The
following document is a Departmental Policy for the Music
Department of Craigclowan Preparatory School. Its purpose
is to state the aims of the music department. This
document is for the information of parents, pupils and
staff of the school.
It is assumed that
this policy will remain the same from year to year, but
changing circumstances may cause the document to be
revised from time to time.
Aims
of the Music Department
It is the aim of the
Music Department to encourage the children at Craigclowan
School to listen to music critically, to study the
performance of music according to their ability and
inclination and to enable them to create their own music.
This should encourage them to be able to enjoy music in
all its variety more deeply.
The underlying
principle of the work of the department is the assumption
that pupils gain in maturity, greater self-discipline and
enhanced social skills by participating in organised
music activities, thus enriching their all-round learning
in the school environment.
Instrumental
Tuition
Instrumental tuition
takes place during the normal school times on an
individual basis. Lessons are of 30 minutes duration once
a week From the beginning the pupils are taught the
principles of music notation, the appropriate technique
for playing the instrument concerned, supported by theory
of music and aural skills. As the pupil progresses the
repertoire becomes more wide-ranging and may introduce
various styles and periods in music history.
To ensure proper
progress the pupils will have to practise at least 10 -
15 minutes twice a day but those who are more advanced
will need considerably longer practice each day to ensure
good progress.
It is advisable that
parents monitor the practice of their children at least
at the beginner's stage and encourage and help them to
follow the instructions of the teacher concerned. Weekly
instruction are written by the teacher in a Practice
Diary, which all pupils are given. This should enable the
parents to monitor what is to be worked on each week. In
addition each parent is able to sit in on their child's
instrumental lessons at least once each term should they
wish at a time negotiated with the instrumental teacher
concerned.
It is possible to
learn more than one instrument at a time on the
understanding that the pupil has to be very organised in
terms of practice at home and to be able to make up for
missed class lessons. In some exceptional cases pupils
study three instruments within the school but these must
be seen as special cases and careful planning is needed
to ensure that their instrumental programme and class
lessons can operate smoothly side by side. The Director
of Music must be consulted in these cases.
Woodwind
Instruments
The following
woodwind instruments can be studied: flute, clarinet,
oboe and saxophone. It is generally expected that pupils
will start between the ages of 7 - 9 years on these
instruments, but an assessment of the instrumental
teacher of the pupil's size and maturity may determine
the starting age.
The aim is to
introduce the pupils to the various techniques required
for the instrument, the appropriate repertoire from a
range of periods, and music notation. As these
instruments are widely used in group music making, pupils
are encouraged to participate in woodwind groups as and
when they are considered ready by their teacher.
Brass
Instruments
The brass
instruments taught are trumpet, cornet, trombone and
French horn. Starting age is normally 8 - 9 years, but
may depend on the size and maturity of the pupil.
The general aim of
the brass section is to introduce the pupils to a variety
of musical styles and playing techniques as well as how
to read music notation. As brass instruments are widely
used in bands it is expected that pupils will participate
in the Craigclowan Brass Band as soon as the teacher
concerned considers the pupil ready for participation.
Percussion
Percussion tuition
is offered on drum-kit and the aim is to introduce
various styles of drumming from the last 30 - 40 years.
Emphasis is from the beginning on reading notation and
the appropriate techniques for the instrument. Other
instruments from different parts of the world such as the
bongos and congas are introduced usually in conjunction
with the work of the percussion group, which selected
students are invited to join at the discretion of the
percussion tutor.
Piano
The starting age for
piano studies is usually 7 - 8 years, but depending on
maturity some children can start a little earlier. It is
a prerequisite that all piano students have unhindered
access to a good piano with an adjustable piano stool at
home for practice.
The aim of the piano course is to introduce note reading
in both clefs simultaneously and to instil the correct
techniques for the instrument. Gradually pupils are
expected to be able to show stylistic awareness and the
ability to play with conviction pieces from various
periods of the piano repertoire.
Strings
The string section
consists of tuition on violin, viola, 'cello - and
contrabass (according to demand). Pupils can start string
instruments 5 - 6 years old and earlier depending on
maturity. The string studies introduce note reading and
the relevant playing techniques from the earliest stage.
Various styles and music from all periods is introduced.
String players are encouraged to participate in various
string groups according to ability at the discretion of
the string teachers.
Guitar
Pupils can start
guitar from the age of 6 - 7 years. Classical guitar
forms the basis of all the teaching especially in regard
of the note reading and playing techniques, but tuition
is available on electric guitar and bass guitar as well.
Various styles of music are explored, from the classical
repertoire to the modern age.
Electric
Keyboard
Electric keyboard
can be studied from the age of 7 - 8. An earlier start is
not recommended due to the technical requirements of the
instrument. The aim is to teach pupils how to read notes
for the right hand stave and chord changes for the left
hand as well as the numerous sound and rhythmic
possibilities the instrument has to offer.
Singing
Singing can be
studied from the age of 7 - 8. The aim is to teach pupils
how to produce a good and steady sound, good singing
posture and appropriate breathing techniques according to
age and physical maturity. Note reading is encouraged as
well as the importance of diction and singing from memory.
Good platform manners are emphasised and pupils are
encouraged to perform at various concerts throughout the
year at school. A wide variety of songs is introduced,
from early baroque to present day show songs.
Bagpipes
Pupils will be able
to start chanter from the age of 7 - 8 and depending on
progress will move onto the 'goose' or full set of pipes
at the discretion of the instrumental tutor. Emphasis is
on note reading and appropriate playing techniques right
from the start as well as memorisation. Participation in
pipe band is encouraged when pupils are considered able
to join.
Group
Music
There are several
music groups operating at Craigclowan. These are open to
pupils who have reached a certain standard of playing and
are invited to join by the instrumental tutor leading
each group. Children, who are studying instruments
outside school can join these groups after consultation
with the group leader. The groups usually rehearse once a
week. They are Senior Strings, Fiddle Group, String
Ensemble, Brass Group, Flute Group, Percussion Group and
Pipe Band. Other ensembles may be formed as and when the
occasion arises.
Choirs
There are three
choirs operating at Craigclowan. Junior Choir is open to
all children in Forms 2 - 3. Middle Choir is open to all
children in Forms 4 - 5 and Senior Choir is open to
children in Forms 6 - 8 after an informal audition with
the Director of Music.
All work with the
choirs aims to instil good singing with clear diction and
good posture, team spirit and sense of enjoyment.
Junior and Middle
Choirs rehearse once a week and Senior Choir twice a week
during lunch breaks.
The Senior Choir is
the most advanced choir and a high level of commitment is
expected in terms of self-discipline, team spirit and
artistic endeavour. The Senior Choir has undertaken
several trips abroad and the aim is to continue these
trips at least every other year in the future.
Concerts
There are several
concerts given at school during the academic year.
Biggest of these events are the Carol Service and the
Summer Concert. Throughout each term there are several
lunchtime concerts held in the Music Room which are open
to all pupils to perform in irrespective of whether they
learn instruments in or outside school. These concerts
are of an informal nature and open to all parents, family
and friends to attend.
It is important that
parents of children who study instruments outside school
alert the Director of Music of their child's studies so
that these children can be included in the lunchtime
concerts should so wish.
Examinations
Grade examinations
are held every term either at school or in examination
centres in Perth. Entry for Grade examination is
determined by the instrumental tutor as and when he or
she considers the pupil ready.
Co-operation with
outside organisations.
The Music Department
participates regularly with other schools throughout the
academic year at events such as the Preparatory Schools'
Annual Choral Day at Glenalmond College and the
Preparatory Schools' Orchestra Day at Fettes College,
Edinburgh.
Co-operation with
schools outside the UK have taken place, such as schools
from Denmark, Iceland and Germany in the form of visits
to the schools with return visits to Craigclowan. It is
the aim of the Music Department to continue these visits
as it creates a better understanding between children of
different countries and encourages friendships with
families abroad as well as being an inspirational
opportunity for music making.
Class
Music
Class music is
taught from Nursery age onwards throughout the school.
The aim of the Nursery Music is to teach songs and music
games related to the topics studied each term.
Form 1 - 5 receive
one class music period each week. The basis for most
lessons is a song on which all subsequent class
activities are based around whether they are listening
and appraising, performing or composing. In addition
Forms 2 - 4 have class lessons in ocarina playing once a
week.
Forms 6 - 8 receive
one 30 minutes class music period per week. The emphasis
of the music curriculum for each year group consists of
electric keyboard playing in groups, listening and
appraising and composing as well as using computers to
explore various music websites on the internet.
Further information
can be obtained from the Director of Music:
Ástmar Ólafsson
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