MUSIC at Woodchester Endowed Church of England Primary School
Woodchester School is extremely proud of the musical opportunities it provides for all its pupils.
Every child participates enthusiastically in a weekly whole school music assembly and is given opportunities to experience a wide range of singing styles and genres. As well as practising for songs and hymns for worship, this is a community activity which is fun and educational. We teach all the children about musical elements through a vast array of styles and type of song. We often sing as a whole school in up to four parts and the standard of singing is high. The singing quality in assembly has often been remarked on by visitors.
Our school offers all pupils the chance to attend the Young Voices Choir concert three times during their primary education. This involves regular practices and is a very popular extra-curricular activity with a choir of approximately forty children each time.
Participation in lessons is enthusiastic. As a school, we use the Kapow scheme which the children and staff find enjoyable. Each class teacher confidently teaches their own class and staff have been happy to attend the training offered. Each child’s achievement and effort is reported to parents annually.
All our children get the chance to learn an instrument as we use Gloucestershire Music whole class tuition opportunities. In the past we have learnt violin, trumpet, percussion and next year hope to include flute. This is an activity done within the school day and has led to many children continuing to play instruments. Our children are encouraged to borrow a county instrument to practise and we always publicise the opportunities given to join their music hubs.
Peripatetic teachers visit our school. We offer lessons in: drumming, woodwind and brass. The standard achieved can be Grade 3 and above by the end of Key Stage 2. We offer opportunities to children with pupil premium to have lessons. We also apply for funding for children with complex special needs to have lessons, highly valuing the beneficial, therapeutic qualities of music. We offer a recorder club with differentiated groups. This can often be a child’s first introduction to conventional notation.
Our school has a flourishing orchestra that meets weekly and performs at school events. It has also taken part in King’s School annual orchestra afternoon where children from across the county join as a huge orchestra; a fantastic opportunity for those involved.
Children are given the chance to practise their performance skills and to increase confidence by playing regularly in whole school worship times. The rest of the school are actively encouraged to be a quality audience, listening and appreciating as well as learning from those performing. Every year, we hold a music concert where all children who learn an instrument (both in and out of school) are encouraged to perform to the rest of the school and parents.
Juniper Class - an introduction to brass
During the Autumn term, Juniper Class had an opportunity to experience playing various brass instruments.
We were delighted to welcome parents and adults to school to listen to a celebratory concert of all the children's hard work and to enjoy their new musical skills. During the concert, we were introduced to different musical genres from around the world. Children developed their understanding of musical elements such as pitch, dynamics and timbre.
Playing to others takes lots of courage and concentration and everyone enjoyed this celebration of a new musical experience.
Well done, Juniper Class.
Carducci String Quartet
Autumn 22 23
On Tuesday 11th October, we were visited by the Carducci String Quartet following our application to the Painswick Music Society and request to benefit from their school recital programme.
Children in Hawthorn, Juniper and Willow classes were treated to 45 minutes of wonderful music making by four superbly talented professional musicians. Not only did they play a wide variety of music including compositions by Haydn, Beethoven and Phillip Glass, they were also extremely engaging and went out of their way to ensure that our children were involved in and enthused by the workshop. They packed in lots of musical learning too, teaching music vocabulary such as ‘glissando’, ‘pizzicato’ and ‘melodic theme’. During one piece of music, some children from Willow Class had to identify when an individual musician played the main theme by placing a large hat on their head. What a great way to learn!
It is so important for children to have the opportunity to watch live performances. Michelle, Emma, Matt and Eoin who make up the Carducci Quartet are full time professional musicians who play in orchestras around the country and even recorded the soundtrack for the film ‘Paddington’. They provided our children with a memorable and joyful experience and we are extremely grateful that they shared their immense talent with us. Use this link if you want to find out more about this talented quartet: Carducci Quartet
Piano Recital July 2021
As well as the normal end of year activities within classes, a number of other exciting events took place during the last week and a half of term, the first of which was a piano recital by concert pianist, Clare Hammond. Clare is a phenomenal pianist and it was a real treat to watch, listen and admire her innate musical talent. Clare also explained the context of the different pieces of music, enabling us to appreciate the musical expression. Juniper Class were a very respectful and appreciative audience, giving very complimentary feedback:
‘Passionate playing!’ Isaac
‘Really interesting to hear about different composers.’ Charlotte
‘Claire’s dedication was inspiring’ Amelia
‘I loved the variety of music.’ Mungo
‘An excellent experience.’ Savannah
‘Perfect playing.’ Abel
‘Memorable’ Emily
‘Thanks for sharing your talent.’ Olly J
‘Great musicality and story -telling. ’Eva
Drumming Concert
Here is Phil, our drumming teacher, presenting a drumming concert to the whole school. Many of his pupils entertained us with their drumming skills.
Our School Band
Here is our band playing lively Christmas music at St. Mary's Church.
Ensemble Playing
Our clarinet and recorder ensemble listen to each other and perform as one.
Music Mark Award 2023 2024
Mr Nick Steele from Glos Music visited us in 2020 to formally present our Music Mark award. We are so proud to have achieve Music Mark status every year since!
ISingPOP
Here we performed ISingPOP at two concerts in St. Mary's. Great singing and dancing, everyone, and what fun!
Infant Nativity
Our Year 2 children provide band accompaniment during the Infant Nativity.
Soloist Opportunities
Here is one of our talented soloists providing entertainment at the Christmas Fair.
