Thurrock Trailblazer Cultural Catalogue 2019-20

MUSIC FOR
CHANGE
EYFS
KS1
SEND
CARIBBEAN CALYPSO
Established 21 years ago, Music for Change is a Canterbury-based charity that uses music to
celebrate cultural diversity, to bring people together, and to improve people’s well-being. Their
vision is that all members of the community, especially children and young people, fulfil their
creative potential whilst respecting and celebrating cultural diversity. Running educational
workshops, projects, music events and festivals across the UK, Music for Change currently works
with over 50 artists from around the world, who are experienced musicians, skilled in delivering
workshops to large and small groups.
“Instilled a lasting feeling of happiness in the school... At the end of
the day, one boy who has never shown an interest in music personally
thanked the practitioner”
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Music for Change works with Alexander D
Great, a professional musician, composer and
musical arranger for more than 30 years. As
well as leading calypso workshops in schools
and colleges he has also been
Calypsonian-in-Residence for the BBC. A
qualified and professional teacher, his
considerable communication skills produce
captivating workshops that combine Caribbean
story, calypso music and rhythms, and group
composition.
HISTORY OF STEEL PANS
The steel pan has become an icon of
Trinidadian and wider Caribbean culture.
Hammered into the shiny metal surface is a
series of dents. Each one creates a different
note, subtly different from the ones around it,
according to their position and size. The steel
pan emerged in the 1930s; further experiments
through the years, resulted in the development
of the full range of instruments in the Steel
Orchestra.
CARIBBEAN CALYPSO WORKSHOP
In this workshop, students will begin to learn
the technique of playing the steel pan in small
groups; they will explore rhythm skills through
playing percussion and rhymes, including
singing and learning a tune or two with mini
steel pans. Interactive storytelling can also be
included in the workshop and older students in
KS1 could also explore how to write a song.
SUITABILITY
As this workshop uses mini steel pans it is most
suitable for early years students and KS1.
DATES, LOCATION & FORMAT
Dates are flexible across the academic year. All
workshops take place in-school, where a large
space or hall is required. There are 6 steel pans
in total so groups are expected to join in on
rotation. Workshops can be booked as a half
day or whole day of activity as follows:
• 30 minute workshop for 12 students
• 45 minute workshop for 18 students
• 1 hour workshop for 24 students (including
storytelling)
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Students will gain knowledge and an
awareness about Caribbean culture and
heritage
• Learn about stories from the Caribbean and
develop vocabulary whilst songwriting
• Students will learn new skills in steel-pan
drumming
• Develop rhythmic skills through
participation, enhancing fine motor skills
• Develop an understanding of dynamics
• Develop listening and co-ordination skills
• Have the opportunity for creative
expression
• Develop teamwork and performance skills
CROSS-CURRICULAR LINKS
GEOGRAPHY
Learning about the Carribbean and its locality
MUSIC
Singing, musical traditions, playing the steel
pan, rhythm, dynamics
HISTORY
How the steel pan came into being, history of
wwthe Caribbean
LITERACY
Poems, nursey rhymes, stories, lyric writing
MATHS
Counting beats, using multiplication
SMSC
Developing values, including increased respect
for other cultures
TEACHER COMMITMENT & TRAINING
Teachers should be present during the
workshops and retain a student to teacher
ratio of 1:15
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END?
Students are encouraged to perform and
showcase what they have learnt to their peers
and wider school community.
If your school wishes to invest in purchasing
their own steel pans, Music for Change offer an
INSET training session for £920, with 4
table top steel pans costing an additional £169.
OTHER RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Supporting DVD’s can be purchased as a follow
up activity in the classroom, delivered for £28.
COSTS
£385 for half day (total 3 hours)
£460 for full day (total 6 hours)
RECOMMENDED
This offer could complement the following:
• Thurrock Music Services: Rhythm CPD
• Thurock Music Services: MIDAS Visit
53 54