'If music be the food of love - play on'
William Shakespeare - 12th Night
Departmental Staff
- Mrs Geraldine Fretigny
- Mrs Aisling McCourt
Department Overview
Music has an important role to play in the life of students at Christian Brothers Grammar School. Whether it be through assemblies, services, productions and concerts or in the curriculum, in one form or another, music features daily.
Music in CBS Omagh is a lively department where pupils of all ages have the opportunity to be involved in Music. We have two classrooms and four practice rooms, with many rehearsals and high quality music making taking place. Music lessons are offered on every orchestral instrument, singing and guitar.
Key Stage 3 - Overview
All KS3 classes explore a wide range of musical styles and instruments. They perform, compose and improvise using keyboard, tin whistle, ukulele, tuned percussion and African drums.
Key Stage 4 - Overview
Skills Developed:
Listening, Performing, Composing, Communication,
Post 16
A-Level Music is a dynamic and challenging course that develops students’ musical skills and talents. Learners can specialise in performing, composing or music technology. At AS, you study music from the Renaissance to modern musicals and sacred styles. At A2, you explore twentieth-century orchestral music and vocal music spanning over 400 years.
The course includes three units at AS and three at A2:
- Performing
- Composing
- Responding to Music
AS contributes 40% of the final grade; A2 contributes 60%.
Skills Developed
Students strengthen listening, performing and composing skills, along with memory, analysis, creativity and coordination. All A Level Music students are expected to participate in school ensembles and approved extra‑curricular activities.
Career Opportunities
Music A Level supports careers in performance, composition, teaching, broadcasting, journalism, publishing, instrument manufacturing and arts administration. The school has a strong tradition of producing musicians who progress to professional performance and careers in media and education.
Course Summary
| Content | Assessment | Weightings |
| AS 1: Performing | Solo Performance Viva voce |
32.5% of AS 13% of A leve |
| AS 2: Composing | A: composition task Written commentary |
32.5% of AS 13% of A level |
| AS 3: Responding to Music |
Two external written exams Test of aural perception 1 hour Written |
35% of AS 14% of A Level |
| A2 1: Performing | Solo Performance Viva voce |
19.5% of A level |
| A2 2: Composing | A: composition task Written commentary |
19.5% of A level |
| A2 3: : Responding to Music | Two external written exams Test of aural perception 1 hour 15 mins Written examination 2 hours |
21% of A level |
Beyond the Classroom
Pupils have opportunities to participate in Senior and Junior choirs, and Senior and Junior Traditional groups. There are also other instrumental groups such as junior strings and rock/pop groups. Practice rooms are usually busy during break and lunchtimes with many boys enjoying the opportunity to play music with their friends.
The Senior choir performs at many annual liturgies and events in the Sacred Heart Church.
High quality music-making opportunities throughout the year, include performances in the local community and nursing homes.
Our most recent event was the highly successful sell-out 'Voices of Brothers' Creative Showcase in the Strule Arts Centre.
We participate in the annual West Tyrone Feis, and enjoy many successes in both Classical and Irish Traditional Music.