At Hamstead Junior School we aim to give the children an experience of learning to play a range of musical instruments that they can learn and develop further if they choose to. We also believe it is important to give them performance opportunities both in and out of school.
Weekly Instrument lessons
At HPS, we are keen to give the children the experience of trying different instruments so they can find their preferred instrument or hidden talent. This begins in EYFS and KS1 with weekly lessons that focus on rhythm and beat patterns by using percussion instruments. This is enhanced by learning and singing a range of songs.
As children move into KS2, there have the opportunity to learn and play the Ukulele and start to get an understanding of chords and basic rhythm patterns. When in Year 6, the children have the opportunity to play in a school Rock Band. These weekly sessions give the children the opportunity to each play different instruments and learn how to play as part of an ensemble. Rock band teaches children to listen to each other and keep in time with a given beat whilst all playing different rhythms and notes.
Singing
Every week, our children experience a singing assembly where they recap old school favourites or are taught how to sing a new song. Songs vary in traditional school assembly music, songs from musicals or films to songs that are in the charts that have a message for us to learn or sing about.
Performances
With different year groups learning different instruments, children participate in two performances (or concerts) a year. The first one is always at Christmas followed by one in the summer.
At HPS, we believe music is important for three reasons:
1. It develops an understanding in a subject that children can create a wonderful career from.
2. It allows children to grow in confidence and can sometimes give even the quietest of pupils a chance to shine.
3. Music is great for helping people with their mental health by enabling them to relax or just have fun whether listening to or playing music.
“Well done to all. The concert was amazing! I was surprised at how much you’ve all learnt in such a short amount of time.” – Year 3 Parent
“An amazing clarinet concert. The children have all worked very hard learning the music in such a short space of time. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to seeing some more performances!” – Year 5 Parent.
