It has been a busy and rewarding term in Music, with wonderful engagement and enthusiastic responses from children across the school. 

Our Primary classes have continued to explore favourite songs while developing their understanding of instruments, communication and movement through music. Familiar songs such as Incy Wincy Spider have provided exciting opportunities to experiment with different musical ideas, including loud and quiet sounds, expressive singing and even some wonderfully funny voices. 

The older children have been exploring African music and learning the actions that accompany Funga Alafia, a traditional welcome song from Nigeria. This energetic and engaging song proved particularly popular with pupils in Glendevon, Tinto and Ochiltree classes, who enjoyed combining movement and music as they learned. 

In Duntarvie, pupils explored quieter, more sensory musical experiences. Using instruments such as the tin pan, hand pan and chimes, they accompanied The River is Flowing, a beautiful song celebrating the natural world. Believed to have originated from a chant written in the 1970s by Sun Bear of the Chippewa Tribe, the song encouraged listening, reflection and gentle musical participation. It has been a meaningful addition to our repertoire, and one that we look forward to revisiting later in the year. 

Tinto class also began work on Autumn Elegy, a jazzy waltz inspired by the changing seasons. Through music, pupils explored images of migrating swallows, hibernating hedgehogs, crunchy autumn leaves and autumn celebrations. This project will continue after the holiday, when other classes will also have the opportunity to discover and enjoy the piece. 

Alongside our class music sessions, we have been delighted to welcome back our Music Therapists, who are once again working with individuals and small groups across the school. Charan has also returned to lead Dance Therapy sessions, bringing movement and expression into the school day. In addition, the popular lunchtime group featuring Charan’s movement activities accompanied by Gordon’s live flute music has become a valued part of the weekly timetable once again. 

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and musical curiosity shown by our pupils this term, and we look forward to building on these experiences in the months ahead.