Mrs L Mayhew - Music Coordinator

My own experience in music began at a very early age, with a visit to the local theatre to see a pantomime. Seeing my reaction to the songs and dance, my parents enrolled me into ballet and tap lessons at the age of two. Performing arts continued to be a passion for me throughout my childhood and led me to undertake further lessons in not only dance, singing and drama, but piano and violin too. I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to perform in various local theatres over the years, including the Ipswich Regent Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre and Snape Maltings Concert Hall. I truly believe that these experiences taught me valuable skills for life, including commitment, responsibility, time-management and teamwork. Through these hobbies, I have made lifelong friendships and continue to get involved in local theatre as much as possible. Most recent productions have included The Addams Family at the New Wolsey Theatre in 2019 (Ensemble) and My Fair Lady at the Regent Theatre in 2018 (Eliza Doolittle). I am therefore extremely passionate about ensuring our pupils receive every possible opportunity to have involvement in music and the arts during their education at St Margaret’s. Not only will they be learning transferable skills for life, but creative subjects can have such a positive impact on our wellbeing too.

Music has the immeasurable ability to enrich lives by providing stimulation, inspiration and happiness. At St Margaret’s, we aim to give every single child the chance to ignite their own passion for music through the broad curriculum and opportunities we provide. An engaging musical education will not only build confidence and self-esteem, but also motivates and encourages young people to have high aspirations of what they can achieve in other areas of their life.

Our weekly music lessons in class follow the Charanga scheme of work, giving all pupils the opportunity to develop their skills and build on their learning as they progress through the school. 

Once children reach KS2, we offer music tuition in woodwind, brass and keyboard. Year 4 pupils are also currently participating in WCET guitar lessons (Whole Class Ensemble Teaching) on a weekly basis, led by a County Music Service tutor.

Through our whole-school worship both in school and during our weekly visits to church, pupils enjoy singing together and develop a sense of community through music. We also deliver weekly singing assemblies, where the children have the chance to learn and rehearse various songs and hymns as a group. Music has the power to bring together the community and this is something we are extremely passionate about at St Margaret’s. Through our yearly Christmas concerts in church and summer concerts in school, the pupils not only have the chance to develop their performance skills, but take comfort in the idea that they are part of a wider community. Another highlight of the year is seeing the children perform in their Nativities and school plays, which give everyone a chance to shine.   

"If I cannot fly, let me sing". 

- Stephen Sondheim 

My own experience in performing arts means that I really enjoy using this passion to provide enrichment activities for our pupils. I also feel that it is valuable to try and include not only music and singing, but movement and drama wherever possible too. We have strong links with other schools in our area and take every opportunity offered to us, such as music workshops and community concerts in local performance spaces. In May 2022 for instance, a group of pupils took part in a Jubilee Concert at the Ipswich Corn Exchange. The children worked so hard during our rehearsals, delivering a professional performance of song and musical staging. 

How can I support my child with their musical education at home?

• Have music playing in the background as much as possible
• Sing with your child
• Make your own musical instruments using objects around the house
• Encourage your child to make up their own song/piece of music
• Play musical games e.g. call and response by tapping out rhythms/take it in turns to hum a familiar tune and asking the other person to name the song/musical statues/musical chairs
• If possible, attend live theatre productions or concerts with your child. We are lucky to have some lovely theatres on our doorstep, as well as free access to events such as Ipswich Music Day in Christchurch Park each year