Alleyn's Music Academy Showcase

February 8th 2023

We have had five fantastic weeks of The Alleyn’s Music Academy and already it has been a real success. 30 primary school children from Years 5 and 6 have been singing their hearts out every Tuesday, in preparation for our first display to parents which took place after school yesterday.

The children have learnt two contrasting songs: Blame it on the Boogie by the Jackson 5 and Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka and have been learning how to sing in two part harmony. Each session begins with some fun warm-ups from body shake-outs and tongue twisters to vocal exercises including humming, the Chicken Tikka take-away number and Dangermen at work! Mr Rose has also been on hand providing his excellent accompanying skills.

As well as the students learning new singing techniques, it is quite clear that they have really grown in confidence throughout this process. As one parent remarked,

“My son is usually very shy and he seems so much more confident since singing at the Alleyn’s Academy”.

Another parent said,

“Our son has really enjoyed the music academy, and is frequently to be found reading through his words and singing the songs during the week.”

It has certainly been a wonderful way to spend Tuesday afternoons, particularly in the bleak winter month of January!

It has been humbling to see the children mix and socialise with those from other schools and that’s also what the academy aims to do. We are extending the partnership not just from Alleyn’s but across the Dulwich community and so it’s lovely to see the pupils enjoying themselves with their new friends.

Initially we planned to have a new choir every half term, but since we have so many current pupils enjoying themselves, we have decided to extend the offer so that they can continue at the Music Academy after half term. A parent said,