Celebrating our Musical Curriculum
KS1 Curriculum
The children in KS1 have been practicing our Carols for the service at the church next week. We have been focusing on projecting our voices, learning the words off by heart and how to stand when performing. The children are very excited, and I’m sure their singing will be a moving part of the service.
KS2 Curriculum
Year 4 have been exploring the wonderful world of Musical Theatre! They have sung a variety of songs from shows such as The Sound of Music, Oliver! and Cats, developing their voices and singing in split parts.
Year 6 have been looking at the Romantic Era of orchestral music, delving into the magic of story telling through music. As part of this topic, they have sequenced in 3 parts to ‘Morning Mood’ by Grieg onto Soundtrap, challenging their keyboard playing skills and knowledge of music technology.
KS5 Curriculum
Years 12 & 13 have been hard at work with their compositions. Year 12 are currently working on their ‘free’ compositions, meaning they choose their own style to compose in; they have been very creative with their initial ideas, and are now developing their melodies. Year 13 are working on their Western Classical compositions this year, meaning they have to compose in a specific orchestral style, which is a real challenge. They have come up with some fantastic ideas so far, and are working on structuring them into historically accurate classical works.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Pink Panther
Carol Services
Our school community came together for our wonderful Carol Services at All Saint’s Church this week. All who took part were fabulous and represented the school so well. It was inspiring to be part of these annual events, reflecting on how special it is to be part of Simon Balle All-through School.
Our amazing Music Ambassadors were an incredible team not only helping set up and pack down, but support our youngest musicians at the Larch Services. Team Music really is unique!
Do have a listen to the recordings and revisit the festive performances.
Team Music at Mill Mead
This term, Simon Balle Music has begun working with everyone at Mill Mead Primary School as part of the Laurel Education Trust. It has been lovely to work together and create as many musical opportunities as possible. 37% of Mill Mead students are learning an instrument - this is incredible!
Mrs Nunn has been leading the curriculum teaching. She writes:
Reception and Y1 have been busy learning about pulse through songs and movement, and recognising high and low notes. We have also been learning how music can tell a story, without needing to use words.
Y2 and Y3 have been learning to play songs on the glockenspiel, and we have started to discuss how notes can be presented on the page.
Y4 has had a great term being introduced to the violin and cello, learning to play a variety of pieces using the open strings. They have also been introduced to simple notation, including pitch and rhythm.
Y5 and Y6 have spent the term working really hard learning brass instruments, which culminated in a wonderful performance of pieces including ‘I Feel Good’ and ‘Jingle Bells.’
The recordings for the Brass performances can be found here:
All year groups should feel so proud of the wonderful progress they have made in their music this term.
Last Sunday, the Mill Mead choir went with Miss Hill to the United Reform Church to sing as part of one of their services. Thank you to Miss Hill for all her support for Team Music Mill Mead!
Fife writes: We sang lots of Christmas songs and it was really fun.
Honor writes: I really enjoyed singing the different songs with the choir and the church - they even gave us biscuits at the end. I’m really excited to go back next year.
Darcey writes: I really enjoyed it because we had lovely songs and the funny actions to go with them. I really want to go back next year.
Well done to everyone at Mill Mead - see you in January!
In January the Mill Mead Choir will be joining the Simon Balle Larch choir at the O2 for the Young Voices event. We are all really looking forward to it!
Please can everyone rehearse the songs over the Christmas break!
