Hall School Wimbledon encourages all children to enjoy, learn and perform Music to a high standard.

At the Junior School, children have class Music lessons twice a week. From Reception, the children are introduced to patterns of sound and the basic concepts of music (melody, rhythm, dynamics, tempo and articulation). They sing together and use tuned and untuned percussion instruments to reinforce their understanding of rhythm and beat.

Our Junior School Music Teacher uses the Kodály Method and the Orff Approach to teach music theory to the children. The Kodály Method is an approach to music education developed in Hungary during the mid-twentieth century. Children are first introduced to music theory through experiences such as listening, singing, or movement and these concepts are constantly reviewed and reinforced through games, movement, songs, and exercises.

The Orff Approach treats Music as a basic system like language and believes that just as every child can learn language without formal instruction, every child can learn Music through a gentle and friendly approach.

Reinforcement of rhythm and beat through singing and playing percussion instruments continues throughout the Junior School. In Years 5 and 6, children are introduced to the notes of the treble scale and learn to play simple tunes on the keyboards. They also compose percussion scores for small group performances and begin song writing through putting poetry and text to music. Music history is incorporated into all Music lessons and a range of styles and genres of music is covered in the curriculum.

Junior School Choirs and Ensemble

Children in Years 4 to 6 can join the Junior School Choir and the after school Show Choir. Both choirs rehearse weekly and perform at the end of each term.

Children who learn to play instruments outside school are invited to accompany the choirs.

Performances

Children at the Junior School participate in music and drama productions each term. The older children (Years 3 to 6) perform at a Christmas Carol Service at St John’s Church in Wimbledon.

Listen to an excerpt from the Christmas 2010 Junior School Carol Service: