Best Schools for Performing Arts, Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Brighton College states that its Performing Arts department has become a Centre of Excellence within Abu Dhabi.

Certainly the facilities that are available for students are impressive, with a 600 seater theatre, practice studios, make up rooms, exclusive Drama classrooms with interactive screens, a 57-strong lighting rig, intricate surround sound for radio microphones, costumes, and a fully kitted control box unit that the pupils can be trained in. Drama students are regularly entered for the Trinity exams and have received Apex Awards for the past 3 years.

Music plays a pivotal and integral role in the all-round education at the College. The music department encourages an appreciation, knowledge and understanding of music ranging from classical to pop and jazz as well as music from around the world. In addition to the introduction of recorder for all students in years 3 and 4, drumming in years 5 and 6 and access to state of the art iMac music technology, students are able to learn a wide range of instruments and to contribute to a host of musical ensembles, groups and performances across a range of genres.

As part of the school’s Co-curricular programme, students are offered tuition in piano, voice and guitar and a wide range of orchestral instruments including strings, brass, woodwind and percussion.  Over 50% of Brighton College pupils undertake individual instrumental lessons as part of the peripatetic programme – a significantly higher proportion of students than at other UAE schools.  300 students are currently learning and playing instruments.  60-80 students are entered for the ABRSM and Trinity exams annually.

In addition to the option to learn instruments individually, a range of other activities including iPad Orchestra, Garage Band, Glee Club, Guitar and Ukelele group, Rock Band and Rock Choir in addition to the more common Orchestra, Big Band and String Ensemble are available for students to develop their skills with others.

Brighton College hosted the BSME Music Festival in 2016 and has also been able to offer students the opportunity to work with the National Symphony Orchestra, which uses the College’s theatre as an official rehearsal venue.

Students also have the opportunity to perform individually and in groups in a less formal setting the Early Morning Music series which takes place weekly in the main Reception area.  Parents regularly attend these mini-performances.

Dance is also taught through the CCA programme and the school hosts an annual Festival of Movement which is a showcase for students of dance.

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