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Welcome to Music!

Year 7

Autumn Term 1:
Elements of music through performance: Students will describe how elements of Music are used when listening to and appraising a wide range of music and will consider how these elements are applied in performance work. This unit focuses on the voice and students will learn about basic vocal health and how to perform. 
Autumn Term 2:
Soundscapes: Students will practically apply and develop their knowledge and understanding of the elements of music through a composition task where they will learn to use the elements of music to create an intended effect. They will specifically focus on texture, timbre and dynamics and will work as part of a small group to discuss ideas and concepts. 
Spring Term 1:

Keyboard Skills (Introduction to note reading): Students will learn basic keyboard skills such as the five finger position and the layout of the keyboard and be able to play simple pieces using basic keyboard technique. Any students who are already instrumentalists will follow the ABRSM Music Theory course for the grade that is suitable to them. 
Spring Term 2:
Introduction to Instruments of the Orchestra: Students will become familiar with orchestral instruments and instrumental families. They will learn how instruments are played and techniques specific to instruments. Timbre and sonority will be explored in depth. Students will take part in a 'whole class' keyboard orchestral performance where they will also learn about the role of the conductor.
Summer Term 1:
Introduction to band skills (Ukulele): Students will have the opportunity to learn how to play the Ukulele and to develop their ensemble skills. This unit will focus on development of technical skills and performance as part of an ensemble.  
Summer Term 2:
Descriptive music: Students will understand how music can enhance a film and know the basic techniques used in film music to create an atmosphere and apply these in a simple way to composition using their knowledge of the elements of music.


Year 8

Autumn Term 1:
Exploring Rhythm & Pulse through Samba: Students will explore pulse and rhythm understanding the importance of pulse and beat in music before learning to play a variety of different rhythms which are typical in Samba music over a steady beat. Students will explore how the rhythms fit with the beat and will understand the concept of syncopated rhythms.  Students will work as part of a whole class to perform a polyrhythmic Samba piece.
Autumn Term 2:
Advanced keyboard skills: Students will explore performance pieces requiring extended hand position and inclusion of the left hand playing simple chords with accuracy and fluency. They will be able to identify notes of the treble clef with confidence. 
Spring Term 1:
Form & Structure in Music: Students will Identify how different types of music structure can make it easier for the listener to remember musical material. Students will focus on 'structure' as a musical element and how the other musical elements can develop a structure. Students will perform and create simple pieces within given musical structures. 
Spring Term 2:
Off Beat - Exploring Reggae: Students will develop their understanding of the musical genre of Reggae. They will learn through musical analysis the main features of Reggae and will take part in a Reggae performance using instruments such as the ukulele and keyboard. 
Summer Term:  Music for Video Games: Students will explore how composers create music for video games before having the opportunity to create their own character motifs and music for a computer game. Students will also develop their music technology skills and will be encouraged to explore effects to contribute to the intended effect.

 
Year 9

Autumn Term 1:
Exploring the Blues: Students will explore the cultural history of the Blues and understand the importance of the style on popular music today. Students will explore typical features of the Blues and then practically explore these on the keyboards. Students will learn to play the 12 bar blues, create improvisations using the Blues scale and create Blues lyrics. This unit also allows for further development of keyboard skills.
Autumn Term 2:
Minimalism: Students will understand basic features of minimalist music. They will explore this musical style through small ensemble group tasks and eventually will apply their knowledge in creating their own minimalist style composition using various instruments to create an intended effect. They will aurally identify and understand basic minimalist techniques such as repetition and looping and recognise certain sounds as electronic/synthesised.
Spring Term:
Advanced Film Music Composition: Students will know and understand some of the purposes of film music and understand how theme songs lead to the popularity of films and film music.Students will be able to aurally identify a range of different types of film music to match a suitable film genre and will explore typical features used in film music composition. Students will then use storyboards and/or cue sheets to plan a film music soundtrack and be able to apply typical film music composition techniques to create an atmosphere / emotion.
Summer Term 1:
Introduction to Songwriting: Students will identify different musical features in different arrangements of a popular song. They will develop an understanding of the importance of form and structure and learn to play the typical chord progression used in  Popular Song. Students will then compose a popular song as part of a group demonstrating an understanding of how the textural layers combine to create 'the backing' for a popular song.
Summer Term 2:
Band Skills Advanced Performance: This unit is focused on students displaying competent ensemble skills. Students will demonstrate secure ensemble and rehearsal skills, they will work cooperatively as part of a group and make appropriate and creative decisions related to the elements of the music to enhance their overall performance. Students will show competent skills on their chosen instrument and will perform with a sense of style and good accuracy and fluency.