Children work hard to record their own CD

They were very excited to hear the news that they would be recording their own CD, and have been working very hard to perfect the challenges they have been set.

Under the careful guidance of their music teacher, Tina Kear (advanced skills teacher for primary music) the children have worked hard on their singing and instrumental skills, their understanding of music, their confidence and abilities with great enthusiasm.

Packed with songs from different styles, some sung in unison, others in two part harmony, some with duet, trio and group parts, the children hope that there will be something to please everyone on their CD.

Pupils in Key Stage 2 were also given the chance to show off their developing musical skills by working on different instruments to produce three instrumental recordings: ‘Silent Night’ performed in two part harmony played by the able musicians in recorder club; ‘Away In A Manger’ played by children in Years 5 and 6 with the melody on glockenspiels, the accompaniment played on chime bar chords and the pupils in Years 3 and 4 recorded their own fun version of ‘Jingle Bells’ accompanying themselves on the ukulele.

A competition was held to design the front cover and the winning design by Toby Lutman (aged eight) will be published as the front cover for the CD itself.

This has been a fantastic challenge for the children, giving them the opportunity to shine musically and artistically.

The CD itself was recorded by ‘School Recording Stars’ and will be edited, checked and produced for parents, families and friends in time for Christmas.

Mrs Anna Constable (ICT subject leader) created a fantastic video clip capturing the essence of the day itself, which can be viewed on the William Penn School website – www.williampenn.w-sussex.sch.uk/website

Pupils at William Penn School also shared a live performance of all their hard work, to the delight of families and friends, in a Christmas Concert at the Chapel at Christ’s Hospital School on the evening of Monday December 14.

Report and picture contributed by William Penn School.