Music Assembly – “Belief in Ourselves”

Monday, 27 September 2010 Written by Pat Adamson

On the last day of half term, years 5, 6 and 7 all performed on instruments the pieces they had been learning to play in their music lessons. Every person in each class found a way of contributing to their class’s performance – some found it harder than others, some could play more difficult parts, but everyone had to work together and help each other, suggesting ways that they could improve as a class.
It was a good opportunity to show other pupils in school what they could do and also to listen to and appreciate what other classes are capable of.

As pupils came into the hall our school band played “Happy Ending” by Mika, followed by year 5 who played “Clocks” by Coldplay. They have made excellent progress this year and play on a variety of instruments, everyone knowing what to play and how to make the best sound out of their instruments.

Year 6 then performed Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”, voted the most relaxing piece of music ever because the harmonies make you feel peaceful and calm and the speed slows down your heartbeat and relaxes you. In the music you can hear a simple part being played on some instruments, then other parts are gradually added until there are 7 different tunes being played which go together. Lots of other people have used this chord sequence and year 6 put together a performance of Canon in D followed by “Altogether Now” by a 1970’s group called The Farm.

In year 7’s music lessons we have been listening to pieces of music which have different sections, like intros, verses, choruses, bridges and outros. Chord sequences don’t always stay the same so we have to recognise different sections and know when to change the chords according to what the tune is doing. That means we have to develop a good memory and think carefully – our brains are active all the time and we need to concentrate. To give a good performance we have to work really well as a group, not just individuals. “All the small things” by Blink 182 and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz show this.

Band consists of some very talented musicians in school and they performed the theme from James Bond, followed by “All the small things”. Watch out for them at the Seahouses Festival on Sunday 21st June.