Extra-curricular activities
- Ardenaires – Arden’s Big Band
- Lower School Band Wind Band
- Upper School Band Wind Band
- Chamber Orchestra – all years
- String Orchestra – all years
- Brass Band – all years
- C.I.A. (Choir in Arden) - Mixed choir for Years 7 to 9
- Senior Choir - Mixed choir for Years 9 to 11
- Chamber Choir – Girls choir (auditioned)
- B.A.T.S. – Mixed Sixth Form and Year 11 choir
- Guitar Club – all years
- Ukulele Club – Staff and students welcome
Concerts
There are five concerts each year with the highlight of the musical year being the Spring concert at The Bushell Hall, Solihull. In addition to these concerts the Department ensembles provide music for some of the most important events in Arden’s calendar such as the Dedication and Christmas services at Knowle Parish Church and the Presentation Evening held each November.
Community Performances
Arden’s ensembles are frequently invited to perform at community events, occasionally with other local ensembles. Chamber Choir and B.A.T.S. have been invited to perform with Canoldir and Chandos. The ‘Ardenaires’, the resident big band, performed at this year’s Dorridge Fun Run and annually provide music for the turning on of the Christmas lights in Knowle. Arden hosts the Mini Music Festival, held in July each year, where almost 200 local primary school pupils come along to Arden to perform on their own, culminating in a mass choral number.
Musicals
Every year, the Dance, Drama and Music Departments combine to stage a musical. Over the past few years this has included ‘Grease’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Oliver’ and last year ‘Fame’. The performances are always a sell-out and showcase the talent available at Arden Academy.
Peripatetic Lessons
Arden Academy is one of the teaching bases for Solihull Music Service. Lessons take place after 3.30 and are arranged through the Music Service.
