| Instrumental |
| Other |
| Groups |
| Web Site |
 |
Mini Music
| Rhythm Rats | 11.30-12.15 | Music for ages 4 and 5 |
| Pitch Parrots | 10.50-11.30 | Music for ages 6 and 7 |
| Glock Around the Clock | 9.15-10.00 | Percussion for ages 6+ |
| Fiddling Frogs | 10.50-11.30 | Mini Fiddles - 1st Stage |
| String Beans | 10.00-10.35 | Mini Fiddles - 2nd Stage |
| Bouncing Beans | 9.15-10.00 | Dance fun for 4 to 7s |
| Cheeky Chimps | 10.00-10.35 | Drama for 4 to 7s |
WM+AC offers a comprehensive, lively programme for children at the very start of their musical life. Covering concepts such as rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics via a wide variety of musical games and songs. Each term's work is based on a topic through which increasingly complex skills are practised. Recent topics have been Transport, Animals, Holidays, The Weather, Japan.
In addition a rolling topic of 'Instruments' allows the children to experience at close quarters different instruments which may spark an interest in their future learning/instrument selection. Links with the main centre are encouraged by inviting older children to give short demonstrations, and by attending and participating in music centre concerts.
Our fun-packed lessons also cover music appreciation and movement linked to the term's topic. Songs and music from other countries increases the child's multi-cultural awareness. There are also opportunities for everyone to both conduct and compose in the group at a level appropraite to their development. Older groups have an opportunity to start the recorder and play glockenspiels as their note-reading develops, and all children are encouraged to perform to their group.
There are opportunities for children to progress to individual lessons in piano, violin and drums if interested. A waiting list operates for this; please ask for details.
Older children (6+) can start to take part in the Play Orchestra, Glock Around the Clock, a recorder group or choir as soon as they are ready. Mini Music also links in with Centre Stage, the drama department at WM+AC.
Term dates and fees are listed elsewhere on this web site.
Rhythm Rats - 4 and 5
Saturday 11:30 - 12.15
This is for infants in Reception and Year 1 and works similarly to the Beat Bugs, but with a little more emphasis on reading music and instrumental work. There is an opportunity for children from this class to begin group violin, cello or piano lessons (extra charge). Please ask for details.
Pitch Parrots - 6 and 7
Saturday 10:45 - 11:30
In this group, we sing songs and play music games for pitch and rhythm development. We also do some written theory. During the summer term, we usually spend some time working on recorders to build upon our note reading and rhythm skills.
Children in this group may be ready to stay on for the Play Orchestra which gives a good introduction to ensemble playing. This is a useful preparation for joining in the whole morning's activities at WM+AC.
Past Events
In spring 2003, we worked on Japanese Kabuki, which means 'dance, music and skill', for the National Festival of Music for Youth. Following this, we were invited to perform in the Royal Festival Hall, part of the South Bank, London. This was a exceptional opportunity for some of our youngest members to perform in such a world class venue! We had a great day out and many of us also went for a flight on the London Eye.
In spring 2001, we are all worked on a combined item again, for the National Festival of Music for Youth. Our topic was Elephants! This involved our usual Saturday morning sessions, plus some extra 'massed' rehersals.