Music

Our ethos is to make music enjoyable and relevant for all and this can be seen in the various topics taught and through the range of activities available in Extra Curricular Activities. In Year 8, pupils will continue to develop listening, appraisal, improvisation, composition and performance skills. They will develop a deeper understanding of music theory in practice, and some of our work will focus on areas of Wider Listening from the new GCSE syllabus. Pupils will also use a range of music software to ensure that those who wish to continue music study at GCSE will be suitably prepared.

Programmatic Music

This topic enables students to learn about how music can tell a story in its own right or enhance the mood and action on screen. Through learning about the elements of music and using Bandlab music software, students first devise their own storyboard for a scene and then provide its soundtrack.

Jazz

Having studied the Blues in year 7, students will learn about its progression into the soundworld of Jazz. They will learn about the musical thumbprints of the genre whilst developing their improvising skills.

Chords and Melody

Using the starting point of the ‘four chord song’, students will develop their knowledge of chord progressions and cadences and learn how to harmonise a melody.

Arranging and Remixing

Students will use music technology software to produce a remix of a well known song. Through developing their awareness of instrumental colour and structure, students will be encouraged to put their creativity to the fore in gen

Samba

The summer term sees the students learning about the stylistic conventions of Samba music and performing a piece as a whole class ensemble.

Extra Curricular Activities

All students are encouraged to take part in at least one of the many free extra-curricular musical

activities on offer. In Year 8 this includes Glee Choir, A cappella choir, ukulele Club, Concert and Training Orchestras, String ensemble, Flute Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Razzmajazz, Strood Consort, Rockschool sessions and Aural & Theory sessions. All of these groups cater for different standards, making music inclusive for all.

Instrumental Lessons

In addition, there are opportunities for students to learn a musical instrument as a paid extra-curricular

activity. These include flute, recorder, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, double

bass, drum-kit, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, electric guitar and singing.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through individual composition tasks using both Bandlab and Sibelius notation software.

Students will also be assessed in both individual and ensemble performance, using classroom instruments, their own instruments and instruments specific to the musical genre.

Developing aural and music theory skills are embedded within the scheme of work and the activities and tasks generated by the learning programme. The music department runs separate, weekly aural and music theory sessions to further support students in developing their skills. These are particularly beneficial for those students wishing to take music in Year 9 and beyond.

If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Miss Kirsty Nimmo, Head of Music, on kn@farlingtonschool.com