Around the world in song
The 2009 Junior Music Festival was held in the Rose Theatre, Kingston, on 9th and 10th March. This year, almost all of Year 6 took part, as a class music project, including some children who wouldn't usually volunteer for a choir. They took the project seriously, prepared well, and sang with enthusiasm. There were fourteen songs from around the world, ranging from a short playground rhyme to the fast and furious spiritual Dem Bones. Many involved singing as a round or in simple parts, and some had actions. The experience of doing all this with 500 massed voices was both hard work and satisfying.
Carolling for all
Members and friends of the St Mary's Music Club spread seasonal cheer in a variety of settings during Advent - a nursing home, a pub and a church. Our visit to Southborough Nursing Home was enjoyed by residents and children alike. An invitation to entertain at the North Star enabled us to raise £25 for the school building fund. We sang twice in church - at the Christingle Service, and at Carols by Candlelight, when there were appreciative comments about the children's choice of song, and the meaningful way they sang it.
Meanwhile, back at school, everyone was involved in singing for Christmas - at six well-received concerts and a service, which raised through retiring collections £399 for the NSPCC.
A family affair
In the first half of the Autumn Term 2008, five families enjoyed making music together with Jenny, a skilful tutor from the Family Learning Service. She blended singing and playing to make performing versions of songs, which demanded careful listening and accurate playing from musicians of all ages. Different ages and personalities worked together well, and it was fun!
Jenny, our tutor
Summer music
To round off the musical year, instrumental players invited their families to an afternoon concert on 21st July 2008. There were performances by recorder players, guitarists, keyboard and clarinet players from Key Stage 2. In addition we had the pleasure of hearing from three former pupils on piano, saxophone and cornet, who showed our present pupils how they can extend their musical experience in the future. Described by one parent as "delightfully informal and informative", the afternoon was enjoyed by performers and audience alike.
Technological music
Both Years 5 and 6 had the opportunity in June and July 2008 to make music electronically at the Hook Centre's recording studio. Operated by Kingston Music and Arts Service, the studio has the latest technological support for creating, mixing and recording music. For Year 6, their visit was the culmination of several weeks of classroom composition; for Year 5 it was their first opportunity to explore the facilities with the help of Sarah Piddington, the studio manager.
The Most Amazing Pet-Shop
Emma and Leah (Y2) report: “On Tuesday 24th June, we went to the music festival at Tolworth and sang songs about animals.There were some other schools there as well. Our favourite songs were The Ugly Bug Ball and Listen to the Chorus of the Brontosaurus. There was a small band with drums and a piano. We all dressed up as animals.We were both white bunnies. We enjoyed the songs and we were good at singing them.”
Students of music
Christopher (Y4) reports: On Tuesday 28th March 2008, Year 4 went by car to Kingston University to be shown how Indonesian music is played. This was part of our music project. We were all given an insturment to play and we really enjoyed ourselves.
The spectacular metal instruments of an Indonesian gamelan
Music at the Rose
Louisa and Laura (Y5) report: On Wednesday 12th March 2008, volunteers from Years 5 and 6 went to the Rose Theatre, Kingston, to represent the school in singing. We practised for a couple of hours. In between the songs we had our dinner and some snacks. Thei first songs were from 1900, and the last ones were modern. When the time came we had to sing in front of 750 people with stage lights. It was quite scary! We managed to pull through the concert and all our parents were proud of us, but couldn't have done it without Mrs Usher and Miss Williams!
Sing out the glad tidings!
There is a great wealth of music for Christmas in many different styles, and we enjoy sharing the nativity story in music with as many people as we can. To start with, 20 volunteers from Years 5 and 6 went on the bus to Southborough Nursing Home and entertained the residents with voices and instruments. The children enjoyed it at least as much as the audience.
Next the Foundation Stage classes told the delightful musical story of The Sleepy Shepherd.
After that, 20 volunteers from Years 3 - 6 braved the freezing temperature on December 12th and sang carols for an hour outside Chessington North Station, strongly supported by staff and family members. Their hard work in practising paid off, and commuters were generous in their donations to Barnardo's - chosen by Years 5 and 6 who have been learning about how the charity started with Dr Barnardo's work on the streets of Victorian London.
Then, Key Stage 1 told how The Hopeless Camel found his way to the stable - and discovered he wasn't so hopeless after all.
Next, Key Stage 2 performed another lovely musical telling of the Christmas story. The songs were both tuneful and thoughtful, and between them each class told the story, and presented role-plays they had composed themselves through the eyes of different characters.
Sing to the Bishop
Twenty-three children volunteered to come to St Mary's Church on Sunday morning 14th October 2007, when the Bishop of Guidlford visited the parish. Bishop Christopher presided at a communion service, and the children sang three songs while the congregation received the bread and wine. Afterwards the Bishop said a prayer of blessing for each child. Both the Bishop and the Vicar said how much they appreciated the children's contribution.
Keep Fit to Music
The theme of the songs for this Year's Infant Music Festival on 23rd June was Healthy Schools - to do with health, fitness and the environment. Many of the songs had actions, which helped the 'keep fit' message too! Year 2 enjoyed learning eight catchy songs in their music lessons. They put on their P.E. kit to suit the theme, and were kindly transported by parents and staff to Bourne Hall in Ewell for the festival, where they sang with other local schools. "On Tuesday, we went to the Music Festival, " said Rachel afterwards. "I enjoyed singing all the songs, and I enjoyed doing the actions too."
DIY music
Year 6 have been making their own instruments as a design and technology project. Much measuring, sawing and drilling was involved to create sounds of different pitch and timbre, using various techniques of blowing, scraping and banging. The results sounded interesting, and looked great too:
Singing day
As part of our Arts Week, Friday 25th May was a singing day for the whole school. Visiting musician Hannah Kirk worked with every class from Nursery to Year 6, teaching songs which were skilfully suited to the different age groups: short action songs for the youngest, a musical story for KS1, and part-singing for KS2. The children had the chance to sing to their parents at the end of the day, including a clever layering of three separate traditional songs, which had all the children singing at once with great gusto.
Vocal workshop and concert
On 30th April 2007, 28 members of Years 5 and 6 went to Dorking Halls for the Borough's Junior Music Workshop 2007. 11 schools were represented, making a choir of 400 young voices. They had all prepared five songs in advance, and during the afternoon they rehearsed these together, under the direction of Francis Goodhand, a talented local musician who works mainly in musical theatre. Francis then taught them several of his own songs, from musical shows which he has composed. In the evening, Francis led the children in a performance to families, when they sang both their prepared songs and also his own, which they had only just learnt. This even involved singing in parts and harmony - very impressive! The evening ended with a song for audience participation, which involved the adults competing against the children as to who could sing most operatically, who could do the actions most energetically, and who could - in the end - drive the others mad. The children won!
St Mary's sat at the front, so their parents could see and hear them really well.
Music students
On 26th April 2007, Year 4 became the youngest students on campus at Kingston University, when they had a practical lesson in Indonesian gamelan music. Expert tutor Peter Smith taught them on a collection of bronze instruments worth thousands of pounds. They range from gentle chime bars to huge, resonant gongs. The music is based on repeated patterns, which is good for beginners, but Peter stepped up the challenge, and everyone – children and adults alike – had to concentrate! He thought the children achieved a lot in a short time. Their comments included:
To see a slideshow of photos and captions please click here.
St Mary's Band
From small beginnings at the Christingle Service (see below), an all-age group of musicians is contributing regularly to school services, and to the monthly family services on a Sunday at St Mary's. The band includes present and former pupils and staff, playing keyboard, clarinet, saxophone, recorders and guitars. Guest performers sometimes add percussion too. The band's repertoire and confidence are growing, and they have been known to receive a round of applause, even in church!
More Family Music
Following up from the successful music-themed Cluster event in January, the Family Learning Service led an enjoyable after-school course during the Spring Term 2007. Five families took part, including three generations, and were led in a wide variety of activities involving singing, listening, composing and performing. The tutor was an experienced Primary teacher and music specialist, and she said she enjoyed the sessions as much as the families. One of the popular activities was recording singing games for the Nursery children to learn.
Dirty Socks!
On 25th January 2007, 20 children from Years 5 and 6 went to the new recording studio at Hook Library to make some music using their computers. The music instructors were Sarah and Lindsay. They started us off with some exercises to warm up our brains, then we divided into groups. Some of us made up lyrics to go with melodies, or music to go with lyrics. Meanwhile, others were learning about a computer program called Garageband. Then we all made up songs on Garageband. There were different rhythms and instruments to choose, and we could also record our own voices to add to the music. One group called themselves Dirty Socks and put that in their song! We all really enjoyed it, and said so at the end. Sarah and Lindsay sent us a CD with our creations, and we played it to our classes. (report by Kara and Rachel, Y5)
Creating music electronically at the Hook Recording Studio
Family music
St Mary's first musical event of 2007 was for all the family. The local Supporting Families Service launched their Spring programme with an enjoyable after-school event at our school. There was African drumming, led by local world music group Earthsong, plus some lively songs, and the chance to make and shake tambourines.
Ding, dong merrily on high!
The Key Stage 2 classes performed a lovely musical setting of the nativity story with modern songs by Sheila Wilson, and traditional carols in which their parents could join too. A group of Music Club members had learnt extra parts to the songs, which they sang beautifully, and also added some very effective, precise percussion playing. The climax was the soaring Glorias of Ding dong merrily on high, with of course a closing finale of We wish you a merry Christmas.
Christingle jingles!
For the annual Christingle Service during Advent 2006, St Mary's Church was full to overflowing. At the back of the church, the choir stalls were occupied by musicians from the school - present and former pupils and staff. They provided a strong lead to the singing, and played before and after the service too.
Party pieces
Singing skills were on full display during Hoodwinked, but another end-of-year opportunity was created for instrumentalists to entertain their families. On the last Monday of the Summer Term, any children who play musical instruments were invited to perform in an informal concert. There were pieces on keyboard and piano, recorder and guitar - from individuals and groups, from beginners and more experienced players. Between the Primary School pieces, we also heard from three older instrumentalists who are friends of St Mary's - Lucy and Joshua (now at Therfield School) and Chris (Mr Taylor's son). These guests showed our pupils where they can go next by sharing pieces on clarinet, saxophone, cello and a range of recorders.
Hoodwinked
For the first time for some years, Mrs Usher (our Music Co-ordinator) and her colleagues in Key Stage 2 decided to produce a musical play for the Summer Term. They chose Hoodwinked, a play about Robin Hood, wittily scripted by Margaret Carpenter with a tuneful musical score by Mark and Helen Johnson. Acting, costumes and props were all important ingredients, but it was the songs which carried it along and kept all the children involved. Skilfully composed in a variety of styles, they were enjoyed by performers and audiences alike.
Musical numbers in full swing during the KS2 production of 'Hoodwinked'
Year 2 at the Music Festival
Gaby (Y2) reports: First we got to the rehearsal. We went on stage. It was after lunch on Wednesday 21st June. In the rehearsal we all heard a new song. Seven children tapped the African drums! All of us sang songs then we had a five minute break. In our break we had a biscuit and a big drink. Then it was the real performance. I was nervous! My favourite bit was singing Blue Brother Jake.
Percussion performers
Jack (Y4) reports: This term we have percussion lessons in our class music lessons in Years 3 and 4. They are going on for eight weeks, and our teacher is Mr Quinn. He brings a collection of African drums and some people play other instruments like shakers and bells, and we swap around half way through. We made up our own chant and played it on the drums. It is brilliant fun and I look forward to the next lesson.
Year 3 performing their percussion at the end of the course, led by Sean Quinn (from Kingston Music and Arts Service)
Let's sing!
About 25 children from Years 5 and 6 took part in the Borough's Junior Singing Workshop at Dorking Halls on 15th March 2006. They prepared hard learning songs for weeks beforehand, learnt still more on the day, and then delighted their audience of parents and teachers in the evening. Their teacher and leader on the day was Alan Simmonds, who composed some of the songs himself, and accompanied several on the guitar. The part singing was quite challenging, but great fun to perform. Even the audience had their parts to sing and clap! Music Co-ordinator Mrs Usher said the children were a credit to the school, both by their enthusiastic singing and their good behaviour.
Come and drum
Ben (Y6) reports: For the end-of-term service and Christmas show in December 2005, I got to play the drum kit along with the children singing. I went with Mr Taylor down to Tolworth to pick up the drum kit from Kingston Music and Arts Service. I felt very excited and special, because not many people in the school can play drums. I learnt by watching a drummer at our church, and I got some help from Miss Rainbow's husband. I really enjoyed it, and I thank Mr Taylor for helping me to keep in time!
Archie (Y4) reports: On Thursday 2nd February 2006, about 30 children from Key Stage 2 did an African drumming session after school, and also African dancing. It was very exciting and exhilarating. We used a variety of drums, some small and some tall. They made a frighteningly loud noise when we played them all together. There were also other instruments like cowbells and tambourines. The session was led by proper African drummers from a group called Odehei. My favourite bit was when we danced to the beat, led in by the counting drum.
Sharing music
On 18th July 2005, members of our musical clubs contributed to an informal end-of-year concert for parents. The choir showed off their range of styles, and recorder players of all stages played short pieces. Several soloists performed on trumpet and keyboard, and the guitarclub accompanied songs - including some with audience participation. The children thanked Miss Brown for leading the choir this year, and then did her proud in their finale as they danced round the hall performing 'Engine, engine number 9' in four syncopated parts!
The choir entertaining parents with their skilful part-singing
Congratulations
...to Scott and Daniel, both members of Year 4, on gaining certificates for skilful piano playing at preparatory and Grade 1 levels.
... to Jake (Year 6) for playing the trumpet in the Kingston Schools Training Band
... to all the pupils of our visiting instrumental teachers for their encouraging end-of-year reports.
African Arts
On the first day of the Spring Term 2005, the staff took part in a joint training day with St Paul's Primary School, to explore how the arts can enrich the curriculum. Starting from stories set in Africa, the staff worked together on music, dance and drama, and thought about the visual arts too. They then tried out some of the ideas with their classes during the term. In the last week of term, we held an Arts week with an African theme, including workshops on African percussion. These were led by local specialists Claire Halloran and 'Me-We', a team of performers and teachers in the African tradition. The children really enjoyed the experience, and it was a further training opportunity for the staff as they watched the experts at work.
Children from Year 1 and Year 6 working with Claire Halloran and Me-We
Borough Music Festival, March 2005
Congratulations to our 20 performers in a brilliant concert at Fairfield Hall, Croydon, on March 3rd. 600 children from around the Borough sang with tuneful enthusiasm and expression, and brought real joy to the large audience of families and friends. This was the result of a great deal of hard work over recent weeks by the children and their teachers. Thank you especially to Miss Brown for all the time and energy she gave, and to the parents who helped with transport.
A view of the performers (and the cameraman!) at Fairfield Hall
Several Year 6 choir members contributed to one of the cover designs for the Music Festival programme:
Live music in London
On Monday 7th February 2005, the recorder and guitar groups went to the Festival Hall in London. It was very exciting. We saw some jazz players, drum players, and many more. I loved the experience, and I would like to go again.We didn’t just see other people performing. We also learned some songs and played fun games with them. The journey back to school was really fun too. We ate some sweets, played games, and Mr Taylor received a message from Mrs Costard on his phone. I think everyone should have the experience we did. They would enjoy themselves ever so much. By Bre (Year 5)
Hosanna, it's a baby! - and what a gigantic star!
Appreciative audiences were generous in their applause and donations at our three nativity plays in December 2004. The Key Stage 2 classes put verve into Hosanna Rock, the Foundation Stage brought charm to It's a baby, and Key Stage 1 told the story of The gigantic star with great enthusiasm. Apart from the pleasure they brought to their families, the children were learning lots of poetry, singing a wide range of music, retelling the Christmas story, and discovering just what can be achieved with effort and teamwork.
Musical afternoon
Many parents, relatives and friends enjoyed a warm welcome on the last afternoon of the Summer Term 2004. The weather was hot, and so was the tea served by waiters and waitresses from Year 5. The choir sang three sets of songs, all from memory, with great enthusiasm. In between, Year 2 sang two songs, and there were solos and group items on a range of string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. So many children were keen to share their talents that it was difficult to keep the concert from over-running. Thank you to Mrs Usher, our music co-ordinator and choir director, and to the teachers who teach the various instruments.
The recorder group performing
Sing aloud!
Year 5 had the opportunity of going (free of charge) to an orchestral concert in the Royal Festival Hall in July 2004. They were impressed by the size of the hall, the orchestra and the opera singer's voice! They also listened to excerpts from Scheherezade by Rimsky-Korsakov - music linked with the Arabian Nights stories which they had been hearing in the classroom.
Year 2 took part in the Borough's Infant Music Festival, singing with great enthusiasm alongside lots of other local children. They joined in a selection of songs on the theme of moving, a lot of which involved moving and actions as well as singing.
Folk Dance Festival
A report from Rachel and Georgia (Y2) about the Folk Dance Festival in June 2004: There were lots of other schools at the Festival. We did five dances, like Cornish Quickstep and Pat-a-cake Polka. The Junior Schools did some more too. We had to go indoors because it was raining. It didn't spoil it, but we were a bit squashed up. All the Mums and Dads came and joined in with the last dance.
Folk dancing by Laura W (Year 1)
Live music
In May 2004, we enjoyed a visit from the lower school band of St Peter's High School, Guildford, directed by Mrs Slaughter (who taught music at St Mary's last year). Chancel (Year 5) reports: I thought the concert was really good. There was a guitar, drums, a clarinet, violins, trumpets, a saxophone and the piano. I liked the song 'Yesterday'. All the instruments were playing slightly different tunes, but they all mixed together well.
Playing the gamelan
Year 4 children made a visit to Kingston University in April 2004 to finish off the term's music lessons. They have been finding out about the traditional orchestra of Indonesia, known as a gamelan. This consists of percussion instruments, mostly tuned and mostly made of metal. They include gongs, large and small, and instruments with rows of keys (like a glockenspiel). Drums are used to keep the beat and add rhythm. The university's music department is the proud owner of a complete gamelan, and the children spent two hours learning about and playing the instruments under the expert tuition of Mr Malcolm Milner, who has studied in Java. As well as playing several different instruments during the morning, the children also operated shadow puppets, for which the music is a traditional accompaniment. For pictures of the day, please click here.