MFY Teacher Resources
Music for Youth (MFY) have launched a series of free Teacher Resources, supported by the Musicians' Union and National Union of Teachers. Based around the MFY commissions, JAMation, Jigsaw Jam, Flanfayre and Piece on a Postcard, these resources offer creative ideas for use in the classroom or in whole class instrumental teaching, alongside extension activities for use in different settings and links to the curriculum.
Supported by full downloadable scores alongside videos from the composers and footage of the pieces in action, these fantastic resources are not to be missed!
Download for free now at www.mfy.org.uk/thesoundvault
JAMation
JAMation is a new MFY commission by Jason Yarde and Andy Grappy. They say of the piece "One of the important things with the initial brief was for it to be jazz flavoured, but have a global appeal. The idea is that it's quite a modular composition, so people can take different strands from it and combine them to come up with different combinations that we never even thought of."
To download JAMation Scores and Teaching Resources go to: http://www.mfy.org.uk/evolve/thesoundvault/jamation
Jigsaw Jam
Jigsaw Jam, is a collection of short ensemble pieces for beginner instrumentalists. These can be played alone, or joined together in any order (like a jigsaw), to make one big piece.
The main piece is The Sky. This has parts for every instrument that is likely to be taught in a classroom or instrumental group. It can be performed with any combination of instruments along with a piano or backing track accompaniment.
The parts have been written as much as possible using the first three notes learned on each instrument. There is also a vocal part that can be added.
The other "pieces" that can be added to the "jigsaw" are for each instrumental section on their own (strings, woodwind, brass, recorders, pitched percussion, ocarinas, harmonicas, guitars and ukuleles). The pieces can be played from music, or learned by ear.
Jigsaw Jam can be played by any size of ensemble. It is a fun piece to celebrate the first achievement of learning an instrument
To download Jigsaw Jam Teaching Resources go to: http://www.mfy.org.uk/evolve/thesoundvault/jigsawjam
Flanfayre
Flanfayre is a brand new Fanfare written by composer Stephen Deazley, commissioned by MFY and EIS for the 2012 National Festivals.
It has been written in six flexible groups for musicians of varying abilities. Take a look at the descriptions below, see which one is right for you and download the parts.
A little note from Stephen Deazley
“It's not really a fanfare (oops). It's more like a large cheesy flan full of different flavours, although you will still hear one or two heraldic sounding parps. I decided to set myself a challenge to write the piece in 100 bars, but ended up with 102! I am however blaming my imagined Highland pipers having to strike up their drones just before the final tune - it added exactly two bars! I really enjoyed writing this - I hope you enjoy playing it. A big thank you to Music for Youth. What a delicious treat for me.”
To download Flanfayre Scores and Teaching Resources go to:
http://www.mfy.org.uk/evolve/thesoundvault/flanfayre
Piece on a Postcard
Piece on a postcard is a rhythmical piece designed to engage anyone in a musical activity. There are five grooves which can be used together or on their own, as a clapping based piece or with instruments. The notes with stems down should produce a low tone - you might do this by patting your stomach. The notes with stems up should produce a high sound such as a hand clap.
Have a go, have fun and send us your performances of Piece on a Postcard soon!
To download Piece on a Postcard Scores and Teaching Resources go to: