Developing a Band Programme is now something that I've done in two schools that I've worked in.
In Cairo, I started the programme from scratch. I identified 3 key areas that I thought that the children would need to develop in order to succeed. They were: instrumental skills, ensemble skills and notation reading skills. Therefore, I developed a 3-prong approach to the programme. As soon as children joined the programme, they were entitled to an instrumental lesson (1:1 or 1:2 ratio), they could attend band rehearsals and they could also attend a 'Breakfast Club' where I taught music theory.
In Singapore, the programme already existed but in a different format. Whereas in Cairo, it was all extra-curricular and part of the peripatetic programme, in Singapore it was part of the curriculum and all students took part. Students learnt a string instrument in Years 3-4 but could continue on strings or transfer to a band instrument in Years 5-6. Therefore, all students in Years 5-6 were still learning an instrument.
However, the extra-curricular activities needed developing and so I have started 4 different bands, to cater for all ages.
In Cairo, I started the programme from scratch. I identified 3 key areas that I thought that the children would need to develop in order to succeed. They were: instrumental skills, ensemble skills and notation reading skills. Therefore, I developed a 3-prong approach to the programme. As soon as children joined the programme, they were entitled to an instrumental lesson (1:1 or 1:2 ratio), they could attend band rehearsals and they could also attend a 'Breakfast Club' where I taught music theory.
In Singapore, the programme already existed but in a different format. Whereas in Cairo, it was all extra-curricular and part of the peripatetic programme, in Singapore it was part of the curriculum and all students took part. Students learnt a string instrument in Years 3-4 but could continue on strings or transfer to a band instrument in Years 5-6. Therefore, all students in Years 5-6 were still learning an instrument.
However, the extra-curricular activities needed developing and so I have started 4 different bands, to cater for all ages.
- Junior Band (aimed at students who have been playing for about 6-18 months)
- Training Band (aimed at students who have been playing for 1.5-2.5 years)
- Concert Band (for students beyond the standard of Training Band)
- Swing Band (invited students from the Concert Band. Plus some teachers and parents).
Please note: for safeguarding reasons, children's identities have been protected on this site by pixelating certain areas of photos and by blurring videos. This has been done on purpose and is not an artistic effect.
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Band Programme Finale During my time as Band Programme coordinator, I oversaw the inaugural 'Year 6 Finale Concert' where we had over 130 Year 6 students playing their instruments to showcase their learning over the last 4 years. |
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Band Programme Lessons Some videos from Band Programme lessons, including marching activities and warm-ups. |
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Band Workshops
Here are some photos and a video taken during a workshop with a Singaporean community band. |
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Performances
Large scale performance featuring children from Y1-Y13. |
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I coordinated the school's account on Essential Elements Interactive in order to get the students online and using the interactive portal at home.
I also taught myself how to use Destiny Follett library cataloguing system in order to track instrument rental. I ran short INSET sessions for colleagues using the software as well. |