Children enjoyed a fun and memorable day of music with Jo May, a music specialist. The school invited Jo to lead workshops for each class because they want the children to experience live music in school, engage with live performances and perform music to an audience.
Jo originally trained at the Royal College of Music and began her career working with orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra; she has many years’ experience of teaching music in schools, incorporating a wide range of instruments and styles of music.

The day started with a whole-school assembly to introduce Jo and the day ahead, before each class worked with her. The focus of each class session was using percussion, particularly learning how to play the spoons. Spoons are accessible for all ages and abilities, enabling children to develop many skills including rhythm, co-ordination, fine motor skills, creativity, listening, performance and teamwork. The children enjoyed their session, particularly as it was something they hadn’t done before, it was fun and very active. When asked ‘Why did you enjoy that music session?” one of the children answered, “I enjoyed it because I like trying new things.”

At the beginning of the afternoon, children from Reception and Year 1 were able to perform some of what they have learned; at the end of the day, Year 2 performed for the Reception class.

Deputy Headteacher Laura Leggett said “We want the children to enjoy their learning. We’ll go to great lengths to make learning memorable for the children and it’s been lovely to see everyone have such fun making music today.”

http://www.jomaypercussion.co.uk/about.htm