Hi everyone, 

I hope you are all keeping well. Just an update on the Musical activities that the children have been undertaking at Harton so far this year.

Each Year group has access to new music software called ‘Charanga’.  There are hundreds of modern songs and each scheme enables children to use musical instruments to accompany their compositions.

In Year 3, the children have been learning how to play the Djembe drums. They have learned how to follow patterns, understand the connection between ‘tempo’ and ‘pulse’ and maintain a steady beat. They have been doing so well!

In Year 4, Mr Bird has been teaching the children how to play the keyboard. They have learned basic key notation and how to play some simple melodies. It is sounding great!

Year 5 children have been working with a teacher from South Tyneside’s Music Hub called Rhys. Two classes in Year 5 so far have been using the Ipads to create music on an app called ‘GarageBand’. The children are shown how to compose a simple beat pattern and then add in other instruments. They explore a different range of tempo and sequences and create a ‘layered’ piece of music that even the best DJ artists would be proud of! 

Here are some examples of the music the children in Year 5 composed, using the app ‘GarageBand’

A selection of Year 6 children have had the opportunity to learn a brass instrument with Mr. Storey in a small group setting. They have learned basic notation, some more complex pieces of music and are beginning to learn how to read music. 

Every Year group has Singing with Mr. Richardson where they practise songs for a concert which is performed for all parents. These sessions are vital for children to learn the correct pitch, tempo and harmonies required in each song. 

We hope this gives an insight into all the wonderful music which is taking place as we continue to promote the Arts here at Harton.