Music

The Music Department in Lochgelly High School is a lively, vibrant hub where people come together to make music, enjoy each other’s company and have fun. As well as courses for pupils from S1-6, there are many extra curricular activities and larger events where pupils are given the opportunity to perform and to be involved in the local community and beyond. These include Christmas concerts, Senior Citizens’ Easter Treat, “LHS Has Talent”, School shows and Cluster Primary Music Theatre Productions. The school is fortunate to have a well established Pipe Band which performs regularly at national and international events. Our latest initiative has been the introduction of a Steel Band. There is something in the Music Department for everyone!

“Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.” - Sarah Dessen, Just listen

Participation in musical activities and study has many benefits:

It enhances teamwork skills and discipline.
Pupils learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work.
It provides pupils with a means of self-expression which goes on to raise self-esteem.
It provides pupils with an awareness of other cultures and teaches them to be empathetic.
It develops skills that are necessary in the workplace. It focuses on doing, as opposed to observing, and teaches pupils how to perform. Employers are looking for multi-dimensional workers with the sort of flexible and supple intellects that music education helps to create. In the music classroom, pupils also learn to communicate better and to cooperate with one another.

(Adapted from Twelve Benefits of Music Education)

Departmental Aims:

The Music Department in Lochgelly High School offers an extensive range of activities for all pupils to become involved in, both in and outwith the classroom. Pupils in S1-3 experience a broad general music education and develop their skills in drum kit, xylophone, keyboard, and ukulele. Pupils who choose to study music from S3 upwards specialise in two chosen instruments. All pupils are encouraged to become involved in the extra-curricular life of the Music Department.

Music Staff

Miss H Fisher

Mr McVean

Instrumental Staff

Ms K. Hartley – Violin/Viola

Mr N. Cameron – Double Bass/Bass Guitar

Mrs C. Houston - Woodwind

Mrs A. Dowall - Brass

Mrs N. Morrison - Percussion

Mrs S. Gormley - Piano

Mr S. Anderson - Guitar

Mr T. Brown - Bagpipes

Mr P. Brown – Pipe Drumming

Music Courses

S1 Course Overview

In S1 pupils have Music for 2 periods a week, on a rota with Art, for half the school year, and experience a broad music education in terms of performance, composition, musical literacy and understanding music/listening. Pupils develop skills on drum kit, xylophone, keyboard, and ukulele and are encouraged to reflect on and evaluate both their own work and that of others.

S2 Course Overview

In S2 pupils have Music for 2 periods a week, on a rota with Art, for half the school year and continue to develop instrumental skills from S1. Pupils experience a variety of topics within S2 including Pop Music and Musical Theatre where pupils further develop their listening, compositional skills and musical literacy. All pupils are also engaged in a music research topic of their choice.

S3 Course Overview

Music

Studying Music is a great way to build your confidence, boost creativity, develop your co-ordination skills, and have fun while learning. These skills are very important for studying at college, university or in a place of work. In music, you will learn two instruments, or one instrument and voice, and learn how to write your own music. You will explore music from different times and places, improve your listening skills, and explore popular music styles. In S3 music, you’ll also get to perform, create bands, and play music you enjoy. Whether you want to play on stage, or just love to play instruments, you will be able to frow as a musician and express yourself in a variety of creative ways.

Careers in music include Musician, Music Teacher, Film scorer, Composer and Music Therapist

Music Technology

Music Technology is a hands-on, creative subject where you’ll learn how to produce and shape sound using modern tools. You will record instruments, create remixes, design sound effects for film, and use professional software to bring your ideas to life. In music technology, you will also make your own podcasts and radio shows, learning how to edit and mix audio like a professional. Whether you are into music, technology, or just love experimenting with sound, this course gives you the skills to create exciting projects and express yourself in new and innovative ways.

Careers in music technology include: Audio Technician, Music Producer, Sound Producer, Studio Technician

Senior Phase Courses Overview (S4, S5 & S6)

Music (S4,5,6)

Senior phase music gives you the opportunity to master your performing skills on two instruments, or one instrument and voice. You will have performing opportunities throughout the year, including at the Christmas Concert and the Awards Ceremony. You will also sharpen your listening skills, by exploring music from 1750 – 2000s and learn how to hear key features in different styles. As part of your SQA qualification, you will create your own piece of music and reflect on your progress, helping you to grow as a confident and creative musician.

Careers in music include Musician, Music Teacher, Film scorer, Composer and Music Therapist

Music Technology (S4,5,6)

Music Technology is a hands-on, creative subject where you get to experiment with sound and bring your creative audio ideas to life. In Senior Phase music technology, you will work on exciting projects, including creating a multi-track recording, radio broadcast, sound design for film, or computer gaming, and learn how to plan, produce, and evaluate each one. In music technology, you will explore how music has evolved with changing technology, listen to tracks from the 20th and 21st centuries, and understand key concepts like copyright and sound design. Whether you are into music, technology, or just love experimenting with sound, this course gives you the skills to create exciting projects and express yourself in new and innovative ways.

Careers in music technology include: Audio Technician, Music Producer, Sound Producer, Studio Technician

Instrumental Lessons

Pupils receiving instrumental lessons Fife Council attend a weekly lesson with a specialist instrumental teacher. Music lessons take place during the school day for a period and work on a rotational basis to minimise class disruption. Music lessons rotas are displayed in the Music Department.

Wider Achievement Electives

Steel Band

Come along and learn to play our new set of steel pans. The steel pan is a perfect instrument, as the basic skills are easy to learn and playing the instrument does not require any previous musical experience. This performance based activity is a great way to learn about group music making through actually playing steel pans together. You will have the opportunity to play a variety of styles including Calypso, Reggae, Pop and Classics.

LHS Rock Choir

The Rock Choir will offer you a music “time out” in a fun and lively atmosphere. Even if you have not sung in a group before you can do so in Rock Choir. Taking part you will develop self confidence, new skills and enjoy fun upbeat music. There is a huge sensation of feeling part of a group and you will experience a real sense of achievement after performing in front of an audience.

Extra Curricular Music Activities

There are a number of exciting musical groups rehearsing throughout the week.

Pupils can be part of:

Wind Band
Pipe Band
Steel Band
Scots Fiddle Group
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Junior Choir

Ah, music,” he said, wiping is eyes. A magic beyond all we do here!

- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone