(pronounced “Kestra” from OR-CHESTRA)
Caroline, Del and Jane are professional musicians and teachers who enjoy sharing their musical enthusiasm with children.
We play many instruments including harp, piano, violin, viola, flute, piccolo, clarinet, saxophones, recorders, guitar and mandolin. Our workshops are interactive and get the children involved with the programmes. We cater for different session lengths, dependent on programmes, age and focus. Curriculum links of our programmes go beyond music and encompass storytelling, language, cultural and social development, design and other expressive arts, physical education, history and science. Previous school comments include:
“The children loved it”
“They really liked roaring like a lion and getting to experience live instruments and music”
“It was all very enjoyable, lots of fun”
“It was a really great experience for all the children and an inclusive one”
Workshops
If you have a particular theme we are happy to discuss a performance to fit within it. Below are some sample workshops. The key stages are guides only and we include more or less detail and instruments depending on the audience – please feel free to discuss with us.
EYFS and KS1
Carnival of the Creatures:
Looks at how we use music to represent different animals and creatures. Helps children to interact artistically with movement, singing and identifying creatures.
Noises from Nature
Focuses on music with a nature theme on a variety of instruments. Helps children to interact artistically with movement and singing and building a soundscape.
Stories with Sounds
Children are encouraged to join in with the musical re-telling of these well loved tales:
- Three Billy Goats Gruff
- Jack and the Beanstalk
- Funny Bones
KS1 and KS2
Let’s Have a Ceilidh!
A fun and active introduction to simple dances, traditional tunes and some of the instruments often played at a ceilidh. The steps are practised, then ‘called’ during the dances. Perfect for Upper KS2, but can be adapted for younger children.
Part of the orchestra is missing!
Can your students help us identify and fill out the missing sections of the orchestra? Demonstration of harp, piano, violin, viola, flute, piccolo, clarinet, recorders, guitar, mandolin and saxophone in a variety of pieces. Children join in with conducting, noise production, percussion, guessing of instrument names and voice.
Music – What’s the Use?
Looks at how music has been used over the centuries, from “Courtly Love” through telling stories in opera and film and ending with a quiz about music in space! It encourages the children to think and participate in how music relates to different situations. Can be extended to include video clips, where a school has audio-visual connections.
Instrumental Showcase
Demonstration of harp, piano, violin, viola, flute, piccolo, clarinet, recorders, guitar and mandolin and saxophone in a variety of pieces. Children join in with conducting, percussion, instrument names and assessing suitable instruments for particular events and objects.
Seasonal Concerts: We also offer Christmas and other concerts to mark seasonal events.
