Bredon School has appointed a new Head of Music, Mr Paul Wood.

Mr Wood, previously of Concord College and Gloucester Music Service, and a renowned percussionist by trade, arrived at Bredon in April and has already enhanced the musical ambitions of the School.

As well as new lunchtime activity sessions, the school now offers formal Music qualifications including GCSE Music, the new BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Music and Music Technology, and the more traditional A/S and A Level Music routes.

In addition, Mr Wood has been busy promoting one to one instrumental lessons in piano/keyboard, guitar, bass, saxophone and more unusually, in Latin/Samba percussion, Tabla, African Percussion and many more besides.

And it’s not just lessons they’re busy with, the music department is currently planning its own Music Festival to coincide with the School’s Olympic Week in June, composing pieces for the school’s sports day medal ceremony, and hosting the annual ‘Bredon’s Got Talent’ competition at the end of term.

Paul says, “When I arrived at Bredon, there was an obvious interest in music and lots happening in the department already, but we’ve now set up lunchtime and after-school sessions and they’re proving very popular.

“We got a Jazz band, a funk and blues band and a rock band up and running – our guest drummer is our headmaster – and we have various singing groups and a chamber ensemble.

“I’m only building on the interest that was already here but now we’re able to help the children obtain qualifications too, it’s great all round.”