Music
Music Department Staff
Dr A McCrory (Head of Department)
Miss SJ Loney
Why Study Music?
Music education is essential in providing a rich, balanced curriculum. Neuroscientists have proven that studying music contributes to cognitive development by creating stronger connections between brain regions, more grey matter, improved brain structure and function, better memory and attention along with higher IQ (Schellenberg, 2004). It is the Music Department's belief in Lurgan JHS that engaging every pupil in Music education will help them to reach their full cognitive and academic potential.
The Music Department has created a knowledge-rich learning journey in Lurgan JHS throughout Years 8-10. A range of core theoretical musical concepts is developed and enhanced through an engaging spectrum of listening and practical experiences. It is the Music Department's goal to enrich each student's learning by developing an analytical, creative and intuitive understanding of music as a cultural language.
KS3 Music Course Details
Year 8 Knowledge
Unit 1: Exploring Pulse & Rhythm
-
Note names, symbols and values
-
Stave, Bars and Bar Lines
-
Time Signatures
-
Conducting Beats and Rhythms
-
Basic 16 Bar Composition
-
Graphic Symbols
Unit 2: Notation & Keyboard Skills
-
Treble and Bass Clef notes
-
Keyboard functions, White & Black notes
-
Compose with Chords
-
Perform using Binary Form
Unit 3: African Polyrhythms
-
Type of African Percussion
-
African Drumming Techniques
-
Rhythmic Call and Response
-
Polyrhythmic Composition
Year 9 Knowledge
Unit 1: Exploring the Orchestra
-
Evolution and Layout of the Orchestra
-
Woodwind Family - single & double reeds
-
Strings Family - arco & pizzicato
-
Brass Family - use of valves
-
Percussion Family - tuned & untuned
Unit 2: Elements of Music
-
Melody, Articulation, Dynamics
-
Tempo, Structure, Harmony
-
Instrumentation, Rhythm, Texture
Unit 3: Form & Structure
-
Question and Answer phrases
-
Composing using Ternary Form
-
The Pentatonic Rondo
Year 10 Knowledge
Unit 1: Computer & Video Game Music
-
Creating atmosphere - ground theme, battles, motifs
-
Character themes, motifs, leitmotifs
-
Digital Composition - Garageband/BandLab
Unit 2: Exploring Musicals & Films
-
Origins of Musical Theatre
-
The Structure of a Musical
-
Voices and Voice types
Unit 3: Performance & Song Writing
-
Music Genres
-
GCSE Mock Performance
-
Structure of a song
-
Writing Lyrics
-
Song Composition
“Music develops analytical thinking because it requires students to be creative. They don't just regurgitate memorised facts. They have to apply those facts.”
– Dr. Strother, Director of Music
Career Options
Studying music can open many doors. Some of the pathways include:
-
Video and Sound engineer
-
Recording engineer
-
Music Director
-
Conductor
-
Music Teacher
-
DJ
-
Music therapist
-
Music Journalist
-
Singer/Song Writer
-
Roadie
-
Music Festival or Concert organiser
-
Live Events Production
-
Stage Management
-
Digital Musician
-
Games Musician