Mysteries of the Musiverse

Maple thoroughly enjoyed their music workshop this afternoon with Nick and Abbie from Cheltenham Festivals. We learned all about how saxophones are played and the differences between Nick's tenor saxophone and Abbie's soprano saxophone.

We then explored 4 mysteries of the multiverse.

Mystery number 1 was 'duration'. We used bells to explore duration. Nick blew bubbles and we rang our bells for the length of time it took our bubble to drop to the floor and pop. We learned that duration means how long or short the notes are that we are playing.

Mystery number 2 was 'jazz verses classical'. We listened to a classical version and a jazz version of 'Happy birthday' played by Nick and Abbie on their saxophones. We discussed the differences between these versions and looked at how Nick and Abbie's music was even written differently. Nick explained that his jazz version included the melody and improvisation.

Mystery number 3 was 'dynamics'. To learn all about dynamics we found a space in the hall and each time Nick played a note we took a step. If he played a loud note our footsteps became stomps and if they were quiet notes we tiptoed. We learned that dynamics is all about how loudly or quietly notes are played.

Mystery number 4 was 'rhythm'. Using pictures of different foods we learned how to clap different rhythms.

Our fantastic workshop finished with a medley of songs performed by Nick and Abbie. We enjoyed guessing the songs and singing along!

Mysteries of the Musiverse