Alright, musical mavericks! Grab your cuppa, because you're in for a treat. Today, we're diving deep into a jazzy journey with pBuzz. This isn't just about blowing your horn; it's about revolutionising the way we teach, learn, and think about music. Led by our brass pal and educational expert, Grant Golding, find out about how to use pBuzz in the classroom to spar
How did BUZZ21! begin?
Traditionally, the pBuzz has been this magical instrument that helps wee lads and lasses between the tender ages of six to eight grasp the art of reading notes. Grant has taken his pupils from classic tunes like 'Ode to Joy' to inventive musical landscapes that emphasise mindfulness and breathing. But, if we hark back to the days of 2021, oh dear readers, well that was an orchestra of its own.
With the backdrop of COVID and the ever-evolving landscape of education, music teachers like Grant had to get, shall we say, a bit creative. Instead of the usual classroom setting, his 2021 project was all about an outdoor, socially-distanced, rhythmic riot, blending the pulsating beats of samba, thrash, and taiko drumming. The goal? An immersive, foot-tapping, and exhilarating experience aimed to ignite a passion for music after a year that was, well, a bit off-key.
Meet Kokopelli, the musical maestro
First things first, let's talk about the BUZZ21! logo – the charismatic pBuzz player with the cool hairdo. This isn't just any design. It's the spirit of music personified! Derived from a South American tribal design, this figure, aptly named Kokopelli, represents the heart and soul of what pBuzz aims to achieve. He's been tweaked a tad from playing the flute to our beloved pBuzz, making him the true mascot for our musical journey.
Resounding Resources
The pBuzz world is blooming with resources. In the second episode of BUZZ21!, Grant suggests some of his favourite materials to use in the classroom. One gem in this treasure trove is Kay Charlton's Are You Ready For pBuzz? It’s a golden ticket into the world of rhythm and beats. Take Play That Bhangra Beat, for instance. It’s not just a tune; it’s a musical experience that champions the importance of singing. Speaking of which, singing isn’t just for the X-Factor hopefuls. It's a way to connect, to synchronize our heartbeats and uplift our spirits. A tune on the ukulele, a tribal drumbeat, or even the pBuzz can weave a magic that is unparalleled.
BUZZ21: The Grand Finale
So, what’s Grant Golding's grand plan with BUZZ21!? Simple. The idea is to meet these kiddos on their turf, speak their language, and resonate with their musical tastes. Some tunes will be a piece of cake, while others might require a sprinkle of creativity.
A top tip for teachers? Grant recommends the music app "Audio Stretch." This nifty little tool lets you transpose any song up or down a few semitones without compromising on quality. An absolute game-changer for those looking to adapt popular tunes to fit the pBuzz’s range.
Check out the full second episode of BUZZ21! here:
Final Notes (pun intended!)
This series is not just a guide; it’s an invitation. An invitation to share, learn, and create a vibrant pBuzz community that thrives on ideas, creativity, and, of course, music. So, strap in, join the pBandwagon, and let's make some music!
Remember, whether you're a seasoned maestro or just dipping your toes, there's always a tune waiting to be discovered. So, keep buzzing, and let's hit those high notes together!
- Fancy watching the full set of pBuzz episodes? Head to the complete BUZZ21! pBuzz series.
- The pBuzz Primary page has a full scheme of work for teachers...and it's totally free!
- Children across Wales have started their musical journeys. Discover how students in Swansea have celebrated a year of pBuzz lessons.
