam board in order to make the course more accessible for students who may not have benefited from private instrumental tuition. A half-term trip to PGL Bawdsey Manor is planned to promote team building and ensemble skill in preparation for our busy programme of musical events.

Increased opportunities for performance are also on the horizon. Mr Hall said: “Norwich High has a great tradition of choral singing. Our Choral Concert and Christmas Carol Services are true highlights of the school calendar and they are a testament to the outstanding quality of our singers, organists and orchestra.

“Looking ahead, I want to build on this legacy whilst also finding ways to showcase the talents of our other musical ensembles, such as our fantastic Sixth Form jazz and rock bands. Professional musicians perform across a wide range of musical genres throughout their careers, and our students will have the opportunity to do the same. To that end, I am currently teaching the Jazz Band improvisation and non-verbal communication skills, which keeps them on their toes and challenges many of them to consider music in a new way.”

Mr Owain Hall, our Assistant Head – Enrichment, continued: “We are immensely proud of the fine music our students perform at the many and varied public venues across the city and region. These look set to develop further under Mr Hall’s leadership of this very outward facing part of our school enrichment.”

“Norwich High students have impressed me with their articulacy and dedication,” said Mr Mark Hall. “They are comfortable expressing enthusiasm in lessons and have rightfully high expectations of their teachers. They are always looking for ways to improve, challenge and grow.

“The all girls environment here allows students to perform unrestrainedly. Playing or singing in front of people can be challenging for young people, who often experience high levels of self-consciousness. Norwich High girls, however, are confident and unapologetic when they take to the stage. Their willingness to engage in a high risk creative subject is extremely refreshing. Their ability and potential is truly limitless. I feel very privileged to teach in such a creative and supportive environment where pupils are able to express themselves to their fullest. The whole school is such a warm and welcoming environment where the needs, strengths and interests of the pupils are at the forefront of their education. I already feel right at home.”