As a change from the inevitable keyboards and in an effort to increase the numbers and level of achievement from pupils playing brass instruments at the secondary school where I am Head of Music I am planning to teach all my new Yr7 pupils the basics of notation, pitch rhythm etc through the medium of brass! (cornet/trumpet/flugel).
Between September and November each pupil will work with music staff and older pupils in lessons to prepare a for a concert performance in November at which the 4 forms (120 kids) will play a simple short piece.
With a large number of high achieving pupils and a number of brass specialists on the staff we hope that a good proportion of the 120 pupils who go through this project will suprise themselves and choose to continue playing with our school brass peri and then work their way up into school and local bands.
This is a big project and we face many challenges but our initial goal is to find 25 reasonable Bb high pitched instruments. We've had no joy from North Yorkshire County Music Service and have contacted the local brass band.
We have already got up to 12 good instruments but we need at least another 13 to rent, borrow or find through sponsorship for a 3 month period in September. Behaviour is not a big problem at Ripon Grammar School so the instruments will be well looked after and if the project works we will make it an annual event and buy the instruments we require for the future.
If anyone has any helpful suggestions please get in touch and I will keep you posted on our progress.
Ratpit


Reply With Quote

