Burton Borough School offers lots of opportunities for students to get involved with the Performing Arts as extra-curricular activities during their time at the school.  Whether it’s our popular annual school musical or the award winning BBS Bands we are extremely lucky that BBS has some exceptionally talented students, who are dedicated to the Performing Arts.

Every Spring the Performing Arts departments produce a Performing Arts Showcase, which features not only the school bands and ensembles but also work from GCSE Drama and Music students, KS3 and KS4 Drama Club and solo performances including dancers and singers.

School Musical

Every year Burton Borough School stages a musical, which is open for all students to take part in. Around 100 students take part in the musical, which we make sure features acting, singing and dancing which allows all students taking part to learn new skills. There are also opportunities for students to take part in the musical behind the scenes helping with stage management, lighting, costumes and front of house. Over the last 7 years the musicals have become bigger and better, sell-out events. It is a privilege to work with such talented and dedicated students.  

Previous musicals have included:

  • Sister Act (2018)
  • Rock of Ages (2017)
  • Return to the Forbidden Planet (2016)
  • Grease (2015)
  • Footloose (2014)
  • Fame (2013)
  • Little Shop of Horrors (2012)
  • Hairspray (2011)

Drama Clubs

The school has 2 drama clubs- KS3 and KS4- which rehearse weekly and produce at least 2 performances every year.

Both clubs allow students to develop their drama and performance skills on top of their timetabled lessons, and to work with students from different year groups helping to develop their self-esteem, communication and team work skills. The Drama Clubs give students the opportunity to perform entire plays- both scripted and devised in front of family and friends.

KS3 Drama Club Performances have included:

  • Revolting Rhymes- Roald Dahl From Page to Stage
  • Snow White
  • Cinderella
  • Summer Showcase of student devised work

KS4 Drama Club Performances have included:

  • Two by Jim Cartwright
  • The Tempest
  • Who’s for the Game- a scripted and student devised piece based around WW1

Burton Borough School Bands

Burton Borough School is very proud of the achievements of the 9 bands and music ensembles based at the school. The hard work and commitment shown by both the students and staff to the bands, regularly sees them rewarded at national and international festivals and competitions.

Every student is offered the opportunity to play a musical instrument when they start at Burton Borough and to join one or more of our bands and ensembles.

Bands and ensembles at Burton Borough School include:

  • Concert Band
  • Big Band
  • Junior Wind Band
  • BBS School Choir
  • BB Harmony Choir
  • Junior Big Band
  • Brass Group
  • Flute Ensemble
  • Saxophone Group

These bands and ensembles regularly perform at both school events (including Christmas and Summer Concerts) and at events outside of school (including NCBF, Music for Youth and Joint Concerts with other local and national bands).

Burton Borough Big Band

The Burton Borough Big Band is the schools busiest band– regularly performing concerts around Shropshire and competing in national competitions such as the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF), The Great North Jazz Festival and Music for Youth. The band has built up an excellent reputation in Newport and the wider community and regularly helps to raise money for charities.

Over the last 5 years Big Band has won 14 Platinum and Gold Awards at the NCBF Finals. The NCBF Finals have given Big Band the opportunity to perform at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, the Royal College of Music in London, Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham’s Town Hall.

Big Band has also taken part in several international tours which have included trips to Holland (2009 and 2013) and Paris (2015) where they were lucky enough to perform concerts at Notre Dame and Disneyland Paris. Big Band has also taken part in international competitions including the World Music Festival in Zurich (Switzerland- 2012).

Burton Borough Concert Band

The Burton Borough Concert Band is the schools largest band and they regularly take part in concerts with other groups such as the Beaumaris Singers and Ifton Colliery Band, often helping to raise money for charity.

Over the last 5 years Concert Band has won 15 Platinum and Gold Awards at the NCBF Finals, which has seen them perform at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, the Royal College of Music in London, Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.

Concert Band has been on several international tours over the last 5 years which have included concerts in Notre Dame and Disneyland (Paris- 2015). Concert Band has also competed in several international competitions and festivals including the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands in 2009 and 2013 and the World Music Festival in Zurich, Switzerland in 2012.

Band Music

Burton Borough Concert Band - Spirit of the Falcon

Burton Borough Big Band - Sultry Sunset

Burton Borough Big Band - Feeling Good

Willow Weep for Me

IBop

Jazz Police

Welcome to the Jungle

Into the Light

Global Variations

Shining Sword