Singing is such a vital part of the music curriculum. It not only teachers rhythm, pitch and internalisation of sounds, but also helps promote self-confidence, improves literacy, facilitates articulation and encourages deep breathing.
All of the schools in DASP teach singing as part of the curriculum and many bring children together for whole-year or whole-school singing opportunities. Most of the schools have at least one school choir and there are several singing ensembles run by DASP Music.
All of the schools in DASP teach singing as part of the curriculum and many bring children together for whole-year or whole-school singing opportunities. Most of the schools have at least one school choir and there are several singing ensembles run by DASP Music.
Singing Strategy
With funding from the government (via Dorset Music Service), we have been able to run several singing projects over the last few years, with the aim being to improve the delivery and opportunities for singing across the pyramid.
2015-2016
This year we have
2014-2015
First Schools:
Each First School will get a musical theatre workshop on 'character singing' aimed at KS2 children. The focus will be on encouraging involvement of all and helping to break down inhibitions. There will also be opportunities for first school teachers to access singing training and be provided with reusable resources.
Middle Schools:
Each Middle School will have a workshop aimed at year 7 boys. The hope is to encourage more boys to engage in singing generally. This will result in the formation of a new DASP boys vocal group, The Treblemakers. BOSS (THS Boys vocal group) and Harmony will also go 'on tour' from THS to visit the Middle Schools as part of this project.
The Thomas Hardye School:
As well as THS groups touring the middle schools, KS4 students will be able to access a song-writing workshop with Steve Wilson.
Each First School will get a musical theatre workshop on 'character singing' aimed at KS2 children. The focus will be on encouraging involvement of all and helping to break down inhibitions. There will also be opportunities for first school teachers to access singing training and be provided with reusable resources.
Middle Schools:
Each Middle School will have a workshop aimed at year 7 boys. The hope is to encourage more boys to engage in singing generally. This will result in the formation of a new DASP boys vocal group, The Treblemakers. BOSS (THS Boys vocal group) and Harmony will also go 'on tour' from THS to visit the Middle Schools as part of this project.
The Thomas Hardye School:
As well as THS groups touring the middle schools, KS4 students will be able to access a song-writing workshop with Steve Wilson.
2013-2014
In the year 2013-2014, we bought in the services of Jenny Deacon, a Rock Choir leader from Southampton, to run workshops with children from all schools. This culminated in a big performance with all schools taking part.
Year 4 DASP Concert
Every year the year 4 students at each of the 13 first schools in the pyramid, rehearse and perform songs culminating in the Year 4 Concert in March. This annual event is organised by the teachers within each of the schools and is supported by DASP Music. Click here for photos and here for a report of this year's event.
