Building a sense of community
It’s often been said there's a real buzz around the music department and students are motivated, work well together and support each other. Today I had the pleasure of reading a blog by Abigail D'Amore, who is CEO of Musical Futures, and watching the short clips she made of musical activities taking place in the hour she was here. http://www.abigaildamore.com/?p=155.
Students from Year 8 and Year 12 spoke passionately about music and demonstrated skills on instruments across a range of styles - we had Year 8's creating an arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon, Year 12 playing salsa music and drummers from Year 7 using Hip-Hop beats to create a percussion piece. Nothing unusual in that I guess, but I also know what happened during the rest of the day - peripatetic lessons in Asian Singing, Tabla/Dhol and oboe, KS4 Whole Class Band, Brass Ensemble, Chamber Group, informal rehearsals at lunchtime set up and run by students, our 'open'DJ system in the hallway for students hanging around at lunchtime, more teaching in the afternoon and the rehearsals for Fame, our school production. Just another day but full of opportunities for students to feel valued and part of something positive.
What are the strategic plans or ingredients for building a 'buzzing' department? For us, it has been about establishing an environment where all students feel valued and all forms of music are celebrated and supported. We try to offer a range of pathways for students, whether it be informally playing in a rock band, djing in the hallway, singing in a choir, learning with friends in the classroom or preparing for a grade on a chosen instrument. A large number of our students would not be exposed to music as much as some at home so it's up to us to support them and give them the belief that music is for everyone, not just the select few. It's therefore vitally important that classroom music is engaging with opportunities for all to develop skills that not only benefit music making, but build on the transferable learning skills that can be used across all subjects. Without our strong KS3 programme of study many of our students would not engage in our extra-curricular activities that are so important in building a school community.
I am also a strong believer in the importance of ensemble playing and the role this has in creating a strong school ethos. We have a policy that if you learn an instrument you also become a member of one of the school ensembles and for Year 7s, you also sing in the choir. We have groups that are open to all and some that are for the more able, all of equal value and perform alongside each other. Drumworks is one of our largest ensembles and is an example of working in partnership with an arts organisation that builds a community not only in school, but across East London where students from all abilities and age come together to make music that they own.
Today started at 7:30am with our Staff Band, a beginner’s concert band open to all staff who perform with our school Big Band in whole school assemblies. At lunchtime we had Ukulele Orchestra, made up of students and staff who come together once a week to sing and play. What makes these ensembles special is that once you join, you become known as the trombone player in the band, not the Head Teacher, or the ukulele player who has a great voice rather than the quiet girl sitting at the back of the class. Roles change and relationships build, creating a real 'buzz'.
I've included a short clip of the Ukulele Orchestra working towards a performance at the end of year assembly, enjoy!
