What's the music this week? w/c 8 May

This week it's all about: Eurovision

Whether you feel that the Eurovision Song Contest has met its 'Waterloo' or you 'save all your kisses for' it or you like it 'just a little bit', it will be happening this Saturday in Liverpool. 

The Eurovision Song Contest began as a technical experiment in television broadcasting: the live, simultaneous, transnational broadcast that Europe has now been watching for nearly 70 years was in the late 1950s, a marvel.

The first Eurovision Song Contest was held on May 24, 1956, and saw seven nations compete: the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy. Austria and Denmark wanted to take part but missed the deadline, and the United Kingdom sent their apologies as they were busy with their own contest that year.  Switzerland's geographical centrality in Europe made it a natural node for the terrestrial transmitters required for this experiment in live, simultaneous, transnational broadcasting. 

Over the years the format has evolved into the week-long, boundary pushing, technologically innovative, multi show spectacular we (may) enjoy today.

With 7 victories, Ireland is the most successful country at the contest. Sweden won the contest 6 times, while Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom won 5 times.

This playlist contains some lesser known entries which gained short-lived fame in one particular year but also some songs which have since become huge hits and famous the world over.

MABAL is music played through the school's speaker system during break and lunch.  Chosen by Mr Taylor, Lead Teacher for Music, this is designed to offer exposure to the curriculum in different ways, and support pupils' appreciation of music.

The focus is on one theme each week across a genre, a country or from history.  The theme could also link to the season or an event in school, such as the production.  Any further suggestions are welcomed - pupils should see Mr Taylor or email a.taylor@priory.lancs.sch.uk