At Long Row, we use the Charanga Musical School Scheme which allows for continued opportunities to listen to and reflect on a wide range of music.  Singing forms the basis of each unit of work, and composition and performance elements are used in each unit.  The interrelated dimensions of music are continually repeated and developed throughout the scheme and allow an ever-increasing spiral of musical learning. 

The interrelated dimensions of music are: pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, texture, structure and notation

Our intent is that music at Long Row is inclusive and ambitious for all.  This may mean adapting, modifying or scaffolding the learning, or making reasonable adjustments to enable all children, including those with SEND, to access the music curriculum.  For example, adapting sounds or using noise reducing headphones for those with specific sensory needs.

Whilst tuned instruments (in particular the glockenspiel) are introduced through the Charanga Musical School Scheme, it is also important that children also receive the opportunity to learn an instrument through the Wider Opportunities Scheme, delivered via the Derby and Derbyshire Musical Partnership.  This in turn, allows opportunities to develop musical skills to higher standards.  Individual instrument lessons are also available through links with the Music Partnership, Rock Steady and other Peripatetic Music Teachers.

Music is taught as a discrete subject on a weekly basis, but this is not the limit of exposure to music. Most of the Charanga lessons will be either one hour (20 minutes Listen and Appraise, 25 minutes Musical Activities, 15 minutes Perform/Share) or 45 minutes (15 minutes Listen and Appraise, 20 minutes Musical Activities, 10 minutes Perform/Share).  A lesson should not be shorter than 45 minutes. Where appropriate across the whole curriculum, music should be used to enhance learning and experiences, whether that be by listening to a wide range of different music in assemblies and in the classroom, or watching music being performed online, or live if possible.  Singing assemblies allow structured opportunities to develop listening and performing skills, as well as continued music vocabulary development through discussion and personal reflection of the music. There are many researched benefits to listening to music, including very importantly, it being a factor in improving mental well-being. 

In Music, progression is based on building an understanding of musical concepts through a repetition-based approach to learning.  Learning the same musical concept through different musical activities enables a more secure, deeper learning and mastery of skills.  Learning is not neat or linear.  The strands of musical learning are part of the learning spiral.  Over time, children can both develop need musical skills and concepts, and re-visit established musical skills and concepts, allowing a deeper understanding to develop as well as learning something new.

The Christmas Choir have enjoyed their first performance of the year, singing a range of traditional and modern Christmas carols.  They sang at the Congregational Chapel for the Belper District 50+ Forum and, as in previous years, the audience really enjoyed their singing and the actions for Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer! We have already been invited back again next year.

We are incredibly proud of all those who sang today and represented Long Row with such enthusiasm, and we look forward to more singing in the run-up to Christmas.

South East Derbyshire Music Centre

South East Derbyshire Music Centre provides a wonderful opportunity for young people in Amber Valley and Erewash to make music!  On Saturday mornings, the Centre is busy with musical activities such as wind bands, orchestras and choirs.  There is something for every ability level, and allows for wonderful music making opportunities and regular concerts.  Several children who learn instruments at Long Row already attend SEDMC and really enjoy their weekly music sessions there.  

Please visit their website to find out more: http://sedmc.co.uk/

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