Sing Loud!

Using simple songs and rhymes, Sing Loud! (formerly Singing Out), aims to encourage lower primary children to develop their singing and musicianship in an enjoyable environment. The 35 minute sessions include a mixture of singing & rhythm games, simple songs using Kodaly principles as well as other singing exercises and techniques, use of simple props such as puppets, parachutes and percussion instruments. All props are provided by the practitioner.

Sing Loud! aims to:

• Build confidence in speaking and singing both individually and as a class.

• Develop a sense of rhythm and moving to the beat.

• Build skills in clapping rhythms through matching the word patterns of songs & rhymes.

• Develop their singing voice and understand difference between singing, speaking and whispering.

• Develop listening skills and pitching of their voices.

We strongly encourage classroom staff to be actively engaged in the sessions, and to practise with their classes during the week.

The games and songs used during the sessions will be chosen for their ease of integration into the regular school day and potential for Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL). It is hoped to weave these games and songs into the heart of the school daily activities. The Sing Loud! practitioner will be available to assist with questions and advice throughout the duration of the project, which will run for 9 weeks.

Sing Loud! aims to fill the gaps in East Lothian schools which are not covered by the team of music specialists, thereby extending and complementing music making opportunity for the early junior years.

Children’s feedback

‘I love Shuna coming in because she let’s us sing lots of songs’.

 ‘I like that she teaches us new songs’.

 ‘I love singing ‘best day of my life’ and ‘green green grass’

‘I like singing with Shuna’

‘I like when she sings’

‘I like giving her hugs ‘

Staff feedback:

Lots of new ideas to continue using in class.’

‘Lots of hand eye coordination in the songs’

‘Lots of repetition’

‘Shuna is super enthusiastic and has a lovely manner with the children’

‘Really nice for the children to have an opportunity to learn modern pop songs’

 ‘From my point of view Shuna has been fantastic from the start, she engaged with the children straight away and immediately the class knew her name, her expectations and were fully focussed throughout each session.’

‘The children regularly ask ‘when do we see Shuna again?’ and they have never got ready in the morning as quick as they do on a Tuesday when I remind them that we are meeting her.

She has made a great impression on the children, and, in a good way, I often have to ask them to stop singing as her songs are sung throughout the week in anticipation and preparation for the following Tuesday. They are very catchy and we cant help a wee sing song at the end of each day.’

‘ It’s a small class of 12 pupils, but within this class there a significant number of pupils with additional learning and emotional needs. Shuna delivered the sessions in a very lively and engaging manner. Her energy really uplifted us and encouraged all to engage. She was fantastic at learning everyone’s names.’

‘I think everyone felt valued, included and that they were making progress with their singing and confidence. It was great to see them progress. The songs were fresh, fun and challenging . The pace was quick and Shuna adapted so beautifully to the children’s responses.’

Parent Feedback

At the recent parent consultation appointments, many parents said their child’s highlight of this term was ‘singing with Shuna’. The music has been ‘just what the class needed’ and we have enjoyed a mix of rhythm, rhyme and hilarity as they experienced traditional songs as well modern pop songs and dance. (East Linton Primary).

‘My son is in her class and has absolutely loved the sessions with you!!!! He has been showing us all the songs and dances you have taught him.’

The YMI outcome for this project is:

Young people have more opportunities to take part in enjoyable and quality music-making opportunities