TX Percussion Workshops with Andy Gleadhill

“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning” Plato, the philosopher

A holistic approach to learning, encompassing a range of subjects, is key to ensuring children develop and mature into balanced and well-rounded individuals.  The positive impact that music has on learning in all subjects is so great, the opportunities the children are given to explore and experience music must not be missed.  Research studies show that early musical training develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning.  The left side of the brain is better developed with music, and songs can help imprint information on young minds.  Music also increases the skill of memorisation and coordination. 

Today, children at TX were given the opportunity to explore the world of percussion through a day with Andy Gleadhill, a fantastically skilled percussionist.

Every child in school was able to experience a workshop and play different percussion instruments.

Early Years were treated to Andy’s Shoebox Orchestra – lots of tiny instruments in a small box -  which we all got to play. They all made different sounds which we enjoyed playing and listening to, especially the bamboo scraper and mini bongos.

Mileposts 1 and 2 were transported to Africa and discovered lots of African drumming rhythms and patterns, playing together really well and learning about call and response. We even enjoyed some pepperoni pizza!

Milepost 3 journeyed to Rio and explored samba rhythms, just like those heard at the recent Olympics. The children demonstrated a superb sense of rhythm and timing and it was amazing to see what they were able to produce after just 40 minutes – it really did feel like we were in Brazil!

Our percussion day was rounded off with an amazing performance in the hall to start our TX International Week with a bang. Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 entertained us with their African drumming and very loud samba and it was a privilege to see so many children performing at such a high level after just 30 or 40 minutes rehearsal time.

A huge thank you to Andy for his energy, expertise and enthusiasm – we all got so much out of the day and look forward to continuing his good work in our music lessons. We hope he will come back and visit us again!

Mr Jon, TX Music Leader