Pupils blow trumpet for youth music project
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MOSSTODLOCH P7 pupils were top brass this morning as they presented a rousing end-of-term finale.
Christine Barron’s class has spent the year learning the pTrumpet and pTrombone – plastic versions of the brass instruments – as part of the Youth Music Initiative.
An experienced brass player, Christine has not only been learning to play the instruments alongside the pupils, but has supported the class of 21 with weekly rehearsals, on top of lessons every Tuesday with Moray Council brass instructor Alasdair Grant.
Head teacher Liz Rennie said the lessons have been a huge success.
Mrs Rennie said: "Our P7s gave their first performance at Christmas time, at the end of term show, then performed again at Easter.
"You can see their confidence growing and they’ve been getting better and better. Initially some of the pupils were cautious about learning to play, but they’ve made so much progress and have really enjoyed playing and performing.
"It’s definitely contributed to a supportive and inclusive atmosphere as all pupils are playing, regardless of their ability. They’ve been playing modern pop songs, with great backing tracks, so they all recognise the music – and the rest of the children in the school have been very taken with it as well.
"We’re now looking to repeat it again with next year’s P7 pupils in the hope that as they transition into high school they’re tempted to pick up real brass instruments and continue playing and learning."
Chairwoman of Moray Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Committee Councillor Sonya Warren said it was an ideal way for the pupils to learn as a group.
Mrs Warren said: "Music is great at bringing people together, so for these pupils to have the opportunity to learn how to play instruments together to some of their favourite pop songs is such a good idea to engage them in their learning.
"Thanks to the class teacher, head teacher and music instructor for their support of this P7 class over the year."
Mr Grant said the inspiration came from another class in Moray who undertook a similar exercise.
"One lot of pupils are doing this with fiddles so I realised 'oh, I can do it with brass'. This year’s P7s have been stand-out and enthusiastic pupils, have been attentive and welcomed the lessons with open arms.
"They’ve actively been seeking to improve with every lesson and performance."
