Rock Band Medley

We have been working on a medley of classic riffs as well as some original material.

Drummer Ayo Salawu visits Year 3

In a free workshop from the Worshipful Company of Musicians, drummer Ayo Salawu visited and played to our Year 3 children today. The children heard about his work as a session musician and how he became a drummer. Ayo explained that he has been drumming since he was 2 years old, but that he took lessons later on in primary school and progressed to doing a music degree. The children asked lots of questions.

Ayo demonstrated different types of music from rock and pop to jazz and funk, using the drum kit, the school djembes, the congo drums, and the cajon. He explained how these drums were made and then taught the children lots of exciting rhythms to join in with. These got more and more challenging!

In class, all Year 3 children are learning to play different tuned and untuned percussion instruments so hopefully Ayo's playing will inspire their own playing. Thank you Ayo, and thank you Worshipful Company of Musicians.

Do unto others...

This Spring term, the orchestra at Queensbridge has begun learning Hey Brother, by the Frightnrs. With such talented musicians in the orchestra, we already have the outlines of the rhythm and melody, and are now adding harmonies and learning to improvise along to the music. Here is the song on YouTube to help you to practise at home! Enjoy this song with a great message for all of us...

            

Both Rock Band Clubs Rock Out!

The kids in Rock Band this year have been working on their own songs, taking inspiration from their favorite musicians.

Here is the Wednesday club singing "Nightmare", a completely original composition.


Here is the Thursday club performing their remix of the Lil T song "And Dat" with their own music.

Our Union Chapel Performance

The Orchestra and Chamber Choir enjoyed their performance at the Music For Youth festival at The Union Chapel yesterday. During Orchestra we asked the children how they thought the performance went, this is what they said...

"I was proud to play an amazing piece of music in front of other schools and professional musicians"

"I was really excited to play in such a big venue and we did a really good job"

"I thought about the music and not the people watching"

"It was scary because people were looking at us, but fun because we did well and everyone was pleased."

"I enjoyed listening to the other groups"

Music for Youth Regional Festival

The Queensbridge orchestra and chamber choir teams are looking forward to performing at the Music for Youth Regional Festival on Tuesday 1st March at the Union Chapel in Highbury. What a prestigious venue! More information about the regional festivals can be found here. 

Year 2 and the London Symphony Orchestra to the rescue!

On Tuesday 29th February all of the children from Year 2 will be taking part in a concert at the Barbican Centre. They will be singing along with the London Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants. This is an adaptation of the picture book by Giles Andreae and Korky Paul (of Winnie the Witch fame), with music specially composed by Paul Rissman. Paul will be conducting the concert on the 29th and we are looking forward to meeting him. The children will be doing more Sir Scallywag-based activities during literacy lessons in the first week back after half term. Watch out for the knights around school!