Topics Spring 2010

Year 1 (Cubs)

The Long and the Short of it.
In the first half term, pupils in Year 1 will be playing musical games and singing songs which will help them differentiate between long and short sounds, using both instruments and their own voices.
Feeling the Pulse
In the second half term, pupils in Year 1 will be playing musical games and singing songs which will help them feel the steady beat on which music is based.

Year 2 (Lions)

Feel the Pulse.
In the first half term, pupils in Year 2 will be playing musical games and singing songs which will help them consolidate what they learned in Year 1 about feeling the steady beat on which music is based.
Taking Off.
In the second half term, pupils in Year 2 will be learning songs and playing musical games which will begin to help them to differentiate between higher and lower pitches.

Year 3

Recorder Magic Book 1.
Year 3 will be continuing to develop their skills in reading and playing music on the recorder. They will also sing and listen to music in several different styles.

Year 4

Recorder Magic Book 1/2, The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra .
Year 4 will continue to work through Recorder Magic Book 1 this term, and hopefully dtart Book 2. They will use recorders and their own chosen instruments to play solo and as a whole class, and continue learning to read treble clef notation. They will also begin to learn about the Orchestra and the different kinds of instruments found within it.

Year 5

Recorder Magic Book 2, Recorder Duets and the Story of Classical Music.
Pupils in Year 5 will continue to work through Recorder Magic Book 2 and some new duet books, continuing to develop their playing, sight singing and reading skills. They will specifically be playing pieces in the time signature of 6/8. They will also learn about the history of classical music and the Orchestra which is used to play it. Finally, they will play their instruments, both solo and as part of a classroom ensemble.

Year 6

Recorder Magic Book 2, Classroom Ensemble and The Story of Classical Music.
Pupils in Year 6 will conitune to play their instruments, both solo and as a classroom orchestra, hopefully fininshing Recorder Magic Book 2, and moving on to more advanced material. They will also continue to learn about the history of classical music.

Year 7

Gamelan – the music of Indonesia and The Classical Period, especially Beethoven and Mozart.
Pupils in Year 7 will continue learning about the Gamelan tradition of the islands of Indonesia, listening to and playing music related to this topic. This will include attending a workshop in London on 11th February, where they will play authentic Indonesian Gamelan instruments, and learn about the Indonesian culture. They will also focus on the Classical Period, with specific reference to the music of Mozart and Beethoven.

Year 8

The Human Voice.
This term Year 8 boys will study the art of singing. They will learn about the physical aspects of the human voice, as well as considering different types of voices, and the cultures in which they exist. They will also be having a go themselves!