We began our new unit ‘Twinkle Variations’ by looking at a body percussion piece. We had to recognise the actions represented on the diagram before performing as a whole class. We felt like we recognised the rhythm of the piece and the more we practised, we began to realise it was the same tune as ‘Twinkle Twinkle’.

We discussed how composers could take a simple theme, like ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ and make subtle changes here and there to create a completely new variation. They could alter the speed and tempo, the rhythm and the order.

We then listened to some of Mozart’s twinkle variations. Whilst listening, we thought about the changes Mozart had made to create a new variation. Some were trickier than others to appraise!

To finish our work on ‘You To Me Are Everything’ by The Real Thing, we practised iconic disco dance moves to get our bodies warmed up. We then performed the initial verse and chorus of ‘You To Me Are Everything’ before further exploring cover versions of the same song by Karizma Duo and The Jetfighters. We discussed similarities and differences before looking in more detail at the tempo, pitch and the instruments used in each piece and how this changed the feel of the music.