All students in Year 7 receive two hours of music lessons every fortnight in mixed ability groups. The music curriculum offered is focused on three main areas: Performance, Composition and Listening. We we strive to provide a varied, exciting and stimulating experience that is largely focused on practical work and making music together. The topics we study in year 7 are:
MUSICAL DIMENSIONS
A great introduction to Music at Longhill High School where students working in small groups are tasked to create their own ostinatos (repeating rhythms) using a variety of instruments.
CHINESE MUSIC
A look into traditional Chinese music. Students learn what instruments are used and introduced to the pentatonic scale. Lots of opportunity for group composition and performances.
BLUES MUSIC
Students study the history of blues music and its origins. On the keyboards all students are taught the blues scale and how to form and play chords. They will listen to blues music and learn a blues song. This unit it great to help students develop their keyboard skills.
INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA
Students get a real insight as to what is involved in a symphony orchestra. They study the instruments and where they are positioned. Students will develop their listening skills. The unit culminates in a whole class ‘orchestral’ performance using the keyboards and percussion.
SOUNDATION
This is an exciting unit that allows students to create their own Electronic Dance Music using the computers. They consider how beats/sounds fit together and learn how to develop music using an A B A structure.
SAMBA
Students will be working together in small groups and as a whole class ensemble to learn the basics of Samba music. The focus will be on rhythm and tempo and builds on their experience of making music together.