S2 COURSES
AUGUST TO OCTOBER – POP MUSIC
We explore different styles of pop music investigating how music travels around the world from the blues inspired by the Slave Trade to current influences eg Bhangra or the latin inspired music of Shakira. We play, sing and listen to selected styles learning how Rock ‘n’ Roll differs from R ‘n’ B and what music concepts makes Funk? We use what we learn here in our compositions later this year or in S3.
INTERDISCIPLINARY ECO RAP
Incorporated into the Pop Music course this is an opportunity to write, perform and record a Rap using Kaoss Pad and Vocal Harmonizer pedal. This project includes interdisciplinary work including aspects of art, geography, literacy, religious and moral education plus numeracy and health and wellbeing. We visit our local recycling centre to investigate it’s impact upon the waste from our area.
DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS
As in S1 we finish the year with carols and songs that are by now firm favourites in preparation for the end of term carol service.
JANUARY TO EASTER – SCOTS MUSIC
In depth exploration of different styles of scots traditional dance music and song. We play, sing and listen to selected pieces working to develop our critical listening skills. This unit leads into:
COMPOSITION
Working in pairs pupils compose a binary (two part) piece in Scots style. This unit is used as a springboard to learn the basics of composition; how to create and develop a simple melody, how to add effective chords and bass lines. Pieces are scored using Sibelius notation software. Using this software means that pupils can create pieces using instrument sounds that are appropriate to the style but that they do not play so the final piece has an authentic sound. The PC will play the sounds pupils select and allows them to print scores and record their compositions.
EASTER TO JUNE – PERFORMANCE AND SOUND ENGINEERING
This term is used to consolidate performance skills learned throughout the year. We record class and group performances in our new recording facilities. Pupils who are interested in learning sound engineering skills start to develop the skills that will enable them by S6 to run the lighting and sound rigs at school concerts.
Pupils who want to excel at performance now have opportunity to see or hear themselves recorded. They use the information to improve performance skills building confidence as a natural part of the process. Pupils decide if the recordings are to be used as part of this website, viewed/heard in school or to be used only for their own private study.
In depth exploration of different styles of scots traditional dance music and song. We play, sing and listen to selected pieces working to develop our critical listening skills. This unit leads into:
COMPOSITION
Working in pairs pupils compose a binary (two part) piece in Scots style. This unit is used as a springboard to learn the basics of composition; how to create and develop a simple melody, how to add effective chords and bass lines. Pieces are scored using Sibelius notation software. Using this software means that pupils can create pieces using instrument sounds that are appropriate to the style but that they do not play so the final piece has an authentic sound. The PC will play the sounds pupils select and allows them to print scores and record their compositions.
EASTER TO JUNE – PERFORMANCE AND SOUND ENGINEERING
This term is used to consolidate performance skills learned throughout the year. We record class and group performances in our new recording facilities. Pupils who are interested in learning sound engineering skills start to develop the skills that will enable them by S6 to run the lighting and sound rigs at school concerts.
Pupils who want to excel at performance now have opportunity to see or hear themselves recorded. They use the information to improve performance skills building confidence as a natural part of the process. Pupils decide if the recordings are to be used as part of this website, viewed/heard in school or to be used only for their own private study.