Song of the Week
If you’re looking for a range of great songs from all around the world, you’ve come to the right place!
This page will be updated with a variety of songs of different styles and genres. Why not listen to something new today?
Scroll down to find the song for this week!
SMSC - Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development
Music is a great tool for people of all ages to explore and expand their spiritual and cultural development.
Children’s Spiritual development is shown by their:
- ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life
- knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values
- sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
- use of imagination and creativity in their learning
- willingness to reflect on their experiences
At Vigo, when children listen to music, we encourage them to consider how it makes them feel but also respect how it may make other people feel. Children should be open to using their imagination and show creativity when listening to and responding to music. We aim to foster in our children a willingness to share (in whatever way is comfortable for them) their own opinions and response to music.
Children’s cultural development is shown by their:
- understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
- understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
- ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
- willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
- interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept and respect diversity. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities
At Vigo, we hope that our children will be children who grow to appreciate the backgrounds of performers and a variety of musical styles. They will learn to appreciate the influences from countries around the world on music we have in the UK today. We encourage them to show respect and understanding to each other’s heritages, backgrounds and musical preferences. Music should ultimately bring people together, not separate them.
(https://www.smscqualitymark.org.uk/what-is-smsc/)
Autumn 1, Week 1: The Climb - Lewis Capaldi (Miley Cyrus cover)
This half term's school value focus in "Motivation". This song speaks about the fact that we often face struggles or difficulties, but that we need to be motivated to get through them.
1. Can you name one difficulty you are facing in your life right now? It may be a lesson you find difficult or a situation where you don't know what to do.
2. How do you think it would help you to have more motivation to get through it?
*Remember, motivation doesn't mean having to do everything on your own. If you are struggling with something, being motivated can include asking for help. We are often more motivated when we work out a problem together!
(You can ask an adult you trust such as your teacher, your LSA, or any other member of staff who will be happy to help you with your problem. :) )
Autumn 1, Week 2: BBC Planet Earth - Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros
ICELAND - Sigur Ros is an Icelandic band whose music is often very calming to listen to.
1. How does it make you feel?
2. Do you think the music matches the video of places around the world?
Fun fact about this band: Although the band is Icelandic, they don't sing in the Icelandic language. They have actually made up their own language which they sing in called "Hopelandic"!
Autumn 1, Week 3: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - Wiyathul
AUSTRALIA - This song is performed in a language called Yolŋu by an Aborigini artist who is blind. This doesn’t stop him playing his guitar and singing this beautiful song.
This man didn't give up on his dream of singing even though he has a disability. He is proud of his disability and doesn't let that stop him from doing what he loves.
1. If you have a disability, what dream do you have that you want to do?
2. How does this man's motivation inspire you?
Autumn 1, Week 4: Imen Siar sings Lauren Daigle's "You Say"
UK - Imen Siar is a Muslim singer from the UK who made it through to the Semi-finals on Britain’s Got Talent 2020. Imen sings this song partly in English and partly in Arabic, her home language.
The song she sings is called ‘You Say’ and was written by a Christian singer songwriter called Lauren Daigle. The reason Lauren wrote this song was because she felt the world is full of negative voices from other people, and sometimes ourselves, telling us we are not good enough. Her Christian faith led her to sing about what she believes that God says about her, which she felt was more important than anything the world could say.
1. Imagine what it would be like if you could sing or speak in more than one language! Which language would you like to learn?
2. Everyone at Vigo learns French from Year 3. How does this song motivate you to improve in your French?
Autumn 1, Week 5: Canon in D (Pachelbel's Canon) - Cello & Piano
GERMANY - This is a classical music piece composed by a German composer called Johann Pachelbel. It is commonly played at weddings and you may have heard it before! When you listen, you might notice the repeating tunes played by the piano and cello.
This music makes me feel calm - I wonder how it makes you feel?
Learning to play an instrument takes a lot of time and practice, just like it takes practice to become a world class Olympian or a brilliant baker. Learning any skill like this requires a lot of motivation.
1. Do you think these people in this song would be able to play their instruments this well if they were never motivated to practise?
2. If you are motivated, like these two people are, how much better do you think you could get in the talents YOU have?
Autumn 1, Week 6: This is Me - Sign Along With Us
This song is called ‘This is Me’ from the film The Greatest Showman and is signed in Makaton by a group called Sign Along With Us.
See if you can join in with some of the Makaton!
Sometimes, people sadly aren't very kind to people who are different to them. This can make them feel like they aren't as good as other people. This boy's older sister helped to motivate her brother instead of letting others be unkind.
1. Your challenge this week is to be someone who motivates others to be the best version of themselves!
2. Could you motivate your sibling or friend to do their best in their reading or homework? Could you motivate your teacher and LSA if they are looking tired after a long day? Go out there and start motivating others!
Autumn 2, Week 1: Kenyan Boys Choir - Jambo Bwana
KENYA - A choir singing a song called Jambo Bwana. The lyrics are a conversation between two people and roughly translate as, “Hello sir, how are you? I’m well thanks. Visitors are welcome to Kenya. No worries!”
INDEPENDENCE: This song is sung by a 'choir' which is lots of people singing together. Do you think it is important that each person practises independently or can they just rely on the others in the choir to do well?
If you are in the school choir, do you think it's important for you to do your best to sing well, or can you just hope others do well?
Autumn 2, Week 2: Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles
The Beatles is arguably one of the greatest British bands of all time. The members of the rock group are John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison.
'Here Comes the Sun' was part of their famous album 'Abbey Road' which was released in 1969.
It feels like this song is a positive reminder that, even after a 'dark season', hope is alive and it will get better!
Autumn 2, Week 3: Dave Brubeck - Take Five
This style of music is called jazz. This well known song is from 1959 and was composed (written) by a saxophonist called Paul Desmond. It is performed by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. You will hear the saxophone playing the melody (main tune) and the drum playing the beat. You might find it hard to tap the pulse/rhythm of this song as it is in an unusual time signature called 5/4. This is where it gets its name 'Take Five'.
Autumn 2, Week 4: Over The Rainbow - Eva Cassidy
You might recognise this song from the film The Wizard of Oz, for which it was written in 1939. Many people have recorded a cover of this well known song. Eva Cassidy was known as a soprano singer which means she had a high pitched singing voice.
Soprano - high pitched voice
Alto - medium pitched voice
Tenor - low pitched voice
Bass - very low pitched voice
At home, have a go singing your favourite song and see if you can work out what kind of singing voice you have!
Autumn 2, Week 5: Für Elise/ For Elise - Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven lived from 1770-1827 and was a famous composer who played the piano. This style of music is known as 'classical'. Many people say it is a good style of music to study to. This song is called "For Elise" so the purpose of him writing this song was to share his feelings about someone he cared about. One of the many purposes of music is to share or process your feelings.
If you look below, you will see the sheet music for Für Elise. Just like you write words with pen on paper, you can also write music with pen on paper like in this picture by drawing ertain symbols. When you learn how to read music - just like learning how to read words - you will be able to play the right note based on the symbol on the paper. This is how musicians all over the world play the same piece of music. Reading music is like a different language that is the same for everyone no matter what language they speak.
Autumn 2, Week 6: Company B UK - Last Christmas
AMERICA - This song is performed by ‘Company B - UK’, a group of singers formed on the Isle of Wight in the UK. However, the group and style of music is influenced by Swing/Boogie-Woogie trio The Andrews Sisters who were active from 1925-1967 in Minnesota, America.
INDEPENDENCE: Miss Forrest was friends with the members of Company B - UK when she was at secondary school. They all started signing independently before they formed a group. Think about what skills you can already do independently that would improve more if you joined together with your friends!
Spring 1, Week 1: Fix My Eyes - For King and Country
This song is called 'Fix My Eyes' and is by a band called For King and Country who originate from Nashville, Tennessee.
This song is about reflecting on your actions and seeing what you would do better the next time.
When you listen to the chorus (the part that starts with "I'd love like I'm not scared"), see if you can find all of the different things they are saying they would do.
Some are:
-love like I'm not scared
-give when it's not fair
What do these words mean?
What is one thing you can aim to do to be kind to those around you?
Spring 1, Week 2: Stranger On The Shore - Acker Bilk
Acker Bilk is a clarinet player from Somerset in England. His actual name is Bernard Stanley Bilk but he is known as 'Acker' which comes from the Somerset slang word for 'friend'.
This song, Stranger on the Shore, was the UK's biggest selling single of 1962 and was in the UK charts for more than 50 weeks which is nearly a whole year!
When you listen to this song, close your eyes and maybe even lie down to get rid of any distractions. Have at go at answering these questions:
1. Does this song have any words?
2. What instruments can you hear?
3. How does the song make you feel?
Acker Bilk plays the clarinet. If you haven't seen a clarinet before, see if you can find some pictures of it and find another song that is played by a clarinet.
Those of you in Year 2 or 5 who have completed the Orchestra Unit, see if you can work out what section of the orchestra it can be found in.
Spring 1, Week 3: Don't Stop Believing - THUD
Here is an instrument you may not have seen before! These colourful plastic tubes are called Boomwhackers and are percussion instruments because you make the sound by hitting them. We have a set of Boomwhackers at school - hopefully you will get the chance to play them one day! Anyone can play - all you need is to be able to hit the tube at the right time to the pulse (heartbeat) of the music.
Although this song is originally by a band called 'Journey', this video shows a group called 'THUD' performing. Look how well the group work together as a team to produce the music.
1. Would one person be able to play the song on their own?
2. How important is it that they listen to each other?
3. If you could play any song on the Boomwhackers, what would you play?
Spring 1, Week 4: England National Anthem. (God Save The Queen)
If you have ever watched a sports match or a video of a Royal Wedding, you may have heard this song. It is called the English National Anthem. A National Anthem is a song that praises a particular country and that is officially accepted as the country's song.
I have included the English National Anthem because we all go to school in England. However, if there is another country's National Anthem that you would like to listen to, ask an adult if you can look it up. Most countries in the world have their own National Anthem.
Questions to discuss with your family:
1. Do all National Anthems sound the same?
2. Are National Anthems sung in the same or different languages?
3. Why do you think the words in a National Anthem are important?
Spring 1, Week 5: Twenty first century Woman - Joanna Forbes L'Estrange
The 8th March is International Women's Day. It is a day to celebrate women and to help to create greater gender equality. In some jobs, women are paid less than men for doing the same job. International Women's Day is a day to think about this and to consider what we can do to let this not be a problem in the future.
This song celebrates women and is performed partly by the Military Wives Choir with some soloists as well.
Spring 1, Week 6: Hello Around the World | Say Hello in 15 Different Languages
In our school, we have so many different languages spoken! It's amazing! You probably have lots of languages even in your class. Have you ever asked a friend how they say 'hello' in their language? Here is a chance to learn 15 ways to say 'hello'.
Spring 2, Week 1: Dos Oruguitas (From "Encanto")
Have you seen the Disney film 'Encanto'? The film is set in the beautiful country of Colombia where they speak Spanish. This song is sung in Spanish and has the English translation on the video. See if you can learn a few words of Spanish while listening to this song!
dos oruguitas = two little caterpillars
la mariposa = butterfly
el mundo = the world
el futuro = future
milagro = miracle
Spring 2, Week 2: It's All Music (from Spin)
DJs are people who play lots of recorded music to an audience. This DJ is playing a variety of songs that are influenced by her Indian culture.
1. Have you ever heard a DJ's music before?
2. Have you heard this kind of Indian music? How does it make you want to respond? In this video, the people are responding to the music by dancing!
Spring 2, Week 3: Power in Me - Rebecca Lawrence
I've been told that Year 5 love this song! Let's see if you can still remember it, Year 5 - and also see who else can learn the words to join in!
It is about knowing that you all have strength and power inside of YOU! It's your job to use this power for good and to make the world around you a better place.
Questions to think about...
How can I make a difference in my class?
How can I make a difference in my family?
How can I make a difference in my town?
Spring 2, Week 4: Disney Pixar's Soul Soundtrack 2021 | Disney Soundtrack | Solo Piano Smooth Jazz Music
Jazz Music is widely recognised by its smooth piano playing and you can often hear woodwind instruments such as the saxophone or oboe, along with a steady beat played on the drums. Jazz music sometimes has singers' voices too, but not always.
If you have seen the Disney film 'Soul', you will have heard jazz music! This week's song is more than just one song - it's the complete soundtrack from 'Soul'.
You might choose to listen to a small section of the music and see what instruments you can hear, or you might choose to play the whole soundtrack to relax or while studying.
How does the music make you feel?
If you were to draw a picture of the music, what would you draw? (What colours would you use? Would the lines and shapes that you draw be spikey or smooth?)
Spring 2, Week 5: Music for Ramadan
Ramadan is an important time of year for Muslims (people who follow the Islam religion) all over the world. During Ramadan, Muslims try to spend more time with Allah (the name of their God) and act kindly to help other people as much as they can. They also "fast" - this means they don't eat food during the day, and instead they pray to Allah more.
Some Muslims like to be quiet to help them focus on Allah, whereas others like to listen to music during Ramadan. Here is some music that some Muslims choose to listen to as a way of helping them to focus on God during Ramadan.
1. Do you know anyone who is a Muslim? Why don't you ask them what Ramadan means for them?
2. If you don't know anything about Ramadan, see if you can find out some facts about it from a Muslim friend, from a book or from the internet.
3. Do you think music can help you to focus on different things? For example, does music help you to concentrate on your homework? Music like this helps some Muslims to focus on Allah.
Spring 2, Week 6: Baba Yetu (By Christopher Tin) Lord's Prayer in Swahili - Alex Boyé, BYU Men's Chorus/ Philharmonic
This song is a version of The Lord's Prayer - a prayer that is very important to Christians. Christians believe that Jesus taught them this prayer as one of the many ways to speak to God.
This version is sung in Swahili, one of the many African languages which is spoken in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Somalia, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Comoros.
1. How does this music make you feel? It might make you want to tap along or move to the rhythm of the music, or maybe you want to join in with the singing!
2. Why do you think it might be important for Christians to pray?
3. If you are someone who likes to pray, have you ever thought about singing a prayer instead of saying it?
Summer 1, Week 1: #YouCanBeABCs from Sam
Do you realise that you are the future? You are going to have a huge impact on other people's lives when you are older! (You are already impacting other people's lives now :) )
In this week's song, 6 year old Sam shares a rap about many different jobs and careers you might choose to get involved in when you are older. They've found something for every letter from A-Z!
It doesn't matter if you haven't decided what you want to be yet - you still have so much time. But use this song to inspire you and your friends that there are so many options for jobs you can do!
Summer 1, Week 2: Coldplay - Paradise (Peponi) African Style (ft. guest artist, Alex Boye) - The Piano Guys
Some artists write their own songs but sometimes they perform their own version of someone else's song. This song was originally written by Coldplay, a UK band. In this version, by The Piano Guys and Alex Boye, they have transformed the sound of the song to bring some African culture into it. How cool is that!
I wonder if you've ever considered writing your own song but thinking it would be too difficult. Why don't you pick your favourite song and change the instruments or rhythm to fit with your culture or favourite style of music?
Summer 1, Week 3: Loane - Jamais Seule
Can you work out which language this song is sung in?
Maybe you recognise some of the words! It is such an amazing skill to know more than one language. Lots of you speak at least 2 languages which is amazing.
1. How does this song make you feel? It makes me feel relaxed, calm and happy.
2. Find a friend who speaks another language. Ask them to teach you a word in their language!
3. If you want to learn a language, ask an adult at home if you can learn some words of a new language. 'Duolingo' is a great place to start learning a new language. https://www.duolingo.com/
