Using props, puppets and percussion instruments, this is a broad introduction to music-making with a particular emphasis on singing, aimed to inspire children for years to come.
Alison keeps young minds entertained and stimulated with actions, rhymes, songwriting, harmonising, listening and teamwork.
Details
Age group: foundation, KS1, teacher training
Length: 45 minutes – one off or a series
Skills developed: music, rhythm, singing tone and intonation, harmonising ability, creativity, memorisation, teamwork, knowledge of traditional music, history, poetry, English language
Event type: suitable for music lessons, after school clubs, community events
In the Victorian period, Christmas celebrations and caroling experienced something of a revival. Their love of parlour songs led to many traditional medieval carols being collected and reworked with new lyrics, and to new songs being composed. Just as many of the other traditions the Victorians brought to Christmas survive to this day (greetings cards, crackers, etc) these carols now form an important part of modern Christmas celebrations.
Using traditional fiddle playing as an accompaniment, Alison will lead students in the singing of several traditional Christmas carols, whilst incorporating elements of social and musical history into the experience. Students might also enjoy dressing as Victorians for the day!
Alison can also provide CPD sessions for teachers. In addition to teaching songs and their history, she can suggest suitable warmups, links to the rest of the curriculum, confidence building for ‘non-singers’, ways of catering to different abilities and achieving high standards.
Details
Age group: foundation, KS1, KS2, KS3+, teacher training
Skills developed: music, rhythm, singing tone and intonation, harmonising ability, creativity, memorisation, teamwork, knowledge of traditional music, history, poetry, English language
Boomwhackers are fun, tuned percussion instruments that force players to work together to create melodic and rhythmic patterns. They are a great tool for encouraging counting, teamwork and creativity. Workshops can focus on learning pre-existing repertoire (such as well-known songs or tunes adapted for boomwhacker ensembles) or composing new pieces.
Alison can also run teacher training sessions to provide knowledge, repertoire and confidence on these instruments.
Details
Age group: foundation, KS1, KS2, KS3+, teacher training
Seafarers shaped the development of the modern world and their songs provide a snapshot of their lives, from romantic entanglements to captain brutality to a longing for home. They often rely strongly on call and response with a very strong rhythm, which makes sea shanties perfect for younger students.
Alison can also provide CPD sessions for teachers. In addition to teaching songs and their history, she can suggest suitable warmups, links to the rest of the curriculum, confidence building for ‘non-singers’, ways of catering to different abilities and achieving high standards.
“We’ll rant and we’ll roar like true British sailors,
We’ll rant and we’ll roar across the salt seas,
Until we strike soundings in the channel of old England,
From Ushant to Scilly is thirty-five leagues.”
– Spanish Ladies
Details
Age group: foundation, KS1, KS2, KS3+, teacher training
Skills developed: music, rhythm, singing tone and intonation, harmonising ability, creativity, memorisation, teamwork, knowledge of traditional music, history, poetry, English language
Alison Rowley is a Bristol-based professional musician, composer and workshop leader with a Music degree from the University of Cambridge. To find out more about her performances and compositions, please visit www.alisonrowley.com.
