Music in the Curriculum
Music at All Hallows is built on the simple motto of ‘Music For All, By All’ where every child is instilled with the joy of performing, encouraged to take part in an ensemble, be it in class or in concert, and empowered with the practical skills to create their own music, so that they leave us ready and keen to further their studies at senior school and university.
The practical element of class music is paramount. All pupils from Nursery through to Year 8 quickly become used to music classes full of singing, playing and composing, all in the same lesson. A wide range of percussion instruments from around the world are always near to hand which allows for each class to play three or four different rhythms at the same time.
Although there are many topics across the years, the Michaelmas Term covers the History of Classical Music from Baroque to Modern, the Lent Term explores the history of Pop Music from The Blues to the Beatles, and the Summer Term is all about music from around the world from Reggae to Rhumba.
From Year 2 onwards, reading music notation is introduced as the children play xylophones and glockenspiels. At this time, they begin to use electronic keyboards for melodies and composition work. As they progress through the school, more emphasis is placed on learning to play chords and bass lines.
From Year 5 upwards every child has the opportunity to play in a band. Whatever the theme of the lessons, the pupils work in small groups building their own arrangement using keyboards, bass guitar, drumkit and vocals, culminating with performances to each other towards the end of term.
The boundless energy and enthusiasm of our Director of Music, Kim Foster, is infectious and it is inspiring our children to take their music to the next level. Music at All Hallows is thriving.
Some quotes from parents...
"Just wanted to say what a fantastic evening it has been. Beautifully and sensitively put together and lots of talented children ( and staff !)We have been to lots of concerts but as you said tonights theme was different and I think commemorated the anniversary of the Great War perfectly. Lovely to have a packed out Chapel too.....Team (xxx) have enjoyed participating in it all...we had to listen to all the hymns and sings on Spotify this morning on the school run...had a very rousing version of I vow to thee...as we were trundling along on the A37 ! Well done to you Mr C and all the team."
"I just wanted to email to thank you so much for the wonderful evening you gave us yesterday. It was so thoughtfully put together and well organised and it was a lovely way to commemorate Remembrance Day and help the children to understand and appreciate the significance of it whilst also taking the opportunity to show the huge talent of the children involved. I know how much work goes into evenings like it and how much effort is needed to make it all go so smoothly and look so effortless and it was very much appreciated."