Music We Listen To
Each week children listen to a piece of music as they enter and leave collective worship. We aim to to a wide range of genres, eras and cultures represented as well as linking to the seasons and significant events.
W/B 18th March 2024
This week we are listening to Vicky Beeching 'The Wonder of the Cross.' This time of year for Christians is highly important as they reflect on the events which led to Jesus being crucified on the cross. As you listen to the music can you pick out the significance for Christians? How does this song make you feel?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCstpSI5Ys4
W/B 11th March
This week as I look around and see the signs of spring I am reminded about how beautiful the worlds is, but also how fragile it can be too. It's up to each and everyone of us to care for our beatutiful world so that we can all enjoy it.
W/B 26th Feb 24 - Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (4 March 1678 – 28 July 1741) Born in Venice, Italy, Died in Vienna, Austria
Last week as I was driving to work I really noticed how many spring flowers are starting to grow- and this made me think about 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 4 seasons. Do you hear the violins sounding like birds chirping, the blossom opening, new life emerging?
How does the piece make you feel?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3nSvIiBNFo&t=35s
W/B 19th February 2024
This week as we return from half term we are starting to think about Easter. We are now in the period of lent and this week we are thinking about Palm Sunday when Christians believe that Jesus road into Jerusalem on a donkey with the crowd waving palm branches. How would we celebrate someone special arriving today?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdDX3QLG8FY
W/B 29th January
This week I thought we would listen to this song by Alicia Keys - We Are Here. There is so much on the news at the moment about conflict around the world that I thought it would be good to take our time to contemplate/take time to pray for those suffering.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrKmDgk8Edg&t=5s
W/C 16th January 2024
This week we have woken up to snow and it made me think of Vivalidi's four seasons - Winter.
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741) was a prolific, 18th-century Baroque composer who wrote more than 500 concertos. About 230 of those concertos were written for the violin. The most famous of all of Vivaldi’s works is "The Four Seasons” (“Le quattro stagioni”) violin concerto.
Besides Vivaldi’s musical genius and passion for opera, his appreciation for women and what they could do set Vivaldi apart from many of his contemporaries. Vivaldi composed "The Four Seasons" between 1720 and 1723 while employed at “El Pio Ospedale della Pieta,” which was a girls school dedicated to orphaned girls. He worked as the Maestro de Violino (violin teacher) there and wrote some of his most famous works during that period of time.
How do you feel when yo listen to the piece of music? What pictures do you see in your mind?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kj3kowTTk
W/C 1st January 2024
Happy New Year!
As we return to school and start a new year, we are thinking about light shining in darkness - light, a promise of good things to come. What do you think of when you see a candle shining on a dark day? How does it make you feel?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0HpihVTfFg
Our song this week is: Light in the darkness
W/C 27th November 2023
This week we are thinking about Mary making the long journey to Bethlehem. So we are listening to and singing 'Little Donkey.' What an important job the Donkey had!
W/C 20th November 2023
This week in collective worship we are thinking about Joy. The Joy felt by Elizabeth and and Mary when they were told they were expecting a baby. (Luke 1.44, Luke 1.47), the angles bring shepherds good news of great joy that will be for all people (Luke 2:10)
What things make you feel Joy? How do you show and share that Joy?
W/C 13th November 2023
This week we are listenin to Ave Maria sung here by Andrea Bocelli. The words to Ave Maria are Latin and are quoted as part of a prayer of the Rosary often used by Roman Catholics in their devotions to Mary's response to the angle after being told she will bear God's Son. The first line is adapted from Luke 1:28; the second was added in the Middle Ages. The name comes from the opening words, literally ‘hail, Mary!’
Ave is a Latin greeting, meaning ‘hail, be well’. According to Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars, gladiators in the arena saluted the Roman emperor with the words, ‘Ave Caesar, morituri te salutant [Hail Caesar, those who are about to die salute you].’
W/C 6th November 2023
This week as we approach Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday I thought we would listen to Karl Jenkins' The Armed Man a Mass for Peace XII. Benedictus. As you listen to the piece take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by others in the past, the present and the future so that we can have peace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_ggAE91YFs
W/C 30th October 2023
This week on the lead up to bonfire night I thought we would have some popular firework music. A mix of Mozart, Handel & Mendelssohn
W/C 16th October 2023
Continuing with Black History Month we are this week listening to Afro-American Symphony by William Grant Still (1895-1978)
Still’s career is a story of firsts: dubbed ‘The Dean’ of African-American composers, he was the first African American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra, the first to have an opera produced by a major opera company (the New York City Opera), the first to have a symphony (his First Symphony) performed by a leading orchestra, and the first to have an opera performed on national TV.
Still composed more than 150 works in his lifetime, including five symphonies and eight operas, the most famous of which is his ‘Afro-American’ Symphony No. 1. He also found time to moonlight as an oboist, conductor and jazz arranger
W/C 9th October 2023
October is Black History Month. To celebrate I thought we would listen to a piece by Margaret Bonds and american composer.
Bonds would become the first African American musician to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1934
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xt7XP8HJ8c&t=20s
W/C 25th September 2023
This week in collective worship we are thinking about wild flowers.Do you ever stop and take in the flowers that are around you and where they choose to grow. Often they can be found growing in the most unusual places. This week's song helps us to reflect on what the world would be like if we didn't have these things and the importance of looking after our beautiful world.
W/C 18th September 2023
We enjoyed the gospel music so much last week, that I thought we would continue with the gospel theme - and joy - with Joyful, Joyful. How do you feel when you listen to this music? Does it make you want to move/join in? Have you heard other gospel songs before?
W/C 11th September 2023
This week we are listening to this upbeat piece called JOY by Voices of Fire - a gospel choir. What do you feel when you listen to it? Do like it? If you listen to the whole piece do you notice a section which is differnt to the rest?
W/C 3rd July 2023 - Chariots if Fire - Vangelis
This piece is often used when you see slow motion running, but did you know it was from a film? The film Chariots of Fire tells the story of two young British athletes, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) and Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), and focuses on the reasons why they run track and their competing in the 1924 Olympics. Both are determined by the faith and background in different ways. Harold Abrahams is Jewish and a student at Cambridge but still feels singled out because of the casual anti-semitism of those around him. Eric Liddell is Scottish Christian who takes a bit of flack for not wanting to run on a Sunday, forsaking his king and country for his God. Both are driven to run for these very reasons. Abrahams wants to win to defect attention from his being Jewish and Liddell sees running as a perfect expression of his faith. Can you think of a time when you have gone against the majority of people to stand up for what you believe - even if it doesn't make you popular?
W/C 19th June 2023 - Faithful One
Last week I had the privilege of taking our Y6 pupils to Carlisle Cathedral for the Church Schools leavers’ service. During the service we had this song as a time of reflection, to think about all that has past and what is to come. As you listen to the song, have a quiet moment to reflect on this year and the new school year ahead
W/C 12th June 2023
This week we are listening to George Gershwin's 'Summer Time.' Origionally written for the opera Porgy and Bess.
The story behind the opera begins in 1926, when the popular songwriter George Gershwin read the novel Porgy by DuBose Heyward. He immediately wrote to Heyward with the idea of writing an opera, but it wasn’t until 1933 that Gershwin, his lyricist brother Ira and Heyward finally began their collaboration. The work was radical in various ways: Gershwin wanted to create an opera in the European tradition, but to borrow from African-American blues, jazz and spirituals, as well as from the life and language of black people in South Carolina. Beyond that, he insisted that the first production feature an entirely black cast, a bridge-building gesture that launched several brilliant operatic careers.
That said, the first production was not a huge success, and it wasn’t until after Gershwin’s death in 1937 at age 38 that Porgy and Bess grew in importance, succeeding on Broadway as well as becoming accepted as serious opera and becoming the source of several of the most famous tunes in popular music.
Have you heard this piece before - what do you think?
W/C 5th June 2023
Sittin' on the Dock of a Bay by Otis Redding. So as we head into summer term and we've had some lovely sunny weather I thought we wold have this piece. This was sadly recorded mere days before Redding’s death in a plane crash, and whilst it doesn’t specifically single out that it takes place during summertime it certainly has a relaxed feel. As you listen can you think of the lapping waves, Redding’s whistling and singing about clearing your mind, conjuring up your most relaxing summer vacation.
W/C 15th May 2023
This week we continue to think about our half term's value of 'Service.' What can you do to serve others? How can we show service without wanting something in return? It reminded me of the school hymn 'I will bring to you the best gift I can offer.' What is the best gift you would offer someone and why?
W/C 8th May 2023
Last weekend King Charles III was crowned. I wonder what you would do if you became king for the day?
Following King Charles III’s accession to the throne, teacher/children’s author, Banji Alexander, composed ‘New King’ to celebrate the historic moment. Written from a child’s perspective, ‘New King’ explores what one would do if they suddenly became king. As part of his very popular book tour, Banji Alexander has visited over 75 schools in the last 7 months. He has enlisted a group of children from across some of these schools to record the fun, child-friendly coronation song. The collective is now known as ‘Banji’s Class
W/C 1st May 2023
This week as we lead up to the coronation of King Charles III there could only be one choice of music - Zadok the Priest by Handel. It is now a well known piece because it is played at the Champions League, but it is in fact a highly historic piece of music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiXgOQ9_-RI
Zadok the Priest (HWV 258) is a British anthem that was composed by George Frideric Handel for the coronation of King George II in 1727. Alongside The King Shall Rejoice, My Heart is Inditing, and Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, Zadok the Priest is one of Handel's coronation anthems. One of Handel's best-known works, Zadok the Priest has been sung prior to the anointing of the sovereign at the coronation of every British monarch since its composition and has become recognised as a British patriotic anthem.
At the coronation itself on 11 October 1727, the choir of Westminster Abbey sang Zadok the Priest in the wrong part of the service; they had earlier entirely forgotten to sing one anthem and another ended "in confusion".[9]
Lyrics
The lyrics of the piece are biblical, and can be found in 1 Kings 1:34-45:
Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon king.
And all the people rejoiced and said:
God save the King! Long live the King! God save the King!
May the King live for ever. Amen. Hallelujah.
While the lyrics of "God Save the King" are based on the same scripture passage from which "Zadok the Priest" originated, the lyrics of "Zadok the Priest" do not change based on the sex of the sovereign. Because it is a hymn and pulled directly from scripture, and because the king in question is Solomon, it remains "king" even if the monarch is female.
W/C 24th APril 2023
This week we are thinking about service and how we can help others, so I thought what better than Bruno Mars Count on Me. Can you be counted on? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msl2fl3h59I
W/C 17th April 2023
This half term for Jigsaw PHSE we are thinking about relationships- friendships are a big part of these so i thought what better than to have 'You've got a Friend in Me' from Disney Pixar film Toy Story. Are you a good friend? what's important in friendship?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIYOJ_hSs0o
W/C 27th March 2023
This week we are listening to the Barber of Seville Overture by Gioachino Rossini.
The Barber of Seville follows the escapades of a barber, Figaro, as he assists Count Almaviva in prising the beautiful Rosina away from her possessive guardian, Dr Bartolo, so she can be with her one true love.
W/C 20th March 2023
This week we are starting to notice more signs of spring, so what better to listen to than 'Spring' from Vivaldi's four seasons. It is played by stringed instruments: violins, violas, cellos and double bass along with some piano/harpsichord. Can you hear the birds singing represented by the violins? What signs of spring have you noticed in your garden or local woods?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LAPFM3dgag&list=RD6LAPFM3dgag&start_radio=1&rv=6LAPFM3dgag&t=0
W/C 13th March 2023
This week we are listening to African Suite by Fela Sowande. The Nigerian composer, Fela Sowande (1905-1987) designed his African Suite for radio broadcast from London to West Africa. He sought to integrate native folk material with western music. This performance includes all five movements of the work, Joyful Day, Nostalgia, Onipe, Lullaby & Akinla. It is performed by the New Symphony Orchestra conducted by Trevor Harvey from a long out-of-print LP issued in 1951.
W/C 6th March 2023
This week we start to think about our new value for half term which is 'Justice.' I thought this song was perfect to start us thinking about it. THE JUSTICE SONG" Words and Music by Selorm Tamakloe and Kaign Christy Opening Voice Over: Martin Luther King Jr. Second Voice Over: Gary Haugen This record features over 90 vocalists from 33 countries. Their voices and hearts stand in solidarity against modern-day slavery and trafficking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IASdERt3-m0
W/C 27th Feb 2023 - I Giorni
‘I Giorni’ became one of Steinway Artist Ludovico Einaudi's most-played piano pieces because, in the composer–performer's words, "I was among the first of a new generation to create and to write music that was, let’s say, playable and contemporary. At a certain point, it was difficult to find contemporary repertoire that you could enjoy playing at home. I think the music that I started to create was, in a way, filling the space left open and abandoned by composers." Ludovico Einaudi trained as a classical composer and pianist before continuing his studies with Luciano Berio, a leading composer of the twentieth-century avant-garde. He ultimately turned away from what seemed a glittering classical career to forge his own musical path, giving him the freedom to reconcile his wide-ranging influences.
Einaudi took great courage to step away from what he thought people wanted him to do, to do something that he wanted to do. Have you ever had to make difficult decisions in the face of pressure to do something else?
W/C 13th Feb
This week is Valentines week so I thought we would think about love and all the different forms that can take, and what else could I choose but the Beatles 'She loves me'
W/C 6th February 2023
This week we are celebrtaing CUSPfood festival, so what else could we listen to but 'Food Glorious Food' from the musical Oliver. What food do you enjoy? What would be top of your list?
W/C 30th January 2023
This week we are listening to some music from the soundtrack to the film Avatar: The Way of the Water. Which was composed by Simon Franglen. It is a science fiction film - what images does the music create in your mind as you listen to it? Do you like the music? Why/why not?
W/C 23rd January 2023
This week I have chosen Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros. You may recognise it from the planet earth series. What do you think of as you are listening to it?
W/C 16th January 2023
This week we are listening to Bolero by Maurice Ravel. This piece was made particularly famous by ice skaters Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean who were British, European, Olympic and World Champions over their career. This music was originally composed for a Ballet which premiered in 1928. Ravel lived between 1875-1937.
How does the music make you feel when you listen to it, does it make you want to dance or even ice skate?
W/C 9th Jan
This half term were are thinking about our value of perseverance so I thought we would listen this week to a song called 'Don't Give Up.' What do you need to work hard on to achieve?
W/C 2nd Jan
This week we are focusing on our dreams and goals - setting them and working hard to achieve them. The song i have chosen this week is Eye of the Tiger- how does it make you feel when you listen to it? Do you ever want to give up on you dreams? What can help you achieve them?
W/C 12th Dec
This week we are listening to Prokofiev Troika. It's a song which is often played around Christmas. How does it make you feel when you listen to it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GUzJ7fQBtg
W/C 5th Dec
This week as we continue to prepare for Chritsmas I thought we would listen to Carol of the Bells. Bells are often used at times of celebration and on Christmas morning many churches will be ringing out their bells in celebration of the birth of Jesus. Listen to how the singers use their voices to sound like bells ringing.
I wonder if you have ever heard bells ringing - perhaps you have heard them at Carlisle Cathedral or perhaps the bell ringers practising in Wigton or Dalston? I've never had the chance to ring a church bell - but would love to have a go as it looks fun, but I have been part of a hand bell musical performance - campanology is its correct name - it too is great fun, but a little complicated to remember which bell you have in which hand! Do give it a go if you ever get the chance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvAb4xfqcxA
W/C 28th Nov
This week as Christians start advent, I thought I would choose a piano and cello version of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. A traditional Christmas carol. The Emmanuel of the title refers to the Hebrew ‘Immanuel’ which appears in the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament as a sign of God’s protection, whereas in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament the name Emmanuel refers specifically to Jesus Christ.
For Christians, advent is a time of preparation and contemplation for celebrating the birth of Jesus. I wonder if you have heard the original hymn and which version you prefer?
W/C 21st Nov
This week we are listening to Benjamin Britten's 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.' This piece was written to showcase all the different instruments which make up an orchestra and is based on the Rondeau from Henry Purcell's incidental music. Can you name any of the instruments? Have you got a favourite instrument?
W/C 14th Nov
This week is anti-bullying week so I thought it would be good to listen to the official song for 2022, whilst we wear our odd socks! The song is a good reminder that we must 'reach' out if we think that bullying is happening to us or someone else. Bullying is never ok.
W/C 7th Nov
We'll Meet Again 1939 - Dame Vera Lynn
This week we are starting to think about Remembrance Day which is marked at 11am on 11th Nov and about Remembrance Sunday which this year takes place on 13th Nov. During WWI and WWII music played an important role in lifting morale for people both at home and away fighting. Dame Vera Lynn was a very popular musician who recorded songs during this era and even went and performed for soldiers based around the world. As you listen to this piece of music try and imagine how people who were listening to it at the time were feeling, how do you feel listening to it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nzy1cfnKh4
W/C 31st Oct
This week we are thinking about firworks in preparation for Bonfire Night on 5th Nov.
So what could be more fitting that George Frideric Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks (1749)
Handel was born 23rdFeb 1685 in Halle, Brandenberg - Germany and died on 14th April 1759. He was a German born English composer who composed many pieces for orchestras. He wrote the most famous oritorio Messiah (1741) and is also known for the pieces Water Music (1717) and Music for the Royal Firework (1749.)
Handel travelled around Europe, but for most of his life he lived in England. In 1727 he became a Britich Subject which enablled him to be appointed a compser of the Chapel Royal.
When you listen to the music, does it make you think of fireworks? Have you heard this piece played before?
W/C 17th Oct
This week we are listening to Florence Price - Symphony No.1 in E minor.
October is Black History Month. As an Africa-American women Florence combined the traditions of classical music with the sound of spirtuals and West African rhythms and dance from her own culture.
In 1933 she overcame prejudice to become the first black female composer to have her work performed by a major orchestra. Have you ever heard of anyone overcoming prejudice?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s4yY_A2A2k
W/C 10th Oct 2022
This week we are listening to a piece by the modern day composer Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea, Jasha Klebe - and is from the BBC series Planet Earth II Suite Official Soundtrack. This piece is inspired by the beauty of the world around us and is called 'Earth'. As our focus for this half term is 'Thankfulness' try and reflect on something incredible that you have seen in nature. Perhaps the changing colours on the trees...
What other awe and wonder does nature bring?