Street Band - Drums and Brass
The Street Band programme takes whole classes on an exciting musical journey, introducing them to the basics of brass playing and drumming, and allowing them to explore their creativity.
The Street Band Project is brand-new music programme for upper primary pupils and above. It's an exciting collaboration with brass tutor Marcus Britton of Oi Musica. It is carefully designed to be inclusive, fun and hands-on, combining expert instruction in instrumental technique with song & movement, as well as a broader overview of world music cultures. Pupils with contrasting levels of musical experience learn together to share the success of creating a band from scratch. Please take a few minutes to watch this film about the recent Streetband Project for the Greenock Galoshans Festival 2017.
The programme is designed to create a sense of fun and joy in making music as a group. We use games, rhythm exercises, movement, words, rhymes and improvisation as key components of our sessions. Pupils learn the music by ear and play from memory, with additional material tailored to the needs of the class such as warm-ups and theme tunes. Percussion instruments used on the project include bass drums, djembes and repeniques, amongst others. We use plastic trombones, which are light and easy for children to hold, and metal trumpets.
By the end of the programme, the class will have learned a piece of music, and each pupil will be able to play at least 5 notes on their brass instrument (of course this varies from pupil to pupil, and some will learn more). Drummers will have gained experience on 3 or more different drums. Alongside developing technical ability, pupils will develop skills in listening, teamwork, how to support each other to learn and how to contribute to a group creative process. They will have a deeper understanding of how brass instruments and drums work, and will be developing their understanding of their musical roles within an arrangement. Ultimately pupils complete the programme with increased self confidence, feeling inspired, and with a greater sense of curiosity about music.
Classes are delivered once a week with 2 classes a day, aiming to perform to an audience within the school on week 10. Week 1 of the programme is not a teaching week, but focuses on meeting class teachers to outline plans, iron out any logistical issues (space, noise etc) and discuss other considerations such as pupils with ASN or those who already play instruments. Potential performance outcomes are also explored, which may include an in-school assembly and/or a performance at a community event.
Feedback on recent Street Band projects:
I thought the kids were extraordinary. What you managed to achieve in 2 months is incredible. Most important for me was the children’s obvious engagement; despite the dreichness [of the Greenock Galoshans parade] they looked like they were having a great time. I’ve just spoken to our brass tutor at Moorfoot. He has had to re-jig his timetable to accommodate the numbers wanting to learn brass in the school. I can’t ask for a better outcome than that.
- Rikki Payne, Head of Music Service, Inverclyde Council, Nov 2017
I'd like to thank you both for giving the children such a fantastic experience which I'm sure they'll remember forever. Lots of events happen in a primary school however, this is the one I think they will remember the most. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekly workshops too and think I'll be asking Santa for a djembe drum this year. Thanks again Mat and Marcus. You've both really inspired us all!
- Mrs Docherty, Class Teacher, Moorfoot Primary School, Inverclyde, Nov 2017
Absolutely brilliant. Our daughter is usually quite reserved when it comes to things like this. We could tell straight away from her face that this was something that she loved doing. She has been talking about it non-stop. We would be very disappointed if it didn’t happen again with the school next year!!! Thanks very much
- Parent, Our Lady and St. Joseph’s Primary School, North Lanarkshire, Dec 2017
As a parent it was great to see my child enjoying the experience of learning music. He has been excited about the lessons over the last few weeks and has spoken enthusiastically each week about his lessons. Your sessions have sparked an interest in music that was not there before. A huge thank you for all your hard work and efforts.
- Parent, Glenboig Primary School, North Lanarkshire, Dec 2017
I have seen an amazing amount of progress from week 1 to week 6. They really look, feel and sound like proper musicians now.
- Mrs Irvine, Head Teacher Moorfoot Primary School, Inverclyde, Nov 2017
I’m not really a fan of learning, but I learned a lot and it was amazing.
- Pupil, Moorfoot Primary School, Inverclyde, Nov 2017
The Street Band programme takes whole classes on an exciting musical journey, introducing them to the basics of brass playing and drumming, and allowing them to explore their creativity.
The Street Band Project is brand-new music programme for upper primary pupils and above. It's an exciting collaboration with brass tutor Marcus Britton of Oi Musica. It is carefully designed to be inclusive, fun and hands-on, combining expert instruction in instrumental technique with song & movement, as well as a broader overview of world music cultures. Pupils with contrasting levels of musical experience learn together to share the success of creating a band from scratch. Please take a few minutes to watch this film about the recent Streetband Project for the Greenock Galoshans Festival 2017.
The programme is designed to create a sense of fun and joy in making music as a group. We use games, rhythm exercises, movement, words, rhymes and improvisation as key components of our sessions. Pupils learn the music by ear and play from memory, with additional material tailored to the needs of the class such as warm-ups and theme tunes. Percussion instruments used on the project include bass drums, djembes and repeniques, amongst others. We use plastic trombones, which are light and easy for children to hold, and metal trumpets.
By the end of the programme, the class will have learned a piece of music, and each pupil will be able to play at least 5 notes on their brass instrument (of course this varies from pupil to pupil, and some will learn more). Drummers will have gained experience on 3 or more different drums. Alongside developing technical ability, pupils will develop skills in listening, teamwork, how to support each other to learn and how to contribute to a group creative process. They will have a deeper understanding of how brass instruments and drums work, and will be developing their understanding of their musical roles within an arrangement. Ultimately pupils complete the programme with increased self confidence, feeling inspired, and with a greater sense of curiosity about music.
Classes are delivered once a week with 2 classes a day, aiming to perform to an audience within the school on week 10. Week 1 of the programme is not a teaching week, but focuses on meeting class teachers to outline plans, iron out any logistical issues (space, noise etc) and discuss other considerations such as pupils with ASN or those who already play instruments. Potential performance outcomes are also explored, which may include an in-school assembly and/or a performance at a community event.
Feedback on recent Street Band projects:
I thought the kids were extraordinary. What you managed to achieve in 2 months is incredible. Most important for me was the children’s obvious engagement; despite the dreichness [of the Greenock Galoshans parade] they looked like they were having a great time. I’ve just spoken to our brass tutor at Moorfoot. He has had to re-jig his timetable to accommodate the numbers wanting to learn brass in the school. I can’t ask for a better outcome than that.
- Rikki Payne, Head of Music Service, Inverclyde Council, Nov 2017
I'd like to thank you both for giving the children such a fantastic experience which I'm sure they'll remember forever. Lots of events happen in a primary school however, this is the one I think they will remember the most. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekly workshops too and think I'll be asking Santa for a djembe drum this year. Thanks again Mat and Marcus. You've both really inspired us all!
- Mrs Docherty, Class Teacher, Moorfoot Primary School, Inverclyde, Nov 2017
Absolutely brilliant. Our daughter is usually quite reserved when it comes to things like this. We could tell straight away from her face that this was something that she loved doing. She has been talking about it non-stop. We would be very disappointed if it didn’t happen again with the school next year!!! Thanks very much
- Parent, Our Lady and St. Joseph’s Primary School, North Lanarkshire, Dec 2017
As a parent it was great to see my child enjoying the experience of learning music. He has been excited about the lessons over the last few weeks and has spoken enthusiastically each week about his lessons. Your sessions have sparked an interest in music that was not there before. A huge thank you for all your hard work and efforts.
- Parent, Glenboig Primary School, North Lanarkshire, Dec 2017
I have seen an amazing amount of progress from week 1 to week 6. They really look, feel and sound like proper musicians now.
- Mrs Irvine, Head Teacher Moorfoot Primary School, Inverclyde, Nov 2017
I’m not really a fan of learning, but I learned a lot and it was amazing.
- Pupil, Moorfoot Primary School, Inverclyde, Nov 2017