Music at Manor is largely practical in nature.
Manor Community College operates an American band system where students in
year 7 are offered the opportunity to learn an instrument in a wide band.
The band forms the basis of their music lessons and students learn to play
and read music, work and perform together. For a nominal fee of £15.00 per
term, students are provided with an instrument from Cambridge Instrument
Music Agency.
At Key Stage 3 students study a variety of music from different cultures and
styles. They will perform melodies on keyboards and play a variety of rhythms
on percussion instruments whilst learning the key elements of music. Students
will learn to read traditional and graphic notation and compose music from a
variety of stimulus.
At Key Stage 4 students currently follow the Ed-excel syllabus. The course
aims to develop students' ability to compose and perform at a higher level and
to develop their understanding of music theory. They perform both individually
and in mixed ensembles as well as compose music in a variety of styles taught in
lessons.
Well-Manor'd band always perform at the College's major calendar events including
the Christmas Carol Concert and the Awards Evening as well as performing in the
local community.
Supporting Feeder Primary Schools
The Head of Music is very happy supporting some of our feeder primary schools this year and the following is a little insight into the work being done.
At Orchard Park Primary School year 4, 5 and 6 students have worked over the last term learning Samba instruments and body percussion. They have also performed in a Samba Band as part of Orchard Parks Christmas celebrations which was a great success.
At the Grove Primary School the Head of Music spent the first term working on pulse and rhythm teaching African drumming and the year 6 African drum band performed at a special assembly focussed on Black history month last October. He is currently working with year 1 and reception year singing in different musical styles and looking at rhythm and pulse. Year 1's have also performed in an assembly to parents and the students, two songs, The Grand old Duke of York and When the Saint's go marching in.
Shirley School has also benefitted from extra music and as well as the Head of Music working with year 6 students as a whole class, also started a recorder group as a lunch time activity at the school. He is currently working at the Shirley Lower School with year 2's and having lots of fun singing different songs and playing musical games.
Music as an enrichment at Manor
A number of students from year 7 and 8 play regularly in the 'Rock Band' on Wednesdays and songs by Green Day, Blondie, Ash and Cream may be heard if you pass by the music department after school.
Monday lunchtime provides an opportunity for all budding singers in the school both young and old. The chorus group have been working hard on establishing a variety of songs that will be performed later in the year... This is open to any student to attend and passes are provided so an early lunch is available before attending the activity that starts approximately 12.45. Just see Mr Utting if you are interested.