26 Jan Professional Composer, Micahael Betteridge delivers workshop
On 16th January 23 students, which forms the Arrow Vale Vocal Group, took part in a workshop with a professional composer, “Michael Betteridge” where they discussed the school, discussed composition and came up with their own lyrics for a song. They added melodies to these lyrics and were able to sing the lyrics after only one afternoon of work.
Michael was so impressed that he mentioned using all the lyrics that were created in a song cycle and not just choosing one of the songs. Michael was very impressed with the vocal group and said that they created a beautiful tone and that they worked very well together even though they comprised of pupils from year 9 to 13. He also mentioned that the group had ‘political constructive debating skills’ that have allowed then to create very strong lyrics.
Members of the group told Michael that they felt they were part of a family in the vocal group and that it was fun, informative and helps them to develop.
I am very proud of the group and look forward to working with Michael again in the future as we continue to compose our own school song.
Click Here to read the first session reflections from Michael Betteridge, who has made some amazing comments in there about the school.
Mr M Leach
Composing Project : Every composer needs inspiration. Michael Betteridge is one of those composers from the Birmingham Contemporary Music group and royal society of arts song writing project, who is working with the choir to create a spectacular performance that will be showcased locally and in Birmingham, in July.
The choir were asked to do small exercises to expand small ideas as stimuli to form greater thoughts that would be the topics for their songs. They were asked to do rhythm games and asked broad questions regarding education like what they are “unhappy with as young people”. They explored how change influences their lives and what family means to them transforming their ideas into beautiful lyrics.
Michael was asked by the RSA to explore what it means to go to RSA Academies to learn more about how pupils think. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for everyone part of the choir and gave them a chance to meet new young people and discuss tops which they feels very passionate about changing these thoughts into a work of art.
Natalia Lejzak (Year 11) Performing Arts Journalist
PARENTS… WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP!
The students at RSA Arrow Vale are taking part in a joint project with the RSA and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG). A professional composer, Michael Betteridge, has visited our school twice to gather information and material but he wants YOUR HELP!
Visit https://vimeo.com/259337221 to see what Michael wants from you!
Please respond to the question below on social media using #RSAchangeisuptome or reply with the mind map in reception. Your responses may be turned into lyrics for the song(s)!
“This school helps students to understand and embrace change, and also create change when it is necessary or beneficial to their needs or the needs of the community” Do you agree?
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