Kilham Church Of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Music

At Kilham CE (VC) Primary School we value Music because it is a powerful and unique form of communication that can change the way pupils act, think and feel.

It increases self-discipline, creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment. 

Music should (where possible) be cross-curricular and based on first-hand experiences.

Aims

To encourage, all pupils to:

perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of great composers and musicians

learn to sing and use their voices

to create and compose music on their own and with others

have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence

understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

Intent

We believe that our children are entitled to a broad and balanced curriculum that inspires creativity, and develops a love of music and talented musicians. In line with the national curriculum 2014, the curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

• perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of great composers and musicians
• learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence
• understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

Implementation

Music lessons are planned in units and give children the opportunity to increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. A progression of musical skills has been mapped for each year group and is used to ensure that children have opportunities to improve their work. Long-term planning allows children to build upon skills and knowledge to develop an engagement with music.

The school uses Sing Up at its core which provides curriculum coverage, progression and key knowledge and skills and this is supplemented by all of the children learning to play a trumpet or trombone in Year 5 and 6. 

Sing Up supports our children to understand key musical skills including: singing, playing, improvisation, composition and performance.

Children have the opportunity to sing and perform in many classes, school worships and whole school events including performances at the local church for Easter and Christmas.

The KS2 choir meet every Thursday lunchtime and sing music from a range of genres. They have the ooportunity to sing during whole school events as well as in front of the public at events in Church and at the village hall. 

Impact

Through our music curriculum our children will become engaged, creative, confident musicians with a genuine interest in the subject and they will want to extend their knowledge and skills. Outcomes for each child are assessed through an assessment snapshot at key times throughout the year. 

Year 5 and 6 Perform.

In their topic "Britain at war" the children in Year 5 and Year 6 have been learning about the music people/soldiers listened to and played during WW2 (1930’s – 1940’s). Music was important during WW2. It was used to lift morale, give hope and to make fun of the enemy. The children have learnt the song "Hey Mr Miller" which was performed by Glenn Miller and his orchestra.

Alton Glen "Glenn" Miller(March 1, 1904 – disappeared December 15, 1944) was an American big band conductor, composer, trombone player, and recording artist before and during World War II, when he was an officer in the US Army Air Forces.^[4] Glenn Miller and His Orchestra were one of the most popular and successful bands of the 20th century and the big band era. His military group, the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra,was also popular and successful.

Choir

In July, the choir visitied the vilage hall once again to support and join in with the local community at the afternoon tea organised by Church. Some children were brave enough to sing solo parts and all of the children did an amazing job with some ambitous songs. We look forward to visiting again and entertaining the residents of Kilham after the summer holidays. 

Year 5 Brass

All year 5 and 6 children are taught either trumpet or trombone every Friday afternoon by a specalist brass teacher. Last Friday children showed their parents and the rest of the school how much they have learnt over the year. 

Have a look at the videos below taken at the year 5 family worship.