Building Musical Confidence and Community Through Kodály, Instruments & Ensemble Work
At The British School of Bali, our Primary music curriculum continues to grow into a rich, exciting programme that nurtures not only musical skills but also teamwork, trust, and joy. This term, both Lotus and Orchid classes have been exploring music in ways that support their individual development while strengthening their collective identity as young musicians.
Lotus Class: Strengthening Kodály Foundations Through Instruments
Lotus Class are currently building the essential foundations of the Kodály approach, focusing on beat, rhythm, pitch patterns, and musical memory through singing and movement. Now that their understanding is becoming secure, they are beginning to reinforce and deepen this knowledge through instrumental work.
Students are exploring percussion instruments to support rhythmic control, and we have introduced glockenspiels to help them connect their sung solfa patterns to real melodic sounds. This transition from vocal learning to hands-on playing helps children understand how melody is built and gives them the confidence to hear, sing, and play musical patterns independently. For children aged 5–7, this is a wonderful stage where curiosity, creativity, and confidence begin to flourish.
Orchid Class: Theory in Action Through Ensemble Playing
Orchid Class are currently strengthening their theoretical knowledge, building the foundations that will later support their transition to more advanced instrumental work with violins and pianos. Before that stage, however, their key focus this term is ensemble work—a powerful and exciting way to experience music as part of a team.
To support this, the students are working with boomwhackers, which allow each child to hold responsibility for one or two pitches. This structure teaches them that every sound and every note matters. When a child plays at the right moment, they contribute to a musical pattern that the whole class depends on. When everyone listens, focuses, and supports one another, something truly special happens: the group becomes an ensemble.
Ensemble work is full of fun and challenge. Students must practise:
listening closely
counting beats together
entering at the correct moment
trusting their classmates
and keeping the shared pulse steady
Boomwhackers make this process joyful and energising. The colourful tubes bring excitement to the classroom, and the children love the experience of making music that is only possible when everyone works together. Ensemble lessons quickly become moments filled with laughter, teamwork and pride.
Miss Hollingshead, Lotus Class Teacher and Music Teacher
