Wren Music - Schools projects examples
ALL these packages need TWO Wren workers to deliver
Some (e.g. junk music) have specific spatial needs, others (e.g. songwriting workshops) can happen in a classroom situation or similar.
We would expect school staff support, not only to help with the occasional discipline problem, but for the school to gain maximum benefit from a Wren visit.
We would normally leave written music behind for staff to undertake further work as appropriate or desired.


Song Rhyme and Playtime - Key Stage 1 (and younger!)
Activities
Playing instruments/singing songs/movement
Benefits
Working TOGETHER in a band - developing language skills through singing
Numbers and timing
around 15 - 20 children for 30 minute session with each group

Themed packages - Key Stage 2 only
Short concert - plus workshop (1 class) - congruent with National Curriculum e.g. The Tudors / The Victorians / Local (Westcountry) Customs
Activities
Listening / singing / remembering (at concert)
Songwriting / dancing / drumming (at workshops)
Benefits
Teachers cover required subjects in an interesting way
Children acquire a depth of knowledge about traditional music and songs
For workshoppers - actively involved in re-inforcing curriculum
Numbers and timing
any number for concert - 30 minutes
Workshop 50 mins minimum - 1 class (20 - 30 children)


Songwriting - Absolutely Any Age!
Activities
Discussion in groups - thinking creatively - writing - organising thoughts
Using language - finding new ways of expression - linking words, music rhythm
Benefits
Strong sense of ownership and identity
Numbers and timing
Usually 15 maximum, but could do a whole class with strong staff support
Usually 50 mins absolute minimum, ideally 2 x 40 mins over a couple of days

Junk Music - usually 8 years and upwards
The Wren Junk session references other cultures where percussion is important - Banghra / Samba / Taiko etc
Activities
Holding rhythms - remembering - learning about other cultures
Benefits
Team building - working together - remembering patterns
Numbers and timing
Better rhythms and more satisfying outcomes with older children (KS3)
Usually around 20 max, but whole class with strong staff support
30 minutes upwards - 50 minutes maximum for any one session (can get VERY loud!)
This session requires a 20' x 20' floor area to operate