Music

The Music Department at DGS is at the heart of the school. Situated in the Mick Jagger Centre and comprising of one classroom, seven practice rooms and a computer room, it is the hub of creativity for all students at Dartford Grammar School.

We offer a creative and fully inclusive curriculum to all students in Years 7- 13 following the principles of the IB MYP and Diploma programs. Musical composition and performance permeate our teaching and our Schemes of Work. Academic standards of musical analysis enable students to prepare for the rigors of studying Music at KS4 and in the 6^th Form. Implementing the Musical Futures approach of musical learning we focus on developing musical leadership and independence from an early stage.

The department employs two full time teaching staff and is supported by a team of visiting instrumental tutors. Tuition is offered on all orchestral and on all band instruments and voice.

We offer an extensive program of after school and lunch time musical activities that support our classroom curriculum and further enhance the musical experiences of a large number of students in the school. These range from informal groups (rock/ pop bands and small vocal ensembles) to well established ensembles, such as the school's orchestras and choirs.

The department benefits from a close collaboration with the Mick Jagger Centre that offers a series of Master-classes as well as opportunities to work with a variety of musical ensembles from the wider community. We have a well- established partnership with the Junior Trinity College of Music

Staffing

A. Metcalf Director of Music
S. du Plessis Music teacher
M. Andrew Piano tutor
E. Artamonova Violin and Viola tutor
K. Breeze Guitar tutor
B. Cunningham Drum- kit tutor
S. Dunning Electric guitar and Bass tutor
M. Elkjer Piano tutor
N. Hayward Piano and Jazz piano tutor
D. James Cello tutor
J. Quigley Vocal tutor
G. Rutland Violin and viola tutor
M. Savill Guitar tutor
A. Simpson Woodwind tutor
J. Summerfield Piano, el. keyboard and Double Bass tutor
G. Thomas Brass tutor

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Year 7

Term 1: The elements of Music and Singing skills; 7@7 Concert

Term 2: Samba project: rhythm composition using Music Technology; Grade 1 Theory

Term 3: Keyboard skills and the instruments of the Orchestra; Grades 2-3 Theory

Term 4: Composing melodies and Program Music

Term 5 and 6: The Band Project

Year 8

Term 1: 12- Bar Blues Composition and Performance in groups

Term 2: Classical melodies and conventions; Für Elise

Terms 3 and 4: Develop melodic writing in the Classical style and using primary and secondary chords; Grades 3 and 4 Theory

Term 5: Hip- Hop Music; an exploration of contemporary musical conventions

Term 6: The Band Project

Year 9

Term 1: Bronze Arts Award in Music.

Term 2: Song writing: the popular song/ ballad; exploration of stylistic features and further development of melodic and harmonic writing; solo performance on main instrument/ voice; ensemble performing skills (choral and instrumental); Grades 4 and 5 Theory; Listening skills: the elements of Music (continued).

Terms 3 and 4: Western European traditions and Music in the 20th Century: Classical and Romantic music, expressionism, serialism and minimalism; relevant conventions studied through composition workshops, performances and aural explorations; solo performance on main instrument/ voice; ensemble performing skills (choral and instrumental); Grades 4 and 5 Theory.

Terms 5 and 6: Composition to a given brief drawn from the styles and periods studied throughout the year; preparation for end of year performances and Associated Board Music exams; writing about Music: techniques of extended writing in Music.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Year 10

EDEXCEL Music GCSE - 1MU0

Unit 1: 1MU0/01 – Performance
Unit 2: 1MU0/02 - Composition
Unit 3: 1MU0/03 - Appraising

Term 1: Units 1 and 3

EDEXCEL GCSE Music: study of Set works 1 and 8; composition workshops and exploration of conventions used in the relevant musical genres and historical periods; Solo performance on main instrument/ voice.

Term 2: Units 1 and 3

EDEXCEL GCSE Music: study of Set works 2 and 7; composition workshops and exploration of conventions used in the relevant musical genres and historical periods; Solo performance on main instrument/ voice; ensemble performances and Band projects

Term 3: Units 1 and 3

EDEXCEL GCSE Music: summary of set works 1, 2, 7 and 8; Preparation for the Listening Paper, Unit 3 examination; Solo performance on main instrument/ voice; ensemble performances and Band projects

Term 4: Units 1 and 2 and 3

Unit 2: Composition 1 on a chosen or given brief; Solo performance on main instrument/ voice; ensemble performances and Band projects. Study of Set Works 3 and 6.

Term 5: Units 1 and 2 and 3

Unit 2: Composition 1 on a chosen or given brief; Solo performance on main instrument/ voice; ensemble performances and Band projects. Study of Set Works 4 and 5.

Term 6: Units 1 and 2 and 3

Completion of Composition 1 with final scores and recordings; Solo performance final recordings. End of Year Appraising exam drawn from all eight set works.

Year 11

EDEXCEL Music GCSE - 1MU0

Unit 1: 1MU0/01 – Performance
Unit 2: 1MU0/02 - Composition
Unit 3: 1MU0/03 - Appraising

Term 1: Units 1, 2 and 3

Composition 2 to a brief set by EDEXCEL. Ensemble performances: choice of repertoire. Section B of Appraising Paper: writing about music.

Term 2: Units 1, 2 and 3

Composition 2 to a brief set by EDEXCEL. Ensemble performances: choice of repertoire. Section B of Appraising Paper: writing about music.

Term 3: Units 1, 2 and 3

Completion of Composition 2 with final scores and recording. Ensemble performances: final recordings. Appraising: all set works; listening exercises, dictation and related vocabulary.

Term 4: all Units

Prepare all Composition scores for final submission. Refine performances if necessary. Revision techniques for all set works.

Term 5: Unit 3

Final preparation for exam paper: revision techniques

Term 6:

6th Form Induction Period: taster A Level Music lessons

How to support your Child

To support your child in their musical learning and development, please ensure that:

Your child practices at least 30 minutes every day on their instrument/ voice.
Provide a quiet area in the house for this practice to take place.
Encourage your child to perform to you, friends and family and always praise their performance- even if it does not always sound “right”!!
Encourage your child to take part in at least one extra- curricular musical activity from the wide range on offer at Dartford Grammar School.

Useful websites:

Useful Books:

EDEXCEL Music GCSE Revision Guide, Rhinegold Education
OPUS for KS3 Music, Heinemann Education

Additional information

For all information in regards to our curriculum, instrumental tuition and all musical opportunities for your child at DGS please contact us:

By phone: 01322 223039

By e-mail: ametcalf@dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk