Music
At Milford School we really value music education and it is an integral part of our school culture. We encourage all children to be actively involved in the arts, not only as a creative outlet but to develop their learning and social development.
We are very fortunate to have a full time music specialist, Ms Eugénie Middleton, who is passionate about providing positive learning experiences for every child and to nurture their musical abilities. She has a BMus in Performance, DipTchg and Masters in Education. Her thesis was based around the importance of providing “crystallising experiences” for tamariki in the Arts, and Education in general. With this in mind, she has designed a music programme that provides a wide range of activities and gives children the opportunity to join enrichment music groups in addition to this.
There are three components to the Milford School music programme:
Classroom music lessons
Music groups
Itinerant music lessons
Classroom Music Lessons
Every class has music lessons for 45 minutes per week with music specialist, Eugenie Middleton. In these lessons, the children are immersed in a holistic learning experience, which incorporates a mixture of singing, music games, rhythm and body percussion, movement, dance, drama and instrumental playing.
All lessons are linked to the syndicate PYP central ideas and concepts. This ensures cohesion between the classroom learning outcomes and music learning objectives.
Throughout their time at school, all students will experience playing a wide range of un-tuned percussion instruments, ukulele, marimba and xylophone, recorder, boom whackers, djembe and bucket drums. Having experiences playing all of these instruments by the time they have graduated Year 3 and 4, then they can choose to extend themselves by joining a senior music enrichment group. There are many groups to belong to and lots of opportunities for children regardless of their musical level. The philosophy is about inclusion and providing positive, crystallising experiences for as many children as we can to promote a life-long love of music and the arts.
Music Groups
At Milford School there are an abundance of music groups for the children to be involved in. These music groups encourage the children to enhance their learning and to explore different musical genres in a fun, focussed learning environment. Many of the groups represent the school in festivals and concerts throughout the year.
Due to Covid restrictions, some groups are not available this term, like choir and recorder, but these groups are still available for Term One:
They rehearse on a Friday (see timetable below)
Music Group Timetable:
Friday
8.45 – 9.55 – School Orchestra in the hall – Year 2 – 6.
9.55 – 10.40 – Extension string ensemble (chamber group – auditioned)
11- 11.45 – Year 6 Xylophone Group
11.45 – 12.30 – Year 5 Xylophone Group
1.30 -Beginner Ukulele Group (Year 3 – 6)
1.55 -Advanced Ukulele Group (from Year 4-6 – must have played ukulele for a year)
2.15 – 3pm – Rock Band (Year 5 and 6 – audition group)
This is one of the children’s favourite groups. The music is arranged by Eugenie Middleton to specifically cater for the huge range of abilities and instruments the children are learning to play. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to develop skills of following a conductor, playing as part of an ensemble and reading basic music in a relaxed, nurturing environment. Children don’t need to be able to read music to be a member of this group, but it does help. This is for children from Year 2 – Year 6. There will be no woodwind for Term 1, but children who play woodwind instruments can play xylophone for Term 1.
This is for children who have Grade 2 and above on a stringed instrument that needs extension.
An extension group for senior children interested in learning to play the xylophone in an ensemble. Limited to 30 students.
An extension group for senior children interested in learning to play the xylophone in an ensemble. Limited to 30 students.
This group is for beginners who would like to learn how to play basic chords on the ukulele. The children are welcome to use the school ukuleles for this group, but it is advantageous for them to own their own. This will enable them to practise at home and make more rapid progress.
This group is for children who learnt the ukulele last year and want to continue playing.
This band is dependent on the existing skills at school. If your child is a great guitarists, bass guitarist, drummer please let me know so I can form a group for 2022. This group will perform in assemblies throughout the year.
Itinerant Music Lessons at Milford School
At Milford School we are very lucky to have music tutors come into school and teach children a variety of instruments. Currently these include individual piano and keyboard lessons, guitar lessons and violin lessons. The children can be enroled via the office and all information about these are kept there. For children to take these lessons, they must pay a fee and this is organised through the office also.
If you have any questions about the music programme or groups for your children to join. Please don’t hesitate to come and talk to me in the music room, or alternatively email me: eugenie.middleton@milford.school.nz
Nga mihi nui
Eugenie Middleton
Head of Music / Specialist team leader / COL within school lead teacher