Here are some suggestions to help you plan your school song.
Involve students, staff, parents and carers by asking them to consider some of the following:
- use your school motto or creed as a good starting point
- examine the ethos or mission statement of your school
- identify what is unique or distinctive about your school
- consider the school environment and the surrounding landscape e.g. suburban, rural, semi-industrial, seaside, hills, city etc. and what impact this has on the school
- think about any unusual, humorous or dramatic events that have occurred
- reflect on the changes that have taken place since the school began
- take note of any historical events that shaped the school or local area
- identify students (past and present) who have achieved recognition in the community for their talents or good works
- consider the various cultural backgrounds of the students
- articulate your hopes for what your school community may achieve in the future
- brainstorm to uncover any other ideas.
A school song is most effective when it contains a strong central theme or concept and one or two secondary ideas. Once you have gathered suggestions I will work with you to identify these key aspects.
The process then is as follows:
1. I begin crafting the lyrics
2. I send you a draft of the lyrics for feedback and approval
3. I compose music for those lyrics
4. I deliver the finished song. This includes sheet music, a backing track and a demo recording.
