The past two weeks have been bursting at the musical seams. After the fun of our inaugural Music Day there were two trips: the school orchestra went to Twickenham Exchange for a day of music-making with other primary school orchestras, and KS2 choir joined forces with other schools at the Rose Theatre for the Singing Festival. It is a special experience to be on the stage at a professional venue and to perform to a paying audience, and the children gave superb performances.

This week we have also had three concerts by our amazing Rocksteady bands. The progress the children make each term is phenomenal and we have been treated to rocking renditions of songs like Radioactive, Seven Nation Army and Dynamite.

Next term we will be opening up orchestra to new members in Year 4 and 5. If your child plays an orchestral instrument, can read basic music, and can play six notes confidently, please email music@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk and they can do a trial session before deciding.

KS2 choir is taking a break for the first half of term but will be back in June.

KS1 assembly performances

We have been treated to some fantastic performances from our talented musicians during KS1 assemblies.

Olivia from Year 5 gave a wonderful vocal performance of Taylor Swift’s Mean, singing with a beautiful tone and great projection. Anna from Year 3 performed a beautiful rendition of Indigo, which she recently played for her Grade 3 exam. It was fantastic to hear her expressive playing.

The children and staff all loved their performances.

Year 5

Moonstone were able to claim a prize for completing a full key of stickers on their Keys to Success chart. They took a break from their hard work on the djembes to take part in a YouTube percussion play-along, where they played various instruments to different classical pieces.

Year 6

Our Year 6 musicians are hard at work preparing their submission for the English National Opera project Finish This… This week, they added dynamics to their graphic scores and rehearsed their pieces. Many of the musicians were pleased with how the dynamics added expression and character to their compositions. They will be recording their pieces after Easter.

Band of the week shutouts:

Y4

George (Carnelian) - Great job today on identifying all the correct notes on the stave and writing out the pentatonic scale with very little help. You have fantastic musical knowledge. Keep up the great work. 

Dominic (Onyx) - Well done for fantastic focus during today's music lesson in particularly during your Tideo singing and dancing. You set a great example to the rest of the group on how to work like a professional musician. Well done. 

Julian (Zircon) - You contribute to our music sessions so positively and set a fantastic example to the rest of the group.

Lea (Onyx) - Over the weeks, you have shown real professionalism in our rehearsals by always listening to instructions and following them to the best of your ability. You set a fantastic example for the rest of the group of what it means to be a professional musician. Well done!

Leonardo (Carnelian) - You worked independently to write your own two-bar rhythm pattern. I was really impressed with your focus and determination to overcome obstacles and ensure that your rhythm added up to the correct number of beats in the bar. Fantastic work!

Freyja (Zircon) - You have been working hard to ensure you try your best in music by contributing to all tasks. It is wonderful to see you singing and moving in our group piece Tideo

Y5

Arya (Peridot) – You played your drumming parts brilliantly and executed all of your strokes with confidence. Your playing sets a fantastic example for the rest of the group on how to perform as a professional musician. Well done!

Kaan (Starlite) – You worked brilliantly with your small group today to create musically interesting sections. Great job! 

Aydin (Peridot): Your drumming during your solo was fantastic. You applied a variety of strokes and dynamics, creating a really interesting and expressive sound. Very musical!

Callista (Moonstone): Over the weeks, you have consistently shown full commitment to music and have met our musical expectations to a high standard. You set a fantastic example for the rest of the group. Well done!

Nina (Starlite): You successfully led our whole class drumming piece as mistress drummer, providing clear and accurate signals, and demonstrating a strong understanding of the song's structure. Fantastic music-making! 

Y6

Alice (Jet) – You are working exceptionally well within your composition group, contributing excellent ideas to your sounds and graphic score. Keep up the great work!

Ayden (Kyanite) – You set an excellent example for the rest of the class during our session today. You followed all instructions and worked productively and independently in your small group. Keep up the good work!

Lauren (Jet): Well done for following all of our musical expectations and working hard to develop your composition pieces. I enjoyed the dynamics you added to your piece.

Zachariah (Garnet): You answered all the questions on our listening task accurately. Well done for making a positive contribution to our music lesson.