Featured
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MUSIC WITHOUT
BARRIERS
SEN SCHOOLS
Swan players deliver adaptable sensory sessions for pupils with special needs over 10 days, reaching up to 22 pupils per day at Fox Hollies, and 80 pupils per day at Hallmoor.
The focus of the project is to engage with children who currently don’t have access to music in school and to show the staff what is possible, with sessions designed for varying needs – Informal Learners (non-verbal, limited communication), Semi-formal Learners (simple speech with communication through symbols), and Formal Learners (confident in both speech and communication).
Sessions at Hallmoor are supported by the school’s communication lead who uses Makaton to enhance the compositional aspects of the workshops, providing specialist training for Swan players.
“The session went down amazingly well, thank you…and feedback was great from everyone involved. Class 1 loved the music. They recognised most of the songs that were played and really enjoyed dancing and moving their scarves to the music. Not all of them followed the story but they clearly enjoyed the music by smiling and interacting with the musicians. Class 2: Pupil engagement was really good; enjoyment was high with lots of smiling and engagement.”
"Students were fantastic, it started off very noisy but became completely quiet when the music started. The players were great at bringing up the energy but also bringing it back down again. Staff said they had never heard them sit still and listen like this before. One student even laid down and closed his eyes after running around the space at first. Some students found the noise too much, so it was stripped back to just the harp, and students were invited to put their hands on Claire’s double bass to feel the vibrations. Pupils were also taught how to sing the ‘hello’ song, which some were humming whilst they were leaving. More energetic pupils were encouraged to get up and dance. It was honestly amazing! Jodie (head of Primary) and their head (Nicky) loved the sessions and were so eager to share with the rest of the Trust.
'It is not often that the senior leadership team come down and introduce themselves!"
Evergreen School Warwick
12 compositional workshops are delivered annually to primary pupils with special needs, culminating in a shared concert across the Deansway and Brittan Lane campuses.
Each class creates their own artwork that is displayed at the final concert. Songs are built up using Makaton, and by using artwork to involve as many children as possible. Those who cannot sing, play handheld percussion or express themselves through drawing while the music is being performed
"Swan class really enjoyed their sessions with Orchestra of the Swan. The musicians were incredibly friendly and understanding of our pupils' needs, allowing them to explore their instruments in a relaxed and supportive environment – they especially enjoyed feeling the vibrations from them as they played. By the end of the sessions, even pupils who were initially hesitant or less engaged became excited to try different instruments and fully participate. Evergreen School love Orchestra of the Swan coming in and this is evident when students who have previously worked with the group see the musicians. We feel very lucky to be able to work with you and enhance the learning opportunities for our students.”
