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about groove 'n' play 

mission

groove'n'plays's mission is to inspire all children and young people to sing, play and learn about music through enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences. groove'n'play is dedicated to fostering each child's musical development as part of their lifelong musical journey.

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educational ethos

The groove 'n' play educational ethos, encapsulated in all the programmes, written and devised by Sally Greaves, revolves around providing a fun and engaging musical experience for children and young people through performance-based learning. The children have the opportunity to develop their music skills, knowledge and understanding, as well as developing their vocal and instrumental technique, both as individuals and by working effectively as part of a team. All groove 'n' play programmes are inclusive and accessible to children and young people of all abilities.

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values

• fun and enjoyment

groove'n'play prioritises creating a fun and enjoyable musical experience for children and young people.

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• musical development

The programmes aim to support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive developments achieved through the specific focus of developing instrumental and vocal technique, musical knowledge, language, and understanding that children are able to demonstrate practically through performance.

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• personal development and teamwork

groove'n'play aims to advance and nurture personal development, including confidence and self-esteem, leadership skills, and respect for others.  The programmes promote constructive teamwork where everyone is valued, and children are encouraged to express themselves musically in a safe and supportive environment.

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• inclusivity and accessibility

The resources and programmes are designed to be inclusive and accessible for all children and young people          and adaptable to different learning environments and abilities.  The @school programmes support both

group and individual learning with @home programmes supporting individual learning journeys.

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about the programmes

The programmes support musical progression in line with the National Curriculum for Music and include:

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• performance through playing and singing (sticks & songs, multi-instrumental programmes)

• ​reading and playing from notation with an understanding of the inter-related music dimensions e.g. dynamics, tempo, structure

• range of music styles, genres and traditions to increase knowledge and understanding of music​

• extended listening and extension activities related to music and other curriculum areas

 

Children will be able to:​

• understand and demonstrate initial instrumental and playing technique

• sing in a range of musical styles both in unison and parts (sticks & songs, multi-instrumental programmes)

• respond to musical directions and notation linking sound and symbol

• perform as part of a whole-class ensemble

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Children will also:​

• develop their ability to work effectively as part of a team

• build increased confidence and self-esteem through engagement in varied activities and performance

• gain experience in how to attain high standards of performance and an improved understanding of the process and the work that is necessary in order to achieve this

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​about the team​

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groove'n'play director, author: Sally Greaves

​Sally has been working in education and commercial music for more than 25 years.  Her music shows an eclectic mix of music styles ranging from Pop and Hip Hop to Jazz and Classical.​ She has composed and arranged music and devised music education progarmmes for various organisations including: Royal College of Music, Royal Albert Hall, English National Ballet, BBC Symphony Orchestra, EMI Music Sound Foundation, The Rastamouse Company, BBC Learning, Tri-borough Music Hub, Leicestershire Music Service.​ Her compositions and music education programmes have been enjoyed by tens of thousands of young people in the UK and Europe, as well as in China, Austraila and New Zealand.​ groove'n'play was written to give children a fun and engaging way to learn about music through performance as a player and a singer in a band.

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groove'n'play director, consultant: Jean Carter

Jean specialises in providing strategic advice in relation to music and arts education. Her work is rooted in collaboration, equity and evidence-based practice. She has been championing the work of groove'n'play since the pilot phase of many of the programmes in 2005.  As head of music services she provided the strategic rollout of groove'n'play programmes. In her groove'n'play role, Jean works closely with head of music services, head teachers and music leads to understand their vision for music and how groove'n'play can best support them with their delivery. Partnerships are developed with bespoke support as well as easy access to quality programmes that reflect the National Curriculum, the National Plan for Music, and the Model Music Curriculum.​

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groove'n'play trainer, lead facilitator: Pip Bryan

Pip started delivering GnP programmes in 2010.  She has worked with schools to deliver and develop groove'n'play whole school delivery models, as well as leading the delivery of the family workshop model; Get Set, Play, in the groove'n'play partnership with the Royal College of Music and the Royal Albert Hall.​ Pip is lead GnP trainer for school teachers and music tutors and works as a mentor for teachers who are new to the groove'n'play way.
 

​groove'n'play online content development editor: Francesca Warren

​Francesca initially started working with GnP in 2018, as an Albert's Band member of the Get, Set Play team.

Since 2020, she has been working closely with Sally on new groove'n'play digital content, and has been instrumental in the development of the all singing, all dancing groove@home online resources.