CONTENT: 7 weeks of lessons for a medium ability KS2 class, though it could even be used as entry level for KS3. Powerpoints include a handful of games, warm ups, rhythms, breaks, hand signs, etc. I usually deliver these lessons in around 30-40minutes but I still try to spend time improving timing and playing to a pulse even by the end of the year. I use both the Apito whistle and the animations available in Powerpoint to have 4 Apito whistles appear on the screen to add a visual element (a wireless presenter is handy). MAKE SURE YOU INSTAL THE FONTS NOTES: The rests on the Surdo part are meant to be played with a bare hand. Ganza shakers are usually encouraged to make a < shape going up, back to the chest, down, back up to the chest (repeat). For the Tamborims I tend to get them to try an 'on/off' pattern similar to the Agogos adding + for closed on beat 1 + 3 and o for open on beats 2+4. I normally tell Agogo players to put their hand out as if they are shaking someone's hand but in this case the handle of the Agogo. From there I get them to make sure they are keeping close to the instrument and playing using their wrist. I said this goes for all other instruments too. For more, see my KS2-KS3 Samba book.

Quick one-off lesson for KS2 or KS3 for Hallowe’en. Good for looking at sharp and natural notes as well as crotchet and quaver rhythms. Print out the sheet if pupils need to write the notes on. Singing: Michael Jackson’s Thriller (verse and chorus) Tune: In the Hall of The Mountain King by Edvard Grieg If you have pupils that really struggle or are really low ability then you could always get them to play the bass part on keyboard, glockenspiel or even bass: B E B E… Note: make sure to install the fonts to ensure it looks as intended.