This half term in Music, we have been learning about music from around the world.
We learnt about the origins of African music and were surprised to hear that there are over 800 languages spoken in a population of over 400 million people. Music is used for social, political and religious events. We watched a clip of videos demonstrating a range of African drumming techniques and practised these ourselves in pairs. After rehearsal, some of the pairs performed their drumming techniques for their audience of friends.
We discussed what we could use to support us with our drumming rhythms. We played a game with Stuart which involved clapping a rhythm using the technique of call and response. The children then chose percussion instruments and used them to play a polyrhythm using the call and response technique.
We then found out that we would next be learning about Indian music. First the children watched a video demonstrating a selection of Indian instruments used. Stuart then asked ‘Where is India?’ The children located India on the map and were given lots of interesting facts. Some of Year 6 were amazed to discover Freddie Mercury who was the lead singer of Queen is of Indian origin. Next the children learnt the names of different instruments used: sitar, tabla, tanpura, sarangi and voice. We practised call and response using the glockenspiels because to play Indian music, we have to learn to play aurally using the call and response method.
Finally we learnt about Bhangra music. Bhangra music is associated with Bollywood films and music. We watched a video and were asked to note the production and dancing in the video. We then went into the hall and created our own Bhangra dances. We enjoyed performing our dances for each other.
