Shelly Ambury and Andy Gleadhill explain how to create a group performance in this fun music KS2 lesson plan…
Setting up your classroom so half the group sings and the other half plays – with the option to swap – ensures everyone stays engaged and adds a new dimension to singing lessons.
This plan can be delivered in one session or several shorter ones. Begin by registering for free as a Sing Up Friend at singup.org/friends, then download the song Big Sing Up mambo, along with scores and percussion guides.
You’ll need a selection of percussion instruments for half the class.
What they’ll learn
- Improved awareness of pulse (keeping a steady beat), pitch (echo singing), rhythm (layering rhythmic patterns over a pulse) and structure (call-and-response patterns)
- Motor skills and instrument handling
- Singing (tuning, expression, diction)
- Listening and ensemble skills (maintaining a part within a group)
Music KS2 starter activity
Help children to get rid of tension by asking them to let their arms flop loosely to their sides. Gently shake and relax your arms and shoulders.
Try the same with each leg in turn. Gently roll your head in a circle, then take deep breaths and release slowly.
Now ask the children to make a quiet ‘ng’ sound (as in ‘sing’) and gently slide up and down their whole vocal range several times.
Start small and expand the range gradually. Use an imaginary pencil (finger) to make shapes in the air and follow the shape with your voice.
Shelly Ambury is head of learning at Sing Up. Andy Gleadhill is head of training at Drums for Schools. Find out about Drums for Schools’ percussion packs at drumsforschools.com.
