Aranda Primary School


Music at Aranda - A school where the whole community is committed to music

INCLUSIVENESS: At Aranda Primary School we value a differentiated curriculum that meets the needs of all students. Our Arts program provides a wide and diverse range of musical experiences and appreciation across all year levels, including -

  • recorder group lessons - Years 1 and 2
  • choir - Years 1 to 6
  • music in dance lessons, with specialist dance teacher - K to 6
  • Instrumental Music Program ‘IMP’ Woodwind band - Years 5 and 6 (45 students, 3 lessons per week, combined practices with other schools)
  • unique percussion / drumming program offered to Year 5 and 6 for students not selected for the IMP
  • performances of individual and group musical achievements at assemblies 
  • visiting performances (eg. Musica Viva, Music is fun)
  • class percussion on un-tuned instruments
  • class singing and music appreciation
  • live music for yoga relaxation sessions
  • Aranda After School Music Program ‘AAM’ (organised by parents providing tuition in guitar, recorder, singing, flute, keyboard and piano, over 120 students participate, supports whole school Arts focus, presents student work at concerts twice a year)

All programs (except IMP and AAM) are accessed by all students, with no selection process, as we believe music education is vital for all students.  As the IMP is a selective program for Years 5 and 6, the innovative drumming / percussion program was developed to –

  • ensure a truly inclusive school music program
  • target older students who were becoming disengaged from music

INNOVATION: Our percussion / drumming program demonstrates Aranda’s innovative approach to music and the impact it has on our students’ attitudes towards music.

The percussion program has run for 3 ½ years. Students attend lessons in small groups of 10 – 15 students for 2 x 45 minute lessons per week for 10 weeks.

This unique program is enjoyable, challenging and involves all students in Years 5 and 6, not selected in the IMP.  It provides an opportunity to play a musical instrument and learn to read (note values, time signatures) understand and reflect on music. In addition it teaches students to ‘feel the beat’, coordinate various parts of their body and set up / pack away a drum kit. The program is carefully designed and scaffolded so all students are successful and working at their ability level.  A variety of beat and coordination patterns are taught, ranging from simplistic to complex, to challenge each individual and maintain interest. 

Students work towards playing a five piece drum kit and performing at school assemblies and Grandfriends day (200 + visitors) to showcase their achievements. Students have the opportunity to perform individually or together in unison on two drum kits.

School values and learning foundations from the ‘You Can Do It’ program are embedded into the percussion workshops:

  • Getting along – Encouraging one another to give difficult beats a go.  Giving verbal praise and encouragement during and after students attempt beats.
  • Confidence – Having the confidence to try something new and challenging, working towards playing at an assembly, requiring confidence in their abilities to play a five piece drum kit.  Taking the risk of making a mistake and having the confidence to continue with their chosen beat.
  • Organisation – Organising their time to schedule extra practices prior to their performance.
  • Persistence – Persisting to coordinate various beats on the drum kit.  Realising that playing the drum kit is not as easy as it looks! Understanding that to achieve rock star status you just have to keep on trying!!!
  • The end of program certificate recognises a students’ ability to keep a constant, steady beat, coordinate various parts of the body and perform to a large audience.  Playing a drum kit is loud, fun, challenging and educational – students love it!

Percussion resources, such as drumsticks, are used by other staff members in their classrooms. A percussion workshop for all staff is also scheduled for 2007, thus, expanding this innovative program to reach as many students as possible.

IMPACT:  The impact of all combined musical programs offered at Aranda is demonstrated each time an individual, small group or large ensemble perform. It demonstrates their confidence, skill and persistence, assisting in overall student engagement. Students receive wonderful acknowledgement from peers, parents and staff in the audience. We believe their music development is creating more engaged and motivated students. Over 100 students have participated in the percussion program and performed successfully to a variety of audiences. Students who have completed the program have gone on to enrol in private percussion/drum kit lessons and joined bands in high school.  Some students have also purchased their own drum kits!  Many parents have given positive feedback and highlighted new motivation and interest in music by their children. Diverse programs teach discreet musical skills, concepts and styles. They develop students who use music as a means to communicate.

We believe that Aranda Primary School’s Music program is inclusive, innovative and impactful. We look forward to sharing our successes with other Australian Schools!