Music not only provides Cultural Capital at Bank View it is also used for attention, listening and social functions. For some individuals, music is a primary language.
Methodologies include Kodály, Dalcroze, Musical Futures, Music Express & Voices Foundation frameworks. We are aiming to develop all round musicianship skills such as playing in a band, playing from a lead sheet (written notation) playing by ear (improvisation) and nurturing composition. At all levels we use our voices to develop our inner ear ‘say it, play it’ and from KS3 we provide formal music technology lessons.
Through our peripatetic teachers (guitar/keys/drums) we offer the opportunity of one to one and small ensemble lessons.
We support and are involved with the following agencies: DADA ensemble at Resonate (Liverpool Music Hub), Live Music Now and the Awards for Young Musicians scheme: Furthering Talent.
The Music Department is the Expressive Arts Department! Though there is never any pressure to take part, we pride ourselves on creating quality performances with our students every Christmas and Summer.
Overview of Bank View’s music curriculum:
Base one/ Primary: We develop fundamental skills of beat, rhythm and pitch through songs & games (from around the world) and movement.
Instruments: exploring sounds, instruments and our bodies/voices through; Invention, coordination, sequencing and the use of graphic scores.
The orchestra: investigating different instruments of the orchestra and includes a trip to watch the orchestra at the Philharmonic hall.
Composition: based on improvisation we explore instruments and through playing develop creative, musical skills.
Year 7:
Samba: Beat/rhythm. Focused listening, coordination, playing together, structure/arrangements improvising. Written rhythm notation & use of Musescore (music notation software).
Instruments: Pitch. Keyboards – the basic layout, timbres, basic tunes/melodies. Guitars – the basic layout and playing techniques. Sound Of The City: The Beatles including Skiffle and Merseybeat. Reading a lead sheet, chords and exploring instrument choices.
Year 8:
Classical music: Reading the stave. Exploration of the canon of western classical music including some history. The Blues: 12 bar chord progressions. The history of the African diaspora and its influence on American blues music through African call and response songs, work songs and gospel. Chord playing, following lead sheets, riffs and Improvisation. Pop Music: Following a lead sheet. Instrument and tune choice to play together as a class band.
Year 9:
Film music: Composition: Exploring film soundtracks utilizing musical elements i.e composing leitmotifs capturing ideas on paper and through
audio recordings.
Reggae: Syncopated rhythms. Vamping rhythms using chords i.e the accented ‘off beat’. Playing together as a class band with greater accuracy.
Hip hop: Music technology. Understanding the context of rap music and the four elements of the culture: Love, Peace, Unity & Having Fun!
KS4 & 5/Options:
Developing the artistic voice: Exploring composition and improvisation techniques while working towards a live performance. Performance can incorporate live and original music, drama, dance and the use of technology tailored to and by the participants.
At KS4 and above we work towards WJEC and Open Awards qualifications.
