The Old Dance School Education Pack The Old Dance School’s exciting education program has been developed alongside the curriculum to suit both your student and department’s needs. The Old Dance School are passionate about students (people) discovering the fun and enjoyment music can bring. We run workshops suitable for students aged between 6 and 18, prior musical experience or instrumental training is not a pre-requisite. Our workshops fall into two main categories: By listening, directing and playing alongside The Old Dance School, older participants (11-18/Key Stage 3 & upwards) will have the opportunity to: • Experience traditional folk music of different nations • Create their own ceilidh dances and tune arrangements • Develop a greater understanding of form, structure and orchestration when arranging music • Define and challenge the standard instrumental roles of an ensemble • Learn how to express thought and feeling through performance • Explore the musical freedoms of improvisation and chance For younger students (6-11/Key Stage 1-2), sessions will be designed as an introduction to music making allowing participants share their ideas and expressions. Through song, percussive playing and dance pupils will: • Develop understanding of a steady beat, by linking sound to movement • Be introduced to the sounds of a number of instruments • Improve confidence through group interaction and participation • Learn through sharing and turn-taking • Discover the use of silence within music as well as sound and the use of dynamic range We can also supply a follow-up package of worksheet handouts and lesson plans, to integrate any of our workshops into you current music lessons, the benefits continuing long after the day itself. Recent workshops have been conducted within primary schools, specialist schools for children with severe disabilities, high schools and adult evening centres. Band members have also held posts as tutors on musical residential summer courses. Please view the various responses from workshop recipients: “The children really enjoy particular activities, songs and games. I have noticed that children who shy away from activities of this nature have become more confident and are participating in the sessions more and more” Miss Sandford, Reception teacher, Perry Beaches Infant School “The sessions have given me several ideas on how to teach music to children in a variety of simple ways that are enjoyable and active. I feel that it has been a very good form of professional development to have the opportunity to observe you and note down the idea and activities that you have planned” Miss Pousson, Reception teacher, Perry Beaches Infant School “ I'm going to miss them so much, they were awe inspiring, happy, fun people who we laughed and played with, they caused such an amazing effect on us in just 5 days, they love what they do and drew inspiration from within you...” Lizzy 17, Dartington Folkworld participant “The ceilidh we did was really good! I really enjoyed playing! When I'm older I want to be a musician and play folk music. I really want to play like you lot do! “ Joss 11, Hope Valley College, Peak District Please visit www.theolddanceschool.com for further information about the band.