Author Archives: G Turnbull

Gordon’s Spring Term Music

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This term the children have enjoyed experiencing seasonal and Scottish music through songs and games.

In our Scottish topic, we focused on the Three Craws, with body percussion and sensory input for the calls of the birds. When the opportunity arose, we transferred the body percussion to hand held instruments to accompany the song. We used the giant scrunchie to help us move to ceilidh music and had great fun using the Circassian Circle as inspiration for our movement, passing it around and moving it in and out, up and down to the beat and where the music changed.

Where possible, some classes also used Fischy Music Scottish songs and music, having some great fun dancing to the performance videos.

Some classes continued to build on choosing Nursery Rhymes to sing together, always a favourite activity, with the rhymes changing regularly to expand the choices.

We sang All the Snow is Falling Down, using story massage techniques to reinforce the structure of the song and meaning in the words, in a relaxing and calming way.

As we moved into Spring, we played drums, and learned to hold beaters and keep time to When the Band Comes Marching In. The soft beaters provided a safe way to feel the beat by tapping on the arms, feet and tables.

Thursday Music with Connie and Gordon 14 January 2021

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Welcome to Thursday Music with Connie and Gordon!

Activities (links below)

  1. Warm up
  2. Karaoke Corner: Sing along to these favourites.
  3. Junk instruments: Make some instruments at home so you can play along with the other music.
  4. Time to move. Play the instruments along to the video or get up and dance. If you like, get a scarf to play with. This week’s classic is A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays by De La Soul.
  5. Time to relax. This week we are listening to an orchestral arrangement of a Bulgarian lullaby called Zaspalo e Chelebiiche (Chelebiiche is Sleepy).

Warm Up

Copy the actions to We Will Rock You to get into the mood today.

 

Karaoke Corner

Here is a selection of favourite karaoke songs for you to enjoy singing at home.

Remember to bring your shakers if you have them and if you would like to a make a simple, fun microphone click on here.

Enjoy the selection today!

https://youtu.be/jVaQmsiqUg0

 

Junk Instruments

We’re going to make some musical instruments from things that you might find around the house.

Watch this video to help you think about the different ways to make sounds from household objects:

We can also find things in our recycling that we can use to make instruments. Get help from a grown-up in case there are any sharp objects.

Now watch this video and see what you can do to make an instrument to shake or tap.

What can you find that can make a good noise? Can you make a shaker or a rain stick? Or a type of drum? Ask an adult to help you. Maybe you would like to decorate it as well.

You can then use these instruments any time and also in some of the Music activities. Have fun!

 

Time to move!

Dance or play along with your instruments to this hiphop classic.

https://youtu.be/_Tu-qDHSSZo

Time to relax

Chill to this piano version of Imagine by John Lennon.

Tuesday Music with Connie and Gordon 12 January 2021

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Welcome to Tuesday Music with Connie and Gordon!

Activities (links below)

  1. Warm up
  2. Karaoke Corner: Sing along to these favourites.
  3. Junk instruments: Make some instruments at home so you can play along with the other music.
  4. Time to move. Play the instruments along to the video or get up and dance. If you like, get a scarf to play with. This week’s classic is A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays by De La Soul.
  5. Time to relax. This week we are listening to an orchestral arrangement of a Bulgarian lullaby called Zaspalo e Chelebiiche (Chelebiiche is Sleepy).

Warm Up

Copy the actions to We Will Rock You to get into the mood today.

 

Karaoke Corner

Here is a selection of favourite karaoke songs for you to enjoy singing at home.

Remember to bring your shakers if you have them and if you would like to a make a simple, fun microphone click on here.

Enjoy the selection today!

https://youtu.be/jVaQmsiqUg0

 

Junk Instruments

We’re going to make some musical instruments from things that you might find around the house.

Watch this video to help you think about the different ways to make sounds from household objects:

We can also find things in our recycling that we can use to make instruments. Get help from a grown-up in case there are any sharp objects.

Now watch this video and see what you can do to make an instrument to shake or tap.

What can you find that can make a good noise? Can you make a shaker or a rain stick? Or a type of drum? Ask an adult to help you. Maybe you would like to decorate it as well.

You can then use these instruments any time and also in some of the Music activities. Have fun!

 

Time to move!

Dance or play along with your instruments to this hiphop classic.

https://youtu.be/_Tu-qDHSSZo

Time to relax

Chill to this piano version of Imagine by John Lennon.

Music with Gordon 25 June: Primary

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What to do today

Please join in with the activities below. The more who can join in, the more fun, too. Not all of the activities are for everyone, so just do the ones you enjoy and as many times as you like.

Play along using any kind of instrument or use body percussion – clapping, tapping, clicking, stamping your feet.

Activities (links below)

  1. Hello Song
  2. Bounce and catch
  3. Bounce a favourite soft toy on a scarf as we sing Charlie Over the Ocean
  4. Sing and clap along to 123 Together and Hickory Dickory Dock
  5. Clap and join in with your own soft toy for Yoshi Whoops!
  6. Junk instruments: What can you find that sounds like rain?
  7. Sing along and join in with I Hear Thunder
  8. Sing along and join in with Rain Rain Go Away
  9. Jam along, sing and do the actions to Funga Alafia
  10. Time to move. Play the instruments along to the video or get up and dance as we revisit some songs from earlier in the year.
  11. Time to relax. Two relaxing pieces of music that we listened to earlier in the year
  12. Goodbye Song

Hello Song

It’s a time to settle down for some music and there are lots of ways to join in. Use it on its own or before doing another music activity.

  1. Join in and sing, clap, tap and move along to the song!
  2. Maybe you can try using your voice
  3. Sign hello
  4. Tap fast and slow
  5. Sign “Stop” at the end
  6. Have fun!

Words

Hello, hello
Very nice to see you
Hello hello,
How are you today?
Hello, hello
Very nice to see you
Hello hello,
How are you today?
We say “Hello”
We’re very pleased to see you
We say “Hello”

(can you say and sign hello?)

We say “Hello”
We’re very pleased to see you
We say “Hello”

(tap along with the music, sign “Stop” at the end)

More ideas with this video

  • If you can’t tap along, maybe a friend can tap your arm or foot for you so that you can feel the beat of the music.
  • Can you stamp your feet to the music? Can you tap your shoulders or your head? Move your fingers
  • Maybe try playing along with a shaker, or tap something that makes a sound that you like. A box of cereal?

Bounce and Catch

Sing and join in: Charlie Over the Ocean

Sing and clap: 123 Together

Sing and join in: Hickory Dickory Dock

Sing and join in: Yoshi Whoops!

What can you find that sounds like rain?

Sing and join in: I Hear Thunder

 

Sing and join in: Rain Rain Go Away

Clap and play along: Cho-co-la-te

Play and clap: Funga Alafia

Time to move around or play your instrument

https://youtu.be/MFGeUiSvNCM

Chill and relax

 

Goodbye Song

 

Music with Gordon 25 June: Secondary

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What to do today

Please join in with the activities below. The more who can join in, the more fun, too. Not all of the activities are for everyone, so just do the ones you enjoy and as many times as you like.

Play along using any kind of instrument or use body percussion – clapping, tapping, clicking, stamping your feet.

Activities (links below)

  1. Hello Song
  2. Bounce and catch
  3. Yoshi Whoops!. Watch the video first to see how to play the game. Then you can get a soft toy and instruments to join in.
  4. Instruments: What can you find that sounds like rain?
  5. The Rainstorm sound story: Copy the actions and sounds to tell the story of a rainstorm
  6. The Wind Blows East: Join in with the sounds and signs for this song. Also join in with the sounds and actions from the Rainstorm Sound Story, which go well with the song.
  7. Funga Alafia: Join in the actions, sing and play along.
  8. Karaoke Corner: A chance to revisit some of the songs we did earlier in the term
  9. Time to move. Dance to some of the music from earlier in the term
  10. Time to relax. Chill to some of the music from earlier in the term
  11. Goodbye Song

Hello Song

More ideas with this video

  • If you can’t tap along, maybe a friend can tap your arm or foot for you so that you can feel the beat of the music.
  • Can you stamp your feet to the music? Can you tap your shoulders or your head? Move your fingers
  • Maybe try playing along with a shaker, or tap something that makes a sound that you like. A box of cereal?

Bounce and Catch

Join in playing Yoshi Whoops!

 

What can you find that sounds like rain?

Copy and join in: The Rainstorm sound story

Sing, sign and clap: The Wind Blows East

Sing and join in: Funga Alafia

Karaoke Corner: Sing along

Time to move around or play your instrument

Chill and relax

Goodbye Song

Music with Gordon June 22: Primary

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What to do today

Please join in with the activities below. The more who can join in, the more fun, too. Not all of the activities are for everyone, so just do the ones you enjoy and as many times as you like.

Play along using any kind of instrument or use body percussion – clapping, tapping, clicking, stamping your feet.

Activities (links below)

  1. Hello Song
  2. Bounce and catch
  3. Bounce a favourite soft toy on a scarf as we sing Charlie Over the Ocean
  4. Sing and clap along to 123 Together and Hickory Dickory Dock
  5. Clap and join in with your own soft toy for Yoshi Whoops!
  6. Sing along and join the actions to Five Buzzy Bees
  7. We All Went on Safari: Get an instrument and join in with counting the animals in this story set in Tanzania in West Africa.
  8. Jam along, sing and do the actions to Funga Alafia
  9. Time to move. Play the instruments along to the video or get up and dance as we revisit some songs from earlier in the year.
  10. Time to relax. Two relaxing pieces of music on the piano that we listened to earlier in the year
  11. Goodbye Song

Hello Song

It’s a time to settle down for some music and there are lots of ways to join in. Use it on its own or before doing another music activity.

  1. Join in and sing, clap, tap and move along to the song!
  2. Maybe you can try using your voice
  3. Sign hello
  4. Tap fast and slow
  5. Sign “Stop” at the end
  6. Have fun!

Words

Hello, hello
Very nice to see you
Hello hello,
How are you today?
Hello, hello
Very nice to see you
Hello hello,
How are you today?
We say “Hello”
We’re very pleased to see you
We say “Hello”

(can you say and sign hello?)

We say “Hello”
We’re very pleased to see you
We say “Hello”

(tap along with the music, sign “Stop” at the end)

More ideas with this video

  • If you can’t tap along, maybe a friend can tap your arm or foot for you so that you can feel the beat of the music.
  • Can you stamp your feet to the music? Can you tap your shoulders or your head? Move your fingers
  • Maybe try playing along with a shaker, or tap something that makes a sound that you like. A box of cereal?

Bounce and Catch

Sing and join in: Charlie Over the Ocean

Sing and clap: 123 Together

Sing and join in: Hickory Dickory Dock

Sing and join in: Yoshi Whoops!

Sing and join in: Five Buzzy Bees

 

Count and clap: We All Went on Safari

Play and clap: Funga Alafia

Time to move around or play your instrument

Chill and relax

Goodbye Song

 

Music with Gordon 22 June: Secondary

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What to do today

Please join in with the activities below. The more who can join in, the more fun, too. Not all of the activities are for everyone, so just do the ones you enjoy and as many times as you like.

Play along using any kind of instrument or use body percussion – clapping, tapping, clicking, stamping your feet.

Activities (links below)

  1. Hello Song
  2. Bounce and catch
  3. Yoshi Whoops!. Watch the video first to see how to play the game. Then you can get a soft toy and instruments to join in.
  4. Instruments: What can you find that sounds like rain?
  5. The Rainstorm sound story: Copy the actions and sounds to tell the story of a rainstorm
  6. The Wind Blows East: Join in with the sounds and signs for this song. Also join in with the sounds and actions from the Rainstorm Sound Story, which go well with the song.
  7. Karaoke Corner: A chance to revisit some of the songs we did earlier in the term
  8. Time to move. Dance to some of the music from earlier in the term
  9. Time to relax. Chill to some of the music from earlier in the term
  10. Goodbye Song

Hello Song

More ideas with this video

  • If you can’t tap along, maybe a friend can tap your arm or foot for you so that you can feel the beat of the music.
  • Can you stamp your feet to the music? Can you tap your shoulders or your head? Move your fingers
  • Maybe try playing along with a shaker, or tap something that makes a sound that you like. A box of cereal?

Bounce and Catch

Join in playing Yoshi Whoops!

 

What can you find that sounds like rain?

Copy and join in: The Rainstorm sound story

Sing, sign and clap: The Wind Blows East

Karaoke Corner: Times Like These

Time to move around or play your instrument

https://youtu.be/MFGeUiSvNCM

Chill and relax

 

Goodbye Song

Music with Gordon 18 June: Secondary

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What to do today

Please join in with the activities below. The more who can join in, the more fun, too. Not all of the activities are for everyone, so just do the ones you enjoy and as many times as you like.

Play along using any kind of instrument or use body percussion – clapping, tapping, clicking, stamping your feet.

Activities (links below)

  1. Hello Song
  2. Bounce and catch
  3. Old King Glory. Watch the video first to see how to do it. Then you can get join in or else watch and sing.
  4. The Rainstorm sound story: Copy the actions and sounds to tell the story of a rainstorm
  5. The Wind Blows East: Join in with the sounds and signs for this song. Also join in with the sounds and actions from the Rainstorm Sound Story, which go well with the song.
  6. Karaoke Corner: Roar by Katy Perry. Look out for more Karaoke Songs in other blog posts. Have fun!
  7. Time to move. Play the instruments along to the video or get up and dance. If you like, get a scarf to play with. This week we have two songs. The first is a song about Portobello in Edinburgh by the Jennifer Ewan Band and has a relaxed summer feel. This week’s classic is Soul Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones that was featured in an Austin Powers movie.
  8. Time to relax. This week we are listening to a song in Gaelic from the Western Isles of Scotland, a love song called Calum Sgaire, sung by Donnie Munro, who used to be in the band Runrig. Finally, a gentle piece on piano by classical/ jazz legend Keith Jarrett, who plays his version of I Loves You Porgy from Porgy and Bess by George and Ira Gershwin.
  9. Goodbye Song

Hello Song

More ideas with this video

  • If you can’t tap along, maybe a friend can tap your arm or foot for you so that you can feel the beat of the music.
  • Can you stamp your feet to the music? Can you tap your shoulders or your head? Move your fingers
  • Maybe try playing along with a shaker, or tap something that makes a sound that you like. A box of cereal?

Bounce and Catch

Old King Glory

What can you find that sounds like rain?

Copy and join in: The Rainstorm sound story

Sing, sign and clap: The Wind Blows East

Sing: Roar

Time to move around or play your instrument

Chill and relax

Goodbye Song