In music in Year 5, we are looking at South and West African music. We learned a South African song called ‘Shosholoza’ and then we learned to play 4 chords on the glockenspiel to accompany the song. We played these as a chord progression and sang along with a few drums to keep our rhythm on track. We thoroughly enjoyed it and Mrs Rennie thought we were marvellous!
We have been learning to play the ukulele in Year 5 this year. To show off our amazing progress we held a ukulele concert for our parents and carers to attend. Our first was called my dog has fleas. This was the first song we learned to play and we used a strumming pattern with open strings. Our second song used the chord ‘C’ and demonstrated musical dynamics. In music the letter F means ‘LOUDLY’ and the letter P means ‘play quietly’. The following song was ‘Three Little Birds by Bob Marley and we used chords C, F and G. Alfie Back demonstrated the chorus in 5LR and Kaiden, Cameron and Amelia Q and Amelia H sang in 5AE. We then did ‘Shotgun’ by George Ezra. In this song we used plectrums and a strumming pattern called the island strum. The Wellerman song was one of our favourites and we followed that with our final song which was ‘Country Road’ by John Denver. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, both the musicians and the audience.
Choir children had a great time participating in The Big Sing at the Glasshouse in Gateshead. We sang lots of songs with a live band and had lots of fun.
Year 3 had a fantastic morning out at the Word, where they had the opportunity to listen to live music. We loved the band ‘Different Voices’ and really enjoyed being able to join in with the singing and dancing.
Year 6 visited West Boldon Lodge to listen and join in with the local South Tyneside band, Different Voices. It was an amazing opportunity for pupils to listen to a live band and discuss instruments and see and hear them being played by talented musicians. Many of us had a brilliant sing along and dance and thoroughly enjoyed our music trip. We were also given the opportunity to explore the wooded area and take part in a bug hunt as well as toast marshmallows on an open fire. It was a wonderful morning.
The children enjoyed a session with Mr O during the day.
The whole school enjoyed a fabulous assembly led by Mr. O, the drumming teacher. He talked about the drums he had brought with him and explained where they came from. He taught everyone to chant a rhythm, stamping their feet to certain beats. Some lucky children were also chosen to play the drums, while everyone else counted the rhythm. We all had a great time.
On Thursday 11th January, we were visited by Will from a group called Rocksteady. He taught us about the various musical instruments such as an electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drumkit that make up a band and we listened carefully to the different sounds they made. We enjoyed singing and dancing to various songs that Will sang and played.
On Wednesday 5th July, choir took part in the Big Sing at the Sage. We had a great time and loved performing the songs that we had practised with a live band.
We went to West Boldon Lodge to sing-a-long with a live band as part of South Tyneside’s ‘Different Voices’ project. Before the band’s performance, we sat around a campfire and toasted marshmallows. We also made a name necklace using natural materials.
