MUSIC

All children in the school are taught Class Music by the music specialist. Lessons balance learning practical skills and developing an understanding of musical theory, terminology and history. Class Music lessons involve the children in singing, playing the ocarina, the recorder, tuned and untuned percussion, and keyboards at different stages of their progress through the school.

 

Beyond the timetabled lessons there are opportunities for children to learn individual musical instruments, to join choirs, small instrumental ensembles and the school chamber orchestra. Visiting music teachers provide individual tuition on piano, keyboard, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, saxophone, flute, trumpet, tuba, guitar, voice and drums. Other instruments can be provided for. There are school choirs for various age groups and a Chapel Choir which is selected by audition.

 

Music plays a key part in the Arts Express programme and in many of the school productions in the Prep and Pre-Prep.

 

 

AIMS

1. To maintain and/or stimulate pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in music.
2. To enable pupils to be sensitive to, familiar with and confident in a body of musical knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary.
3. To enable pupils to see music as:

•  a major cultural feature that provides intellectual and aesthetic stimulation;
•  part of a wider body of knowledge and skills;
•  a source of pleasure and an important part of our leisure activities.

1. To enable pupils to develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as politeness, perseverance, initiative and independence.
2. To enable pupils to work independently and as part of a team in varied activities, contributing to the development of core skills such as I.T., reading, writing and speaking.
3. To employ teaching methods and resources that allow all pupils (irrespective of their ethnic origin, academic ability, musical ability etc.) to have equal access to music and to experience success and enjoyment in their music work.
4. To develop an awareness in pupils of the implications of music (past and present) for the individual and the local, national and international communities.
5. To allow pupils to develop informed opinions and to be able to support them by reasonable arguments.

 

 

SCHEME OF WORK

This is intended to give a flavour of the musical topics that each class will encounter as they move through the school. All of these topics will involve practical and theoretical learning.

Year 3 - descriptive sounds; rhyming patterns; the class orchestra: exploring musical arrangements

Year 4 - pentatonic scales; combining sounds and tone colours; singing games

Year 5 - rhythm and pulse; singing rounds; sound resources

Year 6 - lyrics and melody; performiong together; musical processes and composing

Year 7 - musical form and structure; programme musis; musical beginnings and endings

Year 8 - rhythmic and structural shape; music for keyboard - pentatonic scales and 12-bar blues; harmonic, melodic and rhythmic patterns