Lancashire Big Sing Lowther Pavilion 2024

On Tuesday 5th March Year 4 took part in the Lancashire Big Sing at Lowther Pavilion in Lytham. Alongside seven other schools, they performed a total of twelve songs based on the theme of the Olympics being held in France. The songs were related to different continents and countries. They sang Eye of the Tiger, Wave Your Flag and even the Maori Haka! 

Lancashire Big Sing March Workshop

Year 4 have been practising for the Lancashire Big Sing, taking place in March 2024 at Lowther Pavilion. They had a workshop with Katie, who taught some of the songs and actions. 

Mrs Fenton and the Year 5 pupils have been learning new songs in our choir every week. 

In 2024, we plan to take part in the Big Sing, a programme ran by Lancashire Music Hub to encourage our KS2 pupils to join other schools in performing a selection of songs. 

Music at St. John's

Music helps develop creativity, imagination, good listening skills and constructive criticism. It enables children to work individually and as part of a group, using different instruments, to explore different genres of music. Music can be connected and explored through many different subjects. It allows children to express themselves, their personal thoughts and feelings, in unique ways which builds self-confidence. At St. John's we use Charanga Music Scheme to teach music throughout the school. 

At St. John's we aim for the children to develop:

- an enjoyment of learning through practical activity, exploration and discussion.

- confidence and competence in the skills of speaking and listening, constructive feedback and sharing practical work.

- an understanding and appreciation of different types of music from around the world.

Musical Opportunities at St. John's

Performances and Concerts

- Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 -  musical Christmas nativity. 

- Year 4 - musical Harvest service.

- Year 5 - musical Easter service.

- Year 6 - Carol Concert and carol singing within the local community.

- Year 3-6 - summer musical play led by Year 6. 

- Big Band - Celebration of Music at the Winter Gardens and participation within the Carol Service.

- Whole school assemblies throughout the year and also music assemblies.

Range of Instruments

During their time at St. John's, the children have many opportunities to learn various instruments. In Year 4, a music teacher from Lancashire Music Service comes in once a week to teach the children music through a Samba band. In Year 2, the children will learn to start playing the recorder and the recorders will be carried up through Year 3-6. In all years, the children learn to play the glockenspiel. 

As well as part of the national curriculum, children from Year 3-6 are able to learn a brass, woodwind or string instrument at a small cost to parents. Lessons take place within the school day with two music assembly performances during the school year. 

Mr. Squires-Evans comes in on a Wednesday morning and teaches brass and violin.

Mr. Irwin teaches comes in on a Thursday afternoon and teaches woodwind.

Mr. Henshaw comes in on a Friday afternoon and teaches guitar. 

What Our Children Think About Music

"I like music because it makes me happy and it flows through my body." - Pearl (Year 5)

"Music is different sounds and features." - Henry H (Year 5)

"Music makes me really happy because I like to dance to the beat" - Leo (Year 1)

"I like music because you get to change instruments and you get carried away in the music. It is really fun. We also get to do concerts in front of the school." - Tilly (Year 4)