SMA Bulletin 191

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Supporting Music in Schools

the SCHOOLS MUSIC ASSOCIATION part of the Incorporated Society of Musicians

SUMMER 2016 No. 191 £2.50

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Hon. editor: Carole Lindsay-Douglas carole@lindsaymusic.co.uk tel: 01767-260815

Successful conclusion to Ocarina World Record legacy

On Wednesday 23 March 2016 Ocarina Workshop was invited to deliver a Teacher’s CPD training on behalf of the Liverpool Music Service ‘Resonate’.

Held at Resonate’s purpose-built facility in Liverpool, twenty primary school teachers were in attendance, many of whom are Music Coordinators. A quick survey showed that some do not teach with tuned musical instruments and around half do not read music, so are not confident in delivering whole-class music lessons. None of the schools represented currently use ocarinas so this was a completely new experience for everyone.

The two-hour session, enthusiastically delivered by David Liggins, was extremely interactive and hands-on. All the teachers received a free Ocarina and music to take away, enabling them to learn a new instrument from scratch and then continue playing after the training. The gifts and training were all a legacy of the SMA’s Guinness World Record success at the Royal Albert Hall in 2013.

Following David’s introduction of the first few notes using Ocarina Flashcards, all were soon playing a full octave. And within half an hour, everyone was playing medleys of tunes from ‘Play your Ocarina’ Book 1, following the Oc-box charts. The teachers were clearly impressed that they had learned to play a new musical instrument in such a short

time. And those listening were impressed by the quality of sound that these ‘beginner’ players made.

After two hours, everyone was thoroughly enjoying playing together, reading music and playing new tunes from ‘1-2-3 Ocarina’. The relaxed and informative session led to Event Evaluation Feedback that unanimously voted the session “Excellent”, with an average increase in musical confidence of between 50% and over 100%. In some cases this moved the teacher from not teaching, to being willing to teach instrumental music. Comments hastily scribbled at the end included many variations of “Clear, practical and a lot of fun” and “Brilliant session. Very interactive and feel very positive.”

This was the final SMA Guinness World Record Legacy Event.

Since October 2013, SMA and Ocarina Workshop have

equipped a total of 6,000 children and adults with Ocarinas and Music for the Royal Albert Hall’s “Largest Ocarina Ensemble” and for follow-on events and trainings at St James’ Park Newcastle and at school venues in Sunderland, Liverpool, Southampton, Barnet and Central Bedfordshire. Over 90 schools are now permanently equipped and trained for whole-class Ocarina music lessons.

David and Christa Liggins would like to thank all in SMA who helped to establish a long-standing Guinness World Record, and a legacy for generations of children who are now able to make music regularly with their own teachers, in their own classrooms, across the country.

Christa Liggins

Music alive and well on the Isle of Man Along with ISM-SMA Member Douglas Coombes, I was delighted to have been invited to The BuchanSchool and King William’s College on the Isle of Man to present workshops with the whole of Buchan School and to work with The Chapel Choir and the GCSE music group at King William’s College. Head of The Buchan School music department is ISM-SMA Member Sue Mills, who has made the most of her relatively small, yet very well equipped music room.

She manages to rehearse her thriving school orchestra in it as well as her choirs and utilises every inch of wall space - and even the backs of chairs, to make colourful displays. Sue has created a very lively and welcoming atmosphere as you will see from these photos. Carole Lindsay-Douglas

Left top & middle- Douglas Coombes working with the orchestra Bottom left - chairbacks are ideal for information sheets. Above - Sue Mills at the keyboard. Below - more decorative work and bottom right - even a street name in Castletown has musical connections.

SMA One-day Primary CPD Course 21 Oct Letchworth, Herts - Booking now open SMAe

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CPD tical MUSIC One-day prac at KS 1 & 2 rs for all teache ober 2016 at ct erts O 21 Friday tchworth, H AY Hotel, Le W D The BROA Andy Glead hill

ANDY GLEADHILL Bringing many cultures to life in your music lessons at KS 1 & 2 Using readily available classroom instruments, Andy Gleadhill, highly experienced multi-cultural percussion expert, will demonstrate, in this practical presentation, ways of creating a diverse range of musical styles eg: African, South American, Indian and Spanish music.

Andy’s engaging style will involve everyone in a ‘learning through doing’ session and will provide plenty of follow up ideas to enable you and your pupils create music which incorporates the essential elements of these varied cultures.

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SMA One-day Primary CPD Course Letchworth, Herts 21 Oct 2016 I wish to book my place on ‘Music at the centre of school life’. Cost £75 per delegate.

q I enclose payment of £________ [cheque payable to ‘ISM’ please] OR

q Please invoice my employer Name of school etc.

Address for invoice:

Your NAME: Email address for all correspondence Tel. no(for emergencies only)

RUTH KENWARD Put on a musical, build a community!

This session will explore the enormous enrichment potential in putting on a show, not only for the personal development of children involved, but for the benefit of the whole school community. The importance of choosing relevant subject matter will be considered, practical advice about putting on a musical will be given, and there will be simple song and dance activities using a Starshine musical.

SUE NICHOLLS Music at the heart of your KS1 and 2 Curriculum This is a practical workshop in which delegates will experience accessible and useful material that connects music to the primary curriculum. The repertoire explored today will enhance teaching and learning across both key stages, offering material that supports singing, performing, improvising, composing and listening skills. Detailed hand-out notes will be available on the day JO VAIZEY Tuneful Technology: Internet & iPads in Primary Music Technology has played a key role in raising the profile of Music amongst students and parents at the primary school, where Jo Vaizey is the head of music and iPads are used to explore a range of musical styles, as substitutes for unobtainable instruments, or to compliment an ensemble. In this session, Jo will demonstrate the functions of a selection of her favourite Apps, with examples of what pupils can do in the classroom context, and will share tips on how to get the most out of technology and the internet for your department.

The day is arranged so that all delegates will be able to participate in all sessions. A buffet lunch and refreshments are provided.

Those travelling from a distance may wish to stay at the hotel.

Please make your booking for accommodation independently on 01462 480111.

Registration opens at 9.30am with refreshments. The course begins promptly at 10.00am and the final session concludes at 4.00pm. There will be a resources exhibition for browsing/purchasing/ordering throughout the day. There is a car park at the rear of the Broadway Hotel, (SG6 3NZ) and for those travelling to Letchworth by train, it is a short walk from the station of approx. 500 yards.