Music

We have had a lot of fun over the last couple weeks as we have tested out our knowledge of orchestral instruments and their timbre.

Our upper grades orchestrated soundscapes, experimenting with the percussion instruments to create noises we hear in a storm. They needed to use advanced group working skills, creative thinking and their knowledge of how to play the instruments and their timbre. 

In addition to this, a good musician also knows how to be a good audience member. At a Grade 5 and 6 level I am looking for much more than just full body listening. Students should be engaging with the music, thinking about elements they like and if there are any elements they would like to change; always looking to justify their ideas and wonder at their own opinions. 

Our lower grades investigated their working knowledge of timbre through character. Did their favourite soft toy have a gruff voice or a soft and sweet voice? If their soft toy was in a musical work, could they choose the instrument that would represent it? It has been such a pleasure watching our students experience some of the instruments for the first time, there really is nothing like music!

If you head away for the Easter holidays perhaps you might consider some of the music we have used in our lessons for your play lists. 

Saint Saens: Carnival of the Animals

Benjamin Britten: The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

Sergei Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf (there are so many good narrations our there but I can personally recommend the one with Dame Edna Everage, Possums).