What's the music this week? W/c 30 April

This week it's all about: Culture

A potpourri, a melting pot, a smorgasbord; this week's theme is music from different cultures around the world and is entirely put together by pupils, leading to Culture Day on Friday, 3 May.

Most music genres from around the world focus on the beat and rhythm, because they are mainly ceremonial and encourage people to dance or move.

However, Chinese music’s principal design focuses more on producing a calming effect on the listener and enhancing their productivity rather than being ceremonial.

Hispanic countries’ music themes are more related to the Latin music styles as well as their indigenous people’s music. There is also the traditional mariachi music that dates back to the 1700s. On the other hand, traditional Caribbean music is known for being a melodic mix between European and African music styles.

Punjabi music became a huge trend in the UK in the late ’70s because of the growing Punjabi population in these countries.

Similarly, the popular Indian Bhangra music also had a strong representation around the world thanks to the Indian population in New York and Chicago. However, many of these Indian world music genres were popularised in western cultures through collaboration in songs, especially rap, which gained them more mainstream integration by non-Indian listeners.

Africa is the oldest inhabited continent in the world, encompasses a huge variety of unique musical styles, many of which also influenced some of the most popular music genres around the world today.

North African traditional music is typically unique and different from the music in central and South Africa. North African countries are mostly Arab and Mediterranean countries, so their music is more influenced by their ethnic background and common language than their geographical position.

Rai music has an international fanbase with a decent presence in France, Belgium, and other Arab countries. Southern Egypt and the Nubian regions also have unique forms of folk music, such as Rababah, which is ballad-based music that is usually played on a special single thread instrument.

In the majority of cases, African music is known for its highly energetic and fast-paced style and is mainly used at ceremonies.

South America is popular for many things. However, South American traditional music is easily one of the most distinguishable in the world. The traditional music in this region is known for carrying energetic vibes and rhythmic upbeat melodies that are extremely catchy and appeal to all ages, making them among the most popular types of world music. Additionally, it incorporates some elements from the African music that came with the enslaved African ancestors who were taken from West and Central Africa to the Americas.

MaBaL (music at break and lunch) 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, festival or an event in school, such as a performing arts production.  Any further suggestions are welcomed - pupils should see Mr Taylor or email a.taylor@priory.lancs.sch.uk