Music
Mrs Janine Nichols
Key stage 3
What we study:
Musical topics incorporating performing, composing, listening and appraising skills.
Year 7 - We got Rhythm: Exploring the key elements of pulse and rhythm in music. Descriptive Music: Exploring the key elements of music including instruments and soundscapes. Pitch & Structure: Exploring the key elements of pitch and structure through keyboard work, composition, ensemble playing and technology. Performing Arts Cross Curricular Project: Performance Incorporating drama and music. Ukulele: Musical Futures based project learning the basics of how to play ukulele
Year 8 - African Music: Exploring the sounds of Africa. Music Medals: The opportunity to extend keyboard work to playing solo pieces and own choice pieces. Blues: How blues has influenced music of today through performance and composition, incorporating using instruments such as guitar, bass and drums. Dance Music: The key elements of dance music are explored and how to create dance music using music software Soundtrap. Covers: Composing a melody in many different ways and extending performance skills on band instruments to create a cover.
Year 9 - Building band skills: Continuing to embed instrument skills through band work. Film Music: How to fit music to moving images using music software Soundtrap and live performance. Songwriting: Looking at how to write and structure a song in a range of styles incorporating elements learnt throughout year 7 & 8. My Music: The chance to personalise learning and research an artist/composer of choice and learn to play a piece by them.
How we study
One lesson per week.
Lessons are practical based with student led tasks. Activities include individual and group performing and composing tasks as well as research and listening and appraising skills tasks.
Key stage 4
This course consists of the key elements in Music: Listening, Composing and Performing.
Two compositions will be submitted for assessment. For the performance paper candidates will record one solo and one ensemble piece, which can be instrumental or vocal. Additionally candidates have a 1 hour 30 minute listening examination in Year 11. This is based on a range of music taken from different areas of study, which include classical and film music, pop music styles and world music.
It is recommended that candidates should be a minimum of grade 3 on one instrument at the start of the course.
Course Content:
Performing (30%): 2 performances, one solo and one ensemble
Composing (30%): 2 compositions, one free choice and one set to a brief
Listening and Appraising (40%):Exam based on 4 areas of study: Pop music, film music, concertos and world music.
How we study:
3 lessons a week in Year 10 and 2 lessons a week in Year 11. Lessons are practical based with student led tasks. Activities include individual and group performing and composing tasks as well as research and listening and appraising skills tasks based on the Areas of Study.
LVHS & SFC Music Co-curricular Opportunities
Current clubs being run
Training orchestra - for students from beginners to grade 3 or 4. To help students to start to learn ensemble skills and improve their sight reading and technical skill on their instrument. Older, more experienced students encouraged to lead the group and/or sections
Orchestra - for students grade 4 upwards. Range of repertoire studied including classical, pop, jazz, film, musicals.
Senior wind band - for students grade 4 upwards. Range of repertoire studied including traditional concert band pieces, pop, film, jazz, musicals.
Vocal group - choir for all ages singing a range of genres in 1, 2 or 3 parts
Rhapsodie - chamber ensemble choir for female voices singing a range of repertoire for up to 4 voice parts
Give it a go club - Aimed at key stage 3 students who are new to music and want to experience a range of skills on top of those learnt in the classroom e.g. ukulele, boomwhackers, handbells, keyboards, glockenspiels, band skills etc
Band mentoring - run by Thirst School of Music. Bands set up by students in year 7 - 11 and coached each week in preparation for Battle of the Bands competition each year
School Production - involves students in year 7 - 13 both in acting, singing, student musicians, sound, lighting, choreography and directing.
Clubs that have also taken place in the past or can be run if suitable personnel and interest:
Swing band - designed for older students to focus on jazz and swing music and provide performance opportunities out in the community
Brass band
Sax quintet
Any chamber ensemble
Ukulele club
Guitar club
Keyboard club
