Figure 1.--Much of the music pogram is optional work such as learning instruments or singing in the choir. There is also some limited classroom work as well dealing with music theory, singing, and music appreciation. Here a class is singing in the music room. |
Most schools provide the younger children up to two class periods per week. The younger children are introduced to basic rythm and listening through percussion. They generally progress to the recorder which provides an understanding of self notation which will be valuable if the child decides to learn a musical instrument. All children have singing and the older children usually are given some music appreciation classes as part of the normal time table.
One music lesson, Mr Hulme asked the name of a composer. To give us a clue he said, "Every door has one." Than somebody, I won't mention any names, said "knob"! Of course the answer was Handle and everyone burst out laughing.
Eliane Ibru, Great Walstead Magazine 1987.
In addition to singing -- the school has an enthusiastic choir -- all the younger boys learn to play the recorder, and tuition can be arranged for boys wishing to play the piano, violin, trumpet, and other instruments. All forms have lessons in msical appreciation, and parties of boys are taken to local concerts. There is also an annual School Concert to which parents are invited.
Birchfiekd School Prospectus
