Music at Sherborne Girls
Every Girl, Every Beat.
At SG, music is for everyone. From classical to contemporary, we offer exceptional opportunities in performance, composition, and academic study—led by expert staff in a nurturing, ambitious environment. With world-class facilities and a rich tradition of excellence, our music programme inspires every pupil to grow in confidence, creativity, and skill.
Whether pursuing music as a passion or with an eye on a professional career, pupils flourish—supported by a unique blend of single-sex focus and collaborative experiences across the Sherborne Schools Group.
With over 40% of girls learning at least one instrument, and many more participating in choirs, orchestras and ensembles, our Music Department offers an inspiring space for talent to grow and flourish.
From intimate recitals to large-scale collaborations, Sherborne Girls offers a rich calendar of performance opportunities for our singers as well — in school, across the community and on national stages.
Sherborne Girls Choirs
Senior Choir
The Senior Choir leads worship both at School and at Sherborne Abbey, performing an ambitious choral repertoire that includes new commissions and annual highlights like the candlelit Carol Service. Collaborations with Sherborne School and the town’s Choral Society bring the experience of singing major works alongside professional orchestras.
Madrigal Society
This auditioned chamber choir performs everything from madrigals and folk songs to modern pieces. They are regular contributors to the Sherborne Abbey Festival, tour internationally, and have sung for distinguished guests including HRH The Prince of Wales (check – still correct?).
West Choir
Our youngest singers (Years 7 and 8) make up the West Choir — an encouraging, fun introduction to ensemble singing through performances at house events and school celebrations.
Orchestras & Ensembles
Sherborne Schools’ Symphony Orchestra & Sinfonia
These joint-school ensembles bring together talented musicians from across Sherborne. Performing in venues like the Sheldonian Theatre and St John’s, Smith Square, they offer ambitious orchestral experiences to players at all levels.
String Orchestra & Chamber Groups
Our String Orchestra and small ensembles — including clarinet, flute, saxophone and jazz groups — give advanced players space to explore new repertoire and grow in confidence. Many groups also perform as part of our community outreach work in schools, hospitals and care homes.
Popular Music & Composition
RocSoc & Unplugged
In collaboration with Sherborne School, RocSoc provides a platform for pop and rock musicians, culminating in twice-yearly live gigs. For acoustic artists, Unplugged concerts offer an intimate and creative performance space.
Composition & Songwriting
Girls explore composition through workshops, competitions and cross-disciplinary projects — building skills in writing for voice, ensemble and screen, and often showcasing their work in school performances.
Recent Successes
- Aimme Chen - Royal Academy of Music to study Composition BMus
- Liberty Pope - Guildhall School of Music and Drama to study Film Music BMus
- Sophie Sze - National Youth Orchestra
- Allegra Elliot - National Youth Choir
- Lizzie Downer - Songwriting and music production
