October Music and Musicians Thread

[Wafflenose]

I thought I would start a new thread, as September's is looking unlikely to last for another month.

The music threads are open to all musicians and parents of musicians, no matter what their age or level might be. We have quite a few kids on here who are very serious about music, and plenty who do it as one of many hobbies.

For anyone who's new, I am a teacher of woodwind, and mum to two girls. Goo (10) plays the flute and recorder to a similar level (Grade 7 on both), and started the piano in April - she won't be doing exams on that. She is hardworking, committed, highly strung, and a stubborn little madam. Rara is 8 and far more laid back. She is taking Grade 3 Recorder this term, is a little behind that on the cello, and just this week started learning the clarinet. I don't suppose she will carry on with three instruments in the long term, but we'll wait and see which she loves!

green we prepared and printed out a schedule. Basically it went:
Monday: 30 min maths alone, 1hr piano lesson with DH
Tuesday: 30 min reasoning alone, drums practice
Wednesday: 30 min English alone, piano practice
Thursday: 20 min Maths alone, drums lesson w teacher, piano practice
Friday: Creative writing task alone, drums practice
Saturday: school homework alone, piano practice
Sunday: 1 hr maths with DH, 1 hr Reasoning (V or/and NV) with me, piano pratice and drums practice.

This schedule was to be broken the day DS felt fed up, tired or there was a better thing to do like going out for dinner with grabdpa - not the tiger mode!!
The key for us was:
MUSIC focus on scholarship pieces, not grades. So it meant stopping the grades for a while which probably slowed exam progress down but who cares. Priority was not exams.
INFORMATION I became totally dependant on www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/index.php and got so much information from that, including what materials to buy etc.
SATS: contrary to what some people feel, it's linked rather than mutually exclusive. All the children who achieved level 6 in DS school were preapring the 11plus. The change in maths attaintment was spectacular once DH started DS on the 11plus routine.

And yes, the 10min practice tests are great, we started him on those in year4.

btw this schedule was only during year 5, starting in November year 5 and finishing in Christmas year 6.
It was followed by a bonfire in which we burned all books and papers and did an Indian dance around.

Very important: indian dance to be performed BEFORE results, not after. It's a celebration of the work done, of the battle fought, not of results.

Hi, just popping on to say good luck to those auditioning for NCO and working for 11+, not sure when that is, we don't have grammar schools here it's a bit grim for secondary choices.
It must be hard trying to fit it all in, and I'm in awe of how you manage it tbh.

I too can recommend the Aural Book from the ABRSM website, dd downloaded onto her ipad so just took it round with her.

Ah yes, we had the bonfire also once DS finished his 11+. It was in November (now it changed to September) and it was a great way to celebrate.

DD seems to cope ok, she doesn't complain as the daylight is not there anymore so no distractions, she can't play outside anymore.

We do abandon the schedule sometimes when we go and visit schools for example, or when we invite people over for dinner on a Friday/Saturday night. She gets plenty of time to play at the weekends and between 3,15 when she finishes school and 6,30 when the evening routine starts. My only annoying bit is the fact that it is all a race, quick maths, quick music practice, quickly brush your teeth... It is exhausting sometimes.

Fleur: I am so with you on the difference between 11+ and SAT
Drum: oh oh, I need to do it, I will do the same, I think this is what I am missing, everything is in my head and they are all over the place at the moment I cant connect to what we need to do and what is happening. I will do the same as you did so hopefully she knows her time schedule and what is expected

Good luck green. It's very doable, believe me. We ended up printing a schedule because DS didn't like not knowing what to expect everyday and didn't like the kind of "oh, now we have time lets do a bit of this and that." He didn't want surprises, he wanted to know what the terms of the DEAL were, IYKWIM.
Also, every child is different and needs to focus on different things. DS was very strong on English, so we did less of that.

I am constantly amazed at how organized parents get around 11+...I'm not sure I could do that!

Petra

I'm not sure I could either, I'm in awe.
I am a supporter of grammar schools though and hope that our area has some soon. We are miles away from any and don't fall in catchment for even the nearest ones, which aren't near at all

Good luck to all your dc, hope the planning and work pays off.

Drummer - gosh i wish you had put that up a year ago! we were very chaotic in our preparations, and juggling music into the mix too has been a real challenge. Most of our prep was over this summer hols; first of the big entrance exams (10 children taking it per place) at the end of this week so we will see but i fear my lack of planning may not have done dd any favours.

am also so in awe of those of you learning instruments yourselves; another year has gone by when i haven't managed to start (or even choose!) an instrument....

Ha ha string considering the 11plus is an industry that moves millions maybe I should set up a private consulting agency... hmmm... No time.
Hope your DD does well!

Well, it's been long due as I was asked to post some marimba. This was last winter though and not great quality of sound, but it'll have to do! I'm really sorry you won't see any cute smiles but like I said, I don't have green light xx vimeo.com/185806581

Wow- that was great!
I can see the appeal of the marimba, sounds a lot nicer than xylophone, less woody 😀😀.
How long has he been playing marimba?

Oh, wow! I loved it... he's fab!

Oh people you're the nicest
Paul He's been learning 3 years. At the time of this video he could only practice at school but now thankfully he can at home. It is indeed less sharp and its true character comes out when you use four mallets and go vibrato crazy.

Sounds amazing for 3 yrs!
I will not be showing my dd, she'll want one- not sure we have any room left for instruments now!

Lovely, Drummersmum! Thanks so much for sharing it - the marimba sounds gorgeous. Will show this to DS1 to inspire him!
DS1 had year 10 music concert at school followed by prize-giving last night and I had to miss it all! Never mind, his dad said all went well, although he was more stunned by the school's star pianist, a lovely, modest lad who announced he was 'just starting to learn a Rachmaninov piece but thought he might as well have a go' before wowing the audience with his performance! I love the way teenage boys can do that!
The music teacher is going to give them all some performance feedback to help them plan for their GCSE performance pieces, so it was a useful exercise although I think DS1 is planning to try a different piece then - this was one he knew really well and could help the friend playing drums with. Another dad has spotted his bass skills for his son's trio, so who knows they could have quite an interesting ensemble as well!

Damn it! The sound doesn't work on my computer. Will try on laptop ...

Another dad has spotted his bass skills for his son's trio
What a cool plan, Loose. It's great when they can meet friends and play.

Thank you drummersmum, that was lovely. I'd listen to him any day.

drummersmum that's wonderful - the speed and the dynamics ... brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

Just mentioned the marimba piece to ds1 who looked v impressed. However he had his earphones in and it transpired - after he started playing me something very loud on spotify - that he thought I had a clip of the heavy metal band Angel Bivaldi! I put him right on it being proper Vivaldi on the marimba and I am pleased to say he is even more impressed! However my brief moment of street cred was over! Never mind, we both love the marimba performance!

Wow drummers I am truly impressed and so is DD! We watched it together, she asked what instrument is that and I replied telling her she can't get any ideas. He is so good!

Oh my god, its amazing Drummers, thanks for sharing. First time I have seen a marimba piece play, wonderful!

That was lovely drummers, I really enjoyed it.