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Music

Subject Lead: Mrs D Wallace

Music Curriculum

Notation –  The children recognise the connection between sound and symbol. They familiarise themselves with and learn an instrumental part that matches their musical challenge, using one of the differentiated parts – a one-note, simple or medium part or the melody of the song from memory or using notation.

Singing on Pitch – children sing a range of high and low musical notes.
Improvisation – the children make up their own tune that has never been heard before. It is not written down and belongs to them.
Composition – music that is created by the children and kept in some way. It is like writing a story. It can be played or performed again to your friend. The children have opportunities to compose musical pieces with instruments and using software.
Playing with glockenspiels – our class set of glockenspiels are an important feature of Music lessons. They are used for copyback activities, improvisation, composition and playing differentiated parts to Unit songs.
Performing – Children at The Ryde School perform regularly and get ample opportunities to perfect their performances during rehearsals.

A Stunning Showcase of Spring Term Sounds

As the Spring Term drew to a close, The Ryde School’s Music Department treated us to a week full of rhythm, harmony, and heart.  After months of preparation, our pupils stepped into the spotlight to share their talents in three wonderful musical events.

On Monday 31st March, the hall came alive with The Singing Concert, where children from Classes One to Six performed songs they had been learning throughout the term.  Accompanied by a variety of tuned and untuned instruments—played with confidence and flair—their joy in music was clear for all to see.

Beginning the concert in brilliant style, Year One charmed the audience with Round and Round, sung sweetly and with spirit.  Year Two followed with a vibrant version of Zootime, enhanced by energetic percussion.  Year Three wowed the audience with their bold take on Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, full of warmth and positivity.  Year Four then delivered a soulful rendition of Lean On Me, with beautiful solos from Annalise, Maya-Zahra, and Phoebe.  Their harmonies and percussion were both powerful and precise.  Year Five’s performance of Make You Feel My Love was heartfelt and polished, with standout solos by Edline, Peter, and Max.  Year Six closed the concert with a captivating version of You’ve Got A Friend, blending harmonies and instrumental accompaniment to stunning effect.

The finale featured a moving solo by Annalise (Year 4), a duet from Namrata and Amanda (Year 6), and an uplifting ensemble performance by Phoebe (Year 4), Saoirse and Namrata (Year 6)—a perfect conclusion to a beautiful concert.

Tuesday’s Musicians’ Concert showcased individual talent from Years 2 to 6, with pupils performing piano and guitar pieces they had been diligently rehearsing.  Lawrence and Mila (Year 2) opened with confident piano performances, followed by beautiful contributions from Advik and Molly (Year 3). Tarka (Year 4) played English Minuet with elegance, and Akhil impressed us by performing Assassin from memory.

Phoebe (Year 4) and James (Year 4) offered expressive piano renditions, while Olivia and Namrata (Year 6) added variety with stunning guitar and piano performances.  Alexander played Redemption Song with feeling, and Lucy performed from memory with calm confidence.  Harry (Year 5) played with flair, while Kirubanraj (Year 5) gave a refined interpretation of Beethoven’s Prelude 1.  The concert ended on a high note with a beautiful vocal trio by Ava, Ella, and Sarah (Year 5).

On Thursday, the school introduced Lunchtime Recitals, giving pupils a chance to perform informally as others enjoyed their meals.  These relaxed mini-concerts were a hit with both performers and listeners.  Well done to Lawrence (Year 2), Akhil, James and Phoebe (Year 4), and Harry, James, and Kirubanraj (Year 5) for sharing your music so confidently.

Across all three events, our young musicians showed great courage, creativity, and commitment.  Their performances were polished, passionate, and deeply appreciated by all who attended.

To every child who performed: thank you.  Your dedication was evident in every note.  We are already looking forward to next term’s concerts, where once again, the musical brilliance of The Ryde School will shine.

Young Voices

At the beginning of Spring Term 2024, our Young Voices choir embarked on an unforgettable journey to the O2 Arena, where they joined 8,000 other young voices for a mesmerizing musical event.  Since September, our choir has dedicated themselves to weekly lunchtime rehearsals, meticulously preparing a diverse repertoire of songs and dances for this highly anticipated occasion.

Featuring a range of popular hits, Gospel tunes, and show tune medleys, the Young Voices repertoire delighted both performers and audience alike.  Highlights of the evening included energetic renditions of ‘Walk the Dinosaur’, captivating mash-ups of Moana and Matilda and more.

After an intensive three-hour rehearsal session in the afternoon, the lights dimmed and the arena erupted with excitement as the concert began.  Our children were entertained by special guest artists, including MC Grammar, Natalie Williams and the incredible drumming talents of 13-year old Nandi Bushell.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our enthusiastic supporters, whose energy and encouragement added to the atmosphere of the evening.  A particularly memorable moment was the spirited dance-off between the audience and our children, set to iconic 90s tunes.

Our Young Voices choir showcased their talent and dedication, representing The Ryde School with pride.  We commend them for their stamina, enthusiasm, and positive spirit throughout the event.  Special appreciation also goes to our dedicated staff team and parent volunteers whose efforts ensured a safe and memorable experience for all.

Quotes from our Young Voices

Here are a few remarks from pupils who attended the Young Voices Choir event.  Based on their feedback, it seems they had an incredible experience!

“It was mind-blowing.” James, Year 4

“It was fun and I loved the songs.” Isabel, Year 3

“I liked that we got the chance to be in the biggest choir and it was really fun. I got to sing and dance. It was a great opportunity that we may not have again.” Amanda, Year 5

“It was magical.” Ella, Year 4

“I loved the Rock music.” James, Year 3

“I liked how everyone bonded.  There were loads of people but we all did the same thing.” Lucy, Year 5

“Everyone singing together in harmony and the experience good altogether.” Phoebe. O, Year 3

“I think the atmosphere was really good and we got to sing the songs we had been learning.” Oliver, Year 6

“A breath-taking experience.” Kirubanraj, Year 4

“The medleys were really creative.” Zofia, Year 6

“I loved the lights and singing together.” Lindiwe, Year 3

“I thought it was a life-changing experience.” Hisham, Year 4

The Ryde School uses music to overcome lockdown blues

Music has played a vital role in the recovery of children who suffered through mental illness due to isolation during the pandemic for two years.

The Ryde School, in Pleasant Rise, Hatfield, has encouraged the use of music to stimulate emotional responses, develop creative, social and vocational skills to heighten children’s confidence and self-esteem and facilitate positive changes in behaviour and wellbeing.

This culminated in a sponsored singathon at the end of summer term, which saw the whole school sing together for an hour to raise funds which will be used to support the school and to buy new musical instruments.

So far, the school has raised £1,200 with more donations expected both from parents and local businesses.

School music lead Dawn Wallace said: “The singathon went splendidly well. It was such a joy for all the children and staff. The children sang with all their hearts, were enthusiastic and very motivated. The whole school were assembled together – from Reception to Year 6 – and, in truth, we passed the hour finishing line. At the end, there were cheers, applause and laughter. We did it!

“This has been a great achievement and will enable us to provide additional learning resources and musical instruments for our children.”

Reception children received the first prize and each child was gifted with bath bombs donated by Hatfield’s Marks & Spencer. Year 1 students received second prize and every child was given a cupcake donated by Hatfield’s Cake Hut.