You can’t stop the music at Kingham Hill!
As Channel 4 launch their all new ‘Don’t Stop the Music’ show with James Rhodes, Year 7 pupils at Kingham Hill feel that they have stolen a march!
The new CH4 TV show will seek to introduce as many Year 7 pupils around the country as they can to a musical instrument, and encourage enthusiasm for music and musicianship. James Rhodes will declare an ‘instrument amnesty’, asking all and sundry to rummage in their attics for long forgotten instruments that can be polished up and donated to his cause.
With this high profile initiative quite unknown to the school, Head of Performing Arts, Norman McLachlan, has been working to the same end. Our forward thinking brass teacher, Hugh Rashleigh, proposed this programme last September so we were well ahead of the nationwide ‘Don’t Stop the Music’ programme. As of the beginning of the current school year, every Year 7 pupil has been given access to an instrument and timetabled weekly instruction. The funds to make this possible have been raised by the school’s Development Office.
Mr. McLachlan is thrilled: “I believe that every child ought to have an opportunity to learn how to play an instrument, leading to an enjoyment of ensemble playing. The pupils will be able to learn to play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and violin. This initiative not only introduces new instruments to the younger pupils but also allows small group instruction which enhances progress. We are aiming to instil in our pupils a lifelong love of music.”