Music at Sherborne Boys
A living tradition of excellence, collaboration, and joy.
Music is central to life at Sherborne. Half of our boys play instruments – many to diploma level – and the Music School is alive from morning to night with rehearsals, composition, recording, and ensemble work.
Recognised by The Week as the top independent school for music, Sherborne gives every boy the chance to grow as a performer, composer, and collaborator. Thanks to our full-boarding schedule, boys can pursue music and sport side by side – and thrive in both.
Choirs & Choral Tradition
Our choral life is one of the richest in the country.
- The Abbey Choir sings in services twice a week and includes over 100 boys.
- The Chamber Choir, a select group of 22, performs sacred and close harmony repertoire and supports choral scholarship applications.
- The Choral Society brings together boys, Sherborne Girls, and members of the community to perform major works with professional orchestras and soloists.
Academic Pathways & Musical Development
Sherborne offers academic Music and Music Technology at GCSE and A level, with large, successful cohorts. Many boys go on to study music at university and conservatoire level.
Instrumental and vocal teaching is available across all disciplines, and boys are encouraged to explore music at every level – from beginner to diploma. Private lessons, practice spaces, and a vibrant performance culture ensure that music is part of daily life.
Gap-year choral and organ scholarships are also available. Scholars live on site, assist in the Music School, and sing in the Abbey Choir.
Ensembles & Orchestras
Sherborne supports a huge range of ensemble performance:
- Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, and Symphonic Strings provide orchestral experience at every level, often in partnership with Sherborne Girls and The Gryphon School.
- Concert Orchestra forms each summer for the Gala Concert and tours abroad in some years.
- Radio Orchestra adds strings to Big Band for light music performances.
- Boys also take part in chamber groups, wind band, brass and woodwind ensembles, and jazz groups, including our 23-piece Big Band and smaller Jazz Ensemble.
Contemporary, Rock, & Pupil-Led Music
Music at Sherborne is not limited to the classical.
RocSoc supports electric guitarists and rock bands, while ‘Unplugged’ concerts offer space for acoustic and singer- songwriter acts.
Pupil-led music is a key strength of the School, and boys regularly form bands, organise performances, and contribute to a diverse musical landscape.
Performance, Events, & Outreach
Each term brings a busy calendar of concerts, recitals, and collaborative events:
- Weekly lunchtime recitals in Cheap Street Church
- The Tindall Recital Series and masterclasses
- Joint concerts with Sherborne Girls and other schools
- Tours and outreach work across the region and internationally
The annual Gala Concert, the Sherborne All Stars jazz night, and choral services in the School Chapel are highlights of the year.
Informal concerts and workshops give every boy the chance to perform and learn from professionals.
Discover More
Sherborne Boys, music brings the community together – across houses, year groups, partner schools, and generations.
Whether performing in the Abbey, recording in the Music School, or playing jazz in Barbados, boys grow as musicians and people through shared artistic experience.
Where Next?
