Beethoven Symphony no.5 (1^st Movement),
with ukuleles!

Did you know?
That this piece of music and the ukulele were both created in the 19^th century…?

St Michael and All Angels CofE Infant School have been absorbing the Ten Pieces as part of their Y2 KS1 Listen2Me ukulele sessions, Julia McKinley (HMS teacher) explains…

“The class didn’t see the actual Ten Pieces DVD, although I think the class teacher showed some parts of it. However, I explained about the Ten Pieces and then played just the Beethoven extract on a CD. The class listened and responded with comments [below]. We practised playing ‘air ukulele’ along with the CD in order to find a good rhythmic pattern to use on the ukulele. Then using a C chord we strummed the opening rhythm and then plucked open strings as a contrast.”

 

Why did you choose this piece to inspire your work?

The strong rhythmic pattern of the opening

What was the theme for your creativity – how did you engage your pupils?

Used ukuleles to copy the rhythm patterns in by first strumming and then plucking

What were the outcomes?

After recording pupils were delighted to hear themselves, and then discuss ‘stars’ and ‘wishes’, i.e. best bits of their recording and improvement suggestions

Any challenges?

Keeping together when changing from strumming to plucking. Could have got round this by haing half the class strum and the other half pluck, although the class loved to be able to play it all!

Owl Class, Y2 ukulele recording (click to open)

Quotes:

“Feels strong – like a super hero”

“The rhythm pattern sounds like gong round a corner to surprise someone”

“Dramatic!”