Music
Music and music based activities are an important part of life at Dove House, in and out of the classroom. They are prepared and presented with close reference to the National Curriculum, and with special attention to each pupil’s needs, ability, and interests.
Musical activity features in every pupil’s timetable ( one 45 minute lesson per week ) throughout Key Stage 3. Formal lesson time is set aside for listening to, and talking about, a wide variety of music, but priority is given to the encouragement of active music-making.
Our musical agenda is built around fostering:
• individual self-confidence
• pride and pleasure in group activity
• acquisition of basic musical skills
• a basic understanding of how music is made
• interest in musical instruments how they work
• the enjoyment of singing
• awareness of music’s many roles in society, both formal
and informal.
To fulfil this agenda, we work closely with pupils to plan activities which offer enjoyment and success in one or more aspects of music, be it listening, learning or performing.
To this end, activities are based in a dedicated performing arts
studio, well supported by musical instruments, sound and recording
equipment, recorded music on disc, printed music and published teaching
material.
Pupils are introduced to a range of instruments, and individuals
who show particular strengths and interests are offered tuition
individually or in small groups.
The instrumental teaching programme includes:
• guitar (classical and popular)
• percussion (drum-kit, xylophones, ethnic drumming)
• recorder (beginners and continuation)
• brass (cornet, trombone and euphonium)
• fun music ensemble:
(guitar, ukulele, washboard, tea-chest
bass, kazoo!)
• singing
Pupils are encouraged to perform for each other in the class-room and in the school assembly. A number of well established groups who rehearse and perform regularly to the rest of the school ( and sometimes at venues outside school ) include –
• the school choir
• recorder groups
• a rock group (operating under a variety of colourful names
. . . )
• a ukelele band
• a xylophone and percussion ensemble
• a doum-doum & djembe band (West African-style rhythms)
Occasional performances and workshops led by top professional musicians help to focus the pupils’ understanding and enjoyment of classical and popular music traditions.
Suggestions for new musical activities and directions are always welcome !
