Musical Pathways

All year 8 pupils currently have one double period of Music each week in St. Patrick’s Grammar school as part of the Federation between both our schools.  During this time pupils explore music through performing, listening and composing. One period is allocated to performance.

All students learn to play an orchestral instrument under the SELB Music Service’s whole class instrumental tuition scheme entitled Musical Pathways.  Instruments are provided by the SELB Music Service.  All pupils receive instrumental tuition under this scheme irrespective of their musical ability, catering for the needs of the musically gifted child but also recognizing the need to provide opportunities to nurture the complete beginner.  All students will display their performance skills when they perform in a concert during the third term. It’s not just the pupils taking on the challenge of learning a new instrument and performing in the show.  Three members of staff, Ms. Conlon (Classroom assistant), Mrs. Treanor (Religion) and Mrs. Gallagher (Irish) are stepping out of their comfort zones and learning to play a musical instrument along with the pupils.
We aim to foster and develop in each child a love and understanding of playing a musical instrument irrespective of his musical ability, social or financial background, physical or social disability.  Pupils will be provided with opportunities to investigate and appreciate a wide range of different musical styles through appropriate listening programmes and will engage in composition tasks using a variety of ICT software encouraging pupils to be independent learners.

Pupils will engage in musical activities relating to:

• Theory of music
• Listening skills and techniques through a wide range of musical genres.
• Aural training reinforced using ICT software packages and CD ROMs.
• History of music
• Composition using Sibelius and Cubase software on our PC network and Garage Band and Logic Express software on the Apple Mac system.
• Composing music to accompany film using Garageband and Logic Express.
• Editing and mixing sound using Garage Band, Logic Express and Cubase sx
• Develop a basic understanding of mixing and sampling sounds using recording and mixing desks
• Microphone techniques
• Keyboard skills
• Basic guitar skills
• Acquire knowledge of music in our society in particular the role of the composer, arranger, and the impact of the music industry to life, work, leisure and recreation.
• Develop an understanding of the impact of music technology to bring music to a wider audience