Windstars Info

We are delighted to introduce Windstars, an exciting opportunity for children to begin their musical journey and develop the skills and confidence needed to become successful young musicians.

Many families may already be familiar with our current music pathway. In P6, all pupils are provided with a real musical instrument and receive tuition through our partnership with Aberdeen City Music Service. Pupils can then continue their musical development in P7 through our after-school band, with further opportunities available throughout secondary school.

To help children develop key skills and confidence before they reach P6, we are now introducing Windstars for pupils in P4 and P5.

How does Windstars work?

Windstars is an optional programme that children complete independently at home. It is designed for children who are enthusiastic about music and willing to commit to regular practice.

Following an introductory session, which parents and carers will be invited to attend, children will be helped to choose a suitable starter instrument based on their mouth shape:

• Toot (a starter flute)

• Dood (a starter clarinet)

Children will then take their instrument home and be given access to our dedicated Windstars website.

Learning through "Sound Before Sight"

The programme follows a "Sound Before Sight" approach. Rather than focusing immediately on reading music, children first learn by listening carefully to tunes and attempting to recreate them on their instrument.

Music notation is provided, but the emphasis is on developing a strong musical ear and listening skills. The resources also include simple visual note guides to help children identify the correct notes as they begin.

The Windstars Units

Windstars is organised into a series of units that gradually increase in difficulty.

As children progress, they will:

• Learn new notes and fingerings.

• Develop better control of their instrument.

• Play increasingly complex melodies.

• Build confidence and musical independence.

Each unit includes:

• Audio recordings of the tune played on both the Toot and Dood.

• Practice resources to support independent learning.

• A backing track that children can play along with once they feel confident.

Celebrating Success

We want children to feel proud of their achievements.

For every five units successfully completed, children will receive a certificate to celebrate their progress. They will also be encouraged to perform to their peers during Clan Time, helping them develop confidence and experience performing in front of others.

Moving on to Windstars 2

Children who successfully complete all 15 units of Windstars 1 and demonstrate confidence and a good standard of playing will have the opportunity to progress to Windstars 2.

At this stage, pupils move on to a more advanced instrument:

• Children playing the Dood can choose between clarinet and saxophone.

• Children playing the Toot will progress to a full-sized flute.

Windstars 2 contains a further set of units designed to continue developing musical skills and prepare children for future opportunities within school music programmes.

A Long-Term Musical Journey

Windstars is designed to create a clear pathway into our P6 instrumental programme and beyond. Through regular practice, perseverance and enjoyment, children can develop valuable musical skills that may lead to participation in school bands, music groups and continued instrumental tuition throughout their school career.

We look forward to seeing our young musicians begin their Windstars journey and discover the enjoyment, confidence and sense of achievement that learning an instrument can bring.