The Music Department has a clear ethos to make music enjoyable and relevant for all. We hope you will see this in the various topics taught and through the range of activities available in our extra-curricular activities. Pupils consolidate the skills learnt up to Year 7 and develop listening, appraisal, improvisation, composition and performance skills, along with an understanding of music theory through the following projects:
During this in-depth study of programme music, pupils will explore descriptive and emotive use of musical devices, with particular focus on leitmotif. Students will gain an understanding of the influence of music from the Romantic Era on modern film music composers. They will learn to use graphic scores, and compose their own soundtracks and film music.
Through practical and aural work, pupils will develop knowledge of the 12 Bar Blues and gain an understanding of the influence and use of this chord sequence across jazz and rock genres. They will gain historical understanding of the origins of blues and jazz music, develop their keyboard skills, and learn to improvise both rhythmically and melodically on a variety of instruments.
An exploration of music traditions from Africa and Asia, with specific focus on rhythmic and compositional devices. Pupils will learn about the role of music in different cultures and learn alternative compositional methods, whilst gaining knowledge of ethnic instruments such as the gamelan and djembe. Students will compose their own music using cyclic patterns.
The Music Department actively encourages all students to take part in at least one of the many free extra-curricular musical activities on offer, which include choirs, ensembles and orchestras. All of these groups cater for different standards, so students are welcome to join any group which is appropriate for developing their individual musical skills.
In addition, there are opportunities for students to learn a musical instrument or take singing lessons as a paid extra-curricular activity. Options include flute, recorder, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, double bass, drums, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar and singing.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Miss Kirsty Nimmo, Head of Music, on kn@farlingtonschool.com