Singing in the Classroom Training Sessions for Teachers 2021-22

1. Autumn term - Tuesday 9 November 2021, 5.00 – 7.00 pm

How to Develop Children’s Vocal Technique

Guidance to re-establish and invigorate singing in schools

The importance of singing has been highlighted as one of four key areas on the new DfE Model Music Curriculum. Aimed at all teachers, this session will help you to understand the basics of vocal technique and how to look after your voice, and the voices of your young singers. With teachers being the highest proportion of patients at ENT departments in the UK and globally, this session will also cover an introduction into general vocal health for teachers and how to keep speaking as well as singing voices safe in a classroom context. We will be looking at the following principles, also highlighted in the MMC:

• Warming Up

• Diction

• Breathing and Posture

• Age Appropriate Repertoire

• Common Vocal Issues and How to Help

• Vocal Health for Both Students & Teachers

2. Spring term – Thursday 10 February 2022, 5.00 – 7.00 pm

Developing Musicality through Singing

Using a Kodály approach in classrooms and choirs with Michelle Robinson

Kodály is a sound-based system to learn to read and internalise music and when implemented well, it can also encourage good singing technique. In an education system where time given over to music education is dwindling, this is an efficient method to get the most out of music and vocal sessions.

Delivered by Michelle Robinson, an experienced choral conductor and vocal animateur, who, amongst other roles, is the Assistant Director of the Hallè Children's Choir and Music Director of Children's Voices, run by Olympias Music Foundation. She believes that high quality music making should be available to all and with high expectations and support, children can achieve exciting results. Aimed at teachers working in either KS1 or KS2, this promises to be a fun and practical session that will give you ideas to take straight back into school and choir!

3. Summer term – Tuesday 21 June 2022, 5.00 – 7.00 pm

Total Vocals KS2

Highlighting pathways for every child to find their singing voice

As a participant you will take away tried and tested classroom strategies and ideas for:

• engaging the shy and withdrawn

• engaging those with compromised vocal function

• engaging those with learning difficulties

• age appropriate lyric invention techniques

• using mics and electronics

Participants will also receive a specifically written song pack in electronic format.

The course will be delivered by Kenton Mann, who has 40 years of experience in using his voice in the classroom and onstage. He has a unique track record of success in engaging and motivating children and adults in learning environments and is a specialist in learning difficulties provision.

The sessions will take place at:

Hallé at St Michael’s

40 George Leigh St.

Ancoats

Manchester M4 5DG

However, it is also possible to join the sessions remotely, via Zoom, if preferred. Please indicate this on the booking form.

Cost: £45 per course, but if schools book for all three the third one is free. Different members of staff can attend the different sessions.

To book your place, please visit https://gmhubtraining.eventbrite.co.uk

To obtain your 3for2 offer code, or if you have any queries, please email music.service@bolton.gov.uk

Resources for Schools

The Vocal Vision Group has developed a number of resources for schools including:

• Song Source - A list of tried and tested songs to support the Primary Curriculum

• Singing Group Starter Pack - Containing resources for KS1, KS2, KS3, Boys' and SEND choirs

• Primary Schools' Singing Challenges

Please click here for a link to these resources.

Events for Schools

The Vocal Vision Group also organises singing events for schools. These include the very successful Princess and the Pea and Jack and the Beanstalk projects for pupils in Reception and Year 1. Please click on the links for more details: The Princess and the Pea and Jack and the Beanstalk

Young Singing Leaders' Programme

In partnership with the National Choral Organisation, Sing for Pleasure, the GM Hub has also established an exciting Young Singing Leaders' Programme for pupils in Years 9-13, together with students at the RNCM, to develop the leadership and conducting skills to direct a singing group or ensemble. We hope to run the programme again in 2022. Please click here for further information or email music.service@stockport.gov.uk