Music

This term in music, our students will be exploring the wonderful idea that music can tell a story. 

Our younger students were thoroughly engaged with the playful and interactive song “Going on a Bear Hunt.” They brought the story to life, experimenting with sound effects and enjoying the movements to match each part of the journey. The hands-on approach helped them connect music with narrative, while also building confidence and enjoyment in group music-making.

Our older students explored storytelling through classical music and literature. They heard about a German poem by Goethe, “Der Zauberlehrling” (“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”), that inspired the French composer Paul Dukas to create his famous orchestral work, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. You might recognise this piece of music from its use in Disney’s Fantasia (1940). Our 2/3/4s tuned in to past learning, recognising the different orchestral instruments and then hearing the story as told by Ted Dewan.

Through guided listening, our 5/6 students began to identify how musical elements such as dynamics, tempo, and instrumentation help depict characters and events, effectively telling a story without words. 

After such a big first day back in the music room, I'm off home, straight to bed. And I'm never going on a bear hunt again!