In this issue the students at Priestley Smith are introduced to the musical instruments, by The Swan players.
Dated: 30 June 2021
Violas and Violins
Robyn and Amy have taught the primary schoolchildren involved about the sounds the violin and viola make, the various parts that make up the instrument and how to hold them to play. The children then moved on to plucking the strings and then to using a bow to play the violin or viola.
Some pupils were unsure about having a go, but our players and their teachers at the school all encouraged them to at least try. Not being able to do things in the same way as a sighted person is something we have to get used to as severely visually impaired people but music is one of the things we can do as well as anyone else with perfect vision. And for those that really don’t take to learning to play an instrument there is always the option of singing.
Not being able to do things in the same way as a sighted person is something we have to get used, but music is one of the things we can do, as well as anyone else with perfect vision
Good Vibrations
Chris led the secondary school students to learn about the cello. Guiding them to familiarise themselves with the feel of the instrument by placing a cello on their knee, so they could explore it by touch.Â
Chris then let the students feel the vibrations of the cello as he played it. Tim introduced several percussion instruments too, then the players and students all enjoyed playing some music together.Â
Â
Thanks to the Services for Education, Birmingham Music Hub for lending us instruments for the young people to play on this project.
Â
Next issue: Lisa meets up with an ex-pupil of Priestley Smith and friend of The Swan.
Read the last issue here.
Â
Â
