By Mrs Jones (Music Teacher)

Year 3 had a thrilling musical adventure this week during a special percussion workshop led by visiting percussion teacher Mr Arnold. The session introduced the girls to the big drums of the orchestra, the timpani and the bass drum and the experience was nothing short of electrifying.

As Mr Arnold demonstrated the timpani, students listened attentively to the rolling sound, which one described as “a thunderstorm in the distance.” The bass drum followed, filling the room with its deep, resonant thuds, “like an angry giant stomping around,” according to another pupil.

A highlight of the session came when the girls were invited to stand on the other side of the bass drum as it was played. Feeling the vibrations through their chests, they were fascinated by the physical sensation of the music. “It was so strong, I could feel it!” one student commented.

Alongside the orchestral drums, Mr Arnold introduced some smaller but equally fascinating instruments, including the cabasa, vibraslap, and jingle bells. The distinctive jingle of the bells sparked a spontaneous burst of Christmas singing, filling the room with VERY EARLY festive cheer! Every girl had the chance to try out a range of percussion instruments, making it a truly hands-on and informative session. It was a fantastic hour of music-making that left everyone smiling, inspired and perhaps a little more rhythmic!

Any student inspired to take up drums or percussion are warmly encouraged to contact the Music Department for more information.