With 3 Orchestras, 3 Bands, 8 Choirs and numerous smaller ensembles ranging from Flute groups to a Rock Group, Chigwell has a thriving music department which is always buzzing with activity. Located in the Walde Music School which has 2 classrooms, 6 practice rooms and a purposely set up drum room, the department, consisting of 3 full time members of staff, 23 instrumental specialists and an administrator, is dedicated to encouraging as many pupils as possible to be involved in music making.

Music scholarships are offered each year at 11+ , 13+ and at 16+ and these make a substantial contribution to school fees and instrumental lessons on up to two instruments . In return, scholars are expected to play a full role in the performing life of the department. Currently, a number of  scholars attend the Junior Departments of the Guildhall, Royal Academy and Royal College of Music on Saturdays. There are currently 36 Music Scholars or Music Bursary holders in the School.

All pupils study music up to and including the Removes (Year 9), and pupils can opt to study GCSE, AS and A Level after this.. There are facilities in one of the classrooms for up to 15 pupils to use specialist computer software such as Sibelius and Cubase and all pupils are introduced to this at Key Stage 3.

Extra-curricular music never stops at Chigwell and pupils benefit from the many performing opportunities, whether in a prom for their year group a more formal school concert, in a service, in the Chigwell Musician of the Year Competition, or in the annual choral concert at Brentwood Cathedral. Recent tours abroad have included Malta and the Rhineland in Germany and interested students are regularly taken to concerts in London.

The Music Department is a warm, friendly and buzzing place and the Director of Music, Mr Howard Ebden, would be happy to answer any further questions on the musical life at the school by e-mail.