Keyboard, ukulele and Battle of the Bands – Performance skills
The Y6 music curriculum builds upon the instrumental skills developed in the whole class lessons in years 3, 4 and 5. It gives the pupils the opportunity to utilise their instrumental skills by performing in a variety of ensemble settings as well as developing a new skill through playing the keyboard and ukulele. During the autumn term, pupils can either learn keyboard skills or play another instrument that they already play to a reasonable standard. The unit is centred around the use of a ‘Ground Bass’ and pupils use the elements of music to identify and describe the use of ground basses across a wide range of styles and genres throughout music history.
Pupils use their instrumental skills to perform the piece Time lapse by Michael Nyman by working through the individual layers and then putting them together in a group performance. As well as developing musicianship skills such as listening and aural awareness, there is a key focus on team work and developing ensemble skills, such as communication, in rehearsals.
A further new skill is explored in the Spring term with a unit on learning the ukulele. A variety of basic chords are learnt and the pupils develop an appropriate instrument hold and strumming technique. Notation reading skills are further developed by introducing TAB and chord diagrams which enable the pupils to rehearse and perform songs independently. Singing is also an important part of the Y6 curriculum and many of the pieces studied include opportunities to develop singing technique and aural awareness.
In the final term, pupils utilise their instrumental and vocal skills in a grand Battle of the Bands performance. Ensemble skills are further developed and the student bands are encouraged to rehearse independently, whilst being guided to produce the best possible outcome through good teamwork and communication. The performances are then recorded and peer evaluated to find the best band of each class. These four bands are then invited to battle it out to be crowned the winner in a performance in front
