Music

Music at Smallwood C.E Primary School

Music is a high-profile part of Smallwood, with all children taking part in a variety of musical experiences. Our aim is to encourage all children to enjoy music, to use music as a medium for the expression of their own ideas and feelings and to develop self-confidence and a sense of achievement through their music making.

In both Key Stages music is taught by a specialist music teacher (Mrs J. Darlington) as a timetabled lesson, with fun, engaging activities that give the children the opportunity to explore, compose and perform to a high standard.

Summer concerts and Christmas Nativity plays also expand the children’s repertoire of music.

Music Club (Smallwood Singing Sensations)

Children in Key Stage 2 can become a member of the after-school music club, in which we enjoy singing a wide repertoire of songs and working towards drama performances. We share our enthusiasm for music by going out into the wider community to perform to others and take part in competitions. The annual Summer Musical Production is a highlight of the school year, giving the children an opportunity to act and shine on stage.

Instrumental Tuition

Recorder Tuition

Year 1 and 2 are taught to play the descant recorder through weekly whole class lessons. The emphasis of these lessons is on early instrumental skills, rhythm work and performing with others. Basic staff notation is introduced at Year 2.

Keyboard Tuition

All children in KS2 have weekly keyboard lessons in our music room. Through these, musical elements are taught, alongside improvisation and composition. Children are encouraged to work at their own level in all the activities.

Private instrumental tuition

We currently have 2 peripatetic music companies (‘Music for Life’ and ‘Music for Schools’) that offer private instrumental tuition on a variety of piano, guitar, woodwind, brass and string instruments. Lessons are mostly during school hours and are paid for by the families involved, or through the pupil premium budget.

Orchestra

Once children reach a proficient standard on their instrument, they can join the school orchestra, with rehearsals held weekly. Our orchestra enjoys performing in the local community and within church services, as well as sometimes accompanying the hymn singing in our daily worship. Last year, our orchestra came first in the preliminary round of the Cheshire East Primary Schools Music Competition, an event which we were very proud of.

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