Welcome to the Music Department
At the Towers, we recognise that music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It brings together intellect and feeling and encourages personal expression, emotional development and reflection. Music is central to many parts of education at the Towers and enriches the Catholic ethos of the school. As an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps pupils to understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider community. In line with the school mission and vision statements, we value each individual equally, and help all pupils to flourish, developing their own talents and valuing the unique gifts of all around them. The teaching of music develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. It encourages active involvement in many different forms of music making, both individual and communal, developing a sense of group identity, and allowing all pupils to fulfil their potential. It also increases self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment.
Students making Music In the Music Room
PRINCIPLES
The music curriculum at all key stages is about developing an active engagement in making and responding to music and ensuring progression through the integration of musical skills, knowledge and understanding. The programme of study develops pupils’ ability to listen carefully, exploring how sounds can be organised to create mood and effect. Pupils will look in depth at a wide range of musical genres from different cultures in order to gain a broader appreciation and understanding of music through listening, performing, composing and appraisal.
Music lessons are designed to increase pupils’ sensitivity to sounds and other performers. It is about developing musical expression and musical creativity, using notations and ICT to support making and responding to music.
Learning IntentionsThe knowledge, skills and understanding outlined in the National Curriculum programmes of study are:
- Performing - controlling sounds through singing and playing.
- Composing - creating and developing musical ideas.
- Appraising - responding and reviewing.
- Listening - developing listening techniques and applying knowledge and understanding.
Progression through the scheme is seen in terms of challenge, breadth and quality defined within the following areas:
- Ongoing skills - instrumental and vocal performing, listening and responding.
- Descriptive skills - using and controlling the expressive musical elements (e.g. for effects and moods in sound/art/literature)
- Disciplined skills - rhythmic skills (pulse and rhythm) and melodic skills (pitch and phrase)
- Ensemble skills - performing music.
All aspects of music are taught in line with school policies for:
- Teaching and learning
- Inclusion and special educational needs
Staff
| Mrs Heidi Gray | Key stages 1- 4. Senior Choir and Orchestra. Junior Choir and Orchestra. Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute and Recorder. |
| Ms Jane Haines | Musical theatre, piano and singing. |
| Mrs Vanessa Knowles | Flute |
| Mrs Diana Carey | Piano |
| Ms Ryder-Weldon | Singing and Recorder |
| Ms Abigail Wilsher | Violin |
| Miss Jenny Smith | Brass |
| Mrs Victoria Wilson | Piano |
| Ms Annette Williamson | Cello and Piano |
| Mr Robert Flynn | Guitar |
Year 7
Unit 1: Bridging Unit
Unit 2: Musicianship through Singing
Unit 3: Developing Rhythms
Unit 4: Chords and Musical Elements
Unit 5: Form & Structure
Unit 6: Instruments & Symbols
Year 8
Unit 7: Musical Arranging
Unit 8: Musicianship through Singing
Unit 9: Jazz Improvisation
Unit 10: Theme & Variations
Unit 11: Gamelan
Unit 12: Hooks & Riffs
Year 9
Unit 13: Musical Inspiration
Unit 14: Musicianship through Singing
Unit 15: Film Music
Unit 16: Song Writing
Year 10
Unit 1: Theory through Composition
Unit 2: Rhythm and Metre
Unit 3: Harmony and Tonality
Unit 4: Texture and Melody
Unit 5: Listening Skills
Unit 6: Timbre and Dynamics
Year 11
Unit 7: Structure and Form
Unit 8: Compositional Techniques
Unit 9: Controlled Assessment
Unit 10: Coursework Module
Unit 11: Revision and Development of Listening Skills
Extra Curricular
The music department provides a number of musical activities in addition to normal class work in both the junior and senior school. Both schools have their own choir and orchestra which give performances both within the school and at external venues.
Instrumental Lessons
The school offers individual tuition on the following instruments: Flute, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, violin, viola, cello, pianoforte, brass, guitar, singing and musical theatre. Fees are payable once a term for the lessons. A music scholarship is awarded annually in the senior school.
All senior pupils learning an orchestral instrument are encouraged to join the school orchestra.
Monitoring of individual lessons is carried out on a regular basis by the music co-ordinator. Peripatetic teachers are treated as members of the school teaching staff and should always be kept informed of all relevant issues for example, changes to timetable, educational visits, day closures, sports days etc.
A number of musical performances are held throughout the year and across the whole school. These include:- Christmas Productions (Junior and Senior)
- Open Day
- Regular School Liturgies
- Inter-House Music Competition
- Performing Arts Evening
- Annual External Choir Performance
There are also opportunities for the pupils to get involved in festivals, celebrations and fund-raising through music at various times of the year. Local musicians are also encouraged to become involved in school activities and pupils are taken to concerts whenever suitable.
Copyright
Towers Convent School
