Opportunities are given to all pupils at S. Anselm’s to perform, whether it is within their year group in lessons, in twice-weekly assemblies, or within one of the school’s choirs or instrumental ensembles.
Each ensemble and choir has an allocated weekly rehearsal slot and takes part in concerts at school, within Derbyshire and beyond.
Informal Concerts take place roughly twice per term, giving all pupils the opportunity to perform to a very supportive and encouraging audience.
The school also prides itself on more formal performances. In November 2008, the Director of Music organised a ‘Come and Sing’ Faure Requiem at Bakewell Church, involving the school’s Chapel Choir and other invited singers, plus Lady Manners School Orchestra. On Sunday 8 November 2009, the same forces joined together for a concert entitled: "A Celebration of English Music", including Zadok the Priest, Jerusalem and Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs. Next academic year, the intention is to perform Anton Vivaldi's Gloria in D in a similar venture.
In March 2009, the Chapel Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Flute Group and Wind Sextet toured Austria, giving performances in Vienna and Salzburg. The next international tour is planned for 2012.
The department has good links with a number of local venues, including Bakewell Parish Church and St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne, as well as performances in such venues at York Minster and Derby Cathedral this academic year.