Blackgates Primary School
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Music

NATIONAL CURRICULUM CLASS MUSIC

Each class in school has a weekly music lesson. These lessons are given by Mrs Swain, Mrs Latto and Mrs Lister. On the whole, the lessons follow the Music Express scheme of work, supplemented by other activities.

Foundation and Key Stage 1 classes also benefit from our singing teacher, Mr Parnell, who works very closely with the KS1 staff in music.

Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 have a weekly singing lesson with Mr Parnell, in addition to their music lessons.

TASTER INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

Every child in Year 2 takes part in a short `taster` course in playing the recorder. All children are then able to continue learning in Year 3.

Year 3 have an additional weekly music lesson with Mr Bellwood and Mr Parnell. This lesson includes singing, playing the recorder, and taster sessions/demonstrations on violin, flute, clarinet and brass instruments. As well as being valuable hands-on experience, the taster lessons have proved to be useful for both pupils and teacher as regards deciding whether to take up an instrument, and what type of instrument would be suitable.

INSTRUMENTAL TUITION

Instrumental lessons at Blackgates are available on violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, cornet, tenor horn, baritone and euphonium. At present, there are about 60 children learning these instruments. No charge is made for lessons. We have a number of instruments available for loan, but do encourage pupils to purchase their own once they have been playing for a while.

Woodwind Lessons are given by Mrs Hirst on Wednesdays, and Mr Parnell on Fridays. Lessons on Stringed Instruments are given by Mr Bellwood, currently on Thursdays. Mr Bailey visits the school on Fridays to teach Brass Instruments.

The taster lessons offered in Years 2 and 3 plays a large part in helping both pupils and teachers decide on an instrument. Once a pupil has begun having regular instrumental lessons, we expect them to work hard and persevere. There will inevitably be some times when the pupil finds the work difficult, or temporarily loses interest; but this can be overcome with help from the teacher and if necessary from the child`s class teacher and parent or carer.

Many of the instrumental lessons take place during the lunch hour, though due to the time restrictions, a few lessons have to take place either just before lunch or just after. The reason for this is to try to avoid having small numbers of children leaving their classes at 15 or 20 minute intervals, thus disrupting mainstream lessons. It must be stressed that the fact that the lessons are at lunchtime does not make them an optional activity. Pupils receiving lessons should attend them every week, unless they are not well enough to do so.

After they have been playing their instrument for about one term, pupils then take part in either the school orchestra wind band or brass band.

As soon as recorder players have reached an appropriate standard (usually in Year 5) they move on to the Advanced Recorder Ensemble.

Unfortunately, we do not currently offer lessons on Keyboard at school, but keyboard classes are available at South Leeds Music Centre, which meets at Blackgates on Friday evenings.

Many of our musicians continue with their studies after they have left Blackgates, and in the past, several have gone on to study music at college and/or take up music as a career.

ENSEMBLES

STRING ORCHESTRA

The String Orchestra meets on Thursdays, and consists of violins, violas, and cellos. The emphasis is on inclusion for all; children who have been playing these instruments for only a short while are able to play easy parts, alongside some of the more advanced players. As with the Junior band, the emphasis is on inclusion for all; children who have been playing these instruments for only a short while are able to play easy parts, alongside some of the more advanced players.

BRASS BAND

The Brass Band consists of trumpets, cornets, tenor horns, baritones and percussion. As with the String Orchestra, the emphasis is on inclusion for all; children who have been playing these instruments for only a short while are able to play easy parts, alongside some of the more advanced players. The rehearsals are directed by Mr Bellwood, and are currently held on Fridays.

WIND BAND

The Wind Band consists of flutes, clarinets, saxophones, baritones, and percussion. Like the other groups, easy parts are available, so beginners are able to take part very quickly. Currently, the rehearsals are on Fridays.

ADVANCED BRASS ENSEMBLE

Mr Bailey directs this group on Fridays; this is an ensemble for the more advanced brass players.

ADVANCED RECORDERS

Advanced Recorders meets at 1.00 on Fridays, and consists of recorder players mainly from Years 5 and 6. Sine their earlier lessons in previous years on Descant Recorder, many of the children have now moved on to larger sizes of recorder such as treble, tenor and bass.

ADVANCED ORCHESTRA

Advanced Orchestra meets on Thursdays from 3.30 to 4.15, and is offered as an optional activity for players of any instrument who are well beyond the beginner standard, and wish to play more advanced pieces. As well as playing music, though, the sessions also include scales/arpeggios, music theory, aural training, and general musical knowledge.

CHOIR

Our school choir meets on Wednesday afternoons with Mrs Oliver. Approximately 60 children sing in the choir, and work hard in their rehearsals to attain a very good standard of performance. The choir has represented Blackgates at numerous events in and around Leeds.

If you would like any more information about music at Blackgates, please click here to contact a member of the music staff.