Music Programme with local state schools

Our music department puts on a number of performances which are open to members of the public, free of charge, performed by pupils of the School. We are also delivering a Music Outreach Programme to local state primary schools, visiting each one fortnightly to encourage involvement with singing and uptake of musical instruments.

Background

Sing with King’s

 

King’s Rochester have partnered with Oaklands Primary School, Walderslade and English Martyrs Roman Catholic primary school in Frindsbury.  The aim of our partnership is to develop vocal and rhythmic skills in the pupils, to increase their enjoyment of music and also to raise their awareness of playing instruments.  We have a small group of King’s Senior School pupils who have been trained to deliver a vocal/body percussion/rhythm workshop and to teach some songs.  Between us, we are also able to demonstrate the clarinet, saxophone, violin, piano and trumpet, which adds another dimension to our visits.  

 

Our visits to the two schools take place on alternate weeks, on Fridays between 2:30-3:15.  At English Martyrs, we are working with 60 pupils (all of years 5 & 6) and at Oaklands, we are working with 90 pupils (all of years 4 & 6).  

 

Our visits are scheduled to continue throughout the year, hopefully culminating in inviting the two schools to King’s for a combined ‘big sing’.  Next academic year, I hope that we will be able to expand and refine the initiative further and perhaps look to have a Primary Schools’ carol service / summer concert in the cathedral.  

 

John Mountford

Director of Music