Cor Blimey

When we watched the recent Royal Wedding at school (yes, term had started) my enjoyment of Parry's "I was glad" was rather spoilt by the female members of staff commenting on the clothing and hats of the ladies they saw on screen.

I was lucky enough to hear the piece in Clare College with additional voices. Some call this bombastic music but it makes me feel nostalgic for my days as a chorister.  I came across this video today which is a ratther good performance [hence the title of the post] and includes the "Vivats".

Enjoy (Steve, it's a bit long I shall not be offended if you don't listen!)

Impressive

It is amazing what the human body can be trained to do.  Fast notes from Simon Gledhill and a pure trumpet sound from Alison Balsom. (Crumpet with a trumpet)

Both of these are a feast for the eyes in their own ways!

Disappointment

I thought I liked Bill Bailey, and I have just watched 'Have I Got News For You' on which he was his normal self.  I also enjoyed his Guide to the Orchestra some time ago.

Yesterday I gave myself an evening off.  For Christmas (2010) I had asked for a Bill Bailey DVD and was given "Dandelion Mind" so I grabbed the chance to watch it as there was nothing anybody else wanted to see.

I was disappointed.  I did not laugh once.  In fact I had to skip over some offensive bits about religion.  I shall put my copy on EBay or something today; I shall not watch it again.

On the other hand I received one of the funniest emails I have ever read today.  It was some quick fire jokes which had me screaming out loud with mirth.  A few examples:

WARNING if you like things to be 'PC' DO NOT read on.

A man calls 999 and says "I think my wife is dead." The operator says how do you know? He says "The sex is the same but the ironing is building up!"

I was in bed with a blind girl last night and she said that I had the biggest p*nis she had ever laid her hands on. I said, "You're pulling my leg".

What's the difference between Iron Man and Iron Woman? One's a superhero and the other is an instruction.

Well, a sense of humour is a personal thing.
 

It's a mad (cotton wool encased) world

I have downloaded a scheme of work for a Year 7 class in music - just for interest as I have my own scheme.

The writer has included a section in each plan on Health and Safety.  No doubt this will impress 'men in suits' but I could not believe what I read!  Judge for yourself.

Ensure correct posture for echo-clapping.  (Is clapping dangeous - will the school be sued?)

It is important that pupils do not force their voices as to damage the vocal chords (note incorrect spelling 'cords') or to shout rather than sing.  (So should we monitor pupils as they shout on the football pitch?)

The school uses Kodaly handsigns.  Pupils need to be aware of using hand signs in a safe way using them vertically as pitch rises and not horizontally where there may be a risk of hitting another pupil.

Advice on the safe use of classroom instruments (yes xylophones can be deadly).
Correct use of beaters and techniques for instruments to ensure correct usage, which prevents accidents. (Deadly xylophones again)

Careful use of the bagpipe in terms of waist strap and to discourage over blowing of the instrument.

If a trumpet is used as part of the lesson, then pupils need to be careful not to over blow to avoid fainting.  Careful instruction must be given to hold the trumpet correctly so not to trap any fingers in between the tubes.

Pupils can be asked to move to music whilst on their seats so any invitation to sway to the music must have limits stated to prevent silly behaviour causing accidents. (such as falling off your chair)

Pupils are also advised when making home made instruments to use any sharp implements in supervised company and to limit materials that do not cause damage to human tissue. (Why is making instruments even on a music syllabus - when I trained it was frowned on?)

Pupils need to enter and exit the room quietly and safely by slow movement and consideration for others when it comes to storing bags. Movement of pupils must be in small groups to eliminate any silliness or pushing that may occur.

What are we doing to society when we require this level of risk assessment?