Budding DJs at Ferndown Middle School have taken to the wheels of steel with such aplomb they are now training their teachers.
Head of Music, Scott Welcomme, managed to secure the loan of some high-tech turntables for the benefit of the school. The youngsters took to it at once and are now able to create their own music on the decks and add effects at ‘DJ Club’.
Furthermore, they are lined up to DJ at up-coming school discos and the enthusiasm has led to other classes and year groups using the equipment. The youngsters enjoy mixing and are in the process of compiling their own setlists. Not only do they learn to DJ during the sessions, they explore the art of turntablism too. Scott said
"We were able to obtain the turntables from the Dorset Music Hub – now the Octagon Music Hub – through its Music Area Lead, Pili Lopez. It's much more than clicking play on the decks. To nudge and get an exact beat match - while the tracks are playing - is the art of turntablism."
“The children are lined up to DJ at school discos and the enthusiasm has led to other pupils using the decks in class and at lunchtimes. It is all digital and enables the children to create their own music and work together to come up with new sounds."
“The group is held during the morning and has proved hugely popular.”
Scott also used resources provided by DJ School UK to get started and has been updating co-founder Jim Reiss with the pupils' progress so far, and he is excited for future developments.
DJ Dom from Year 6 said:
“Music is my life because it calms people. It brings out different emotions while you are doing it. The music has really inspired me and I love it.”
DJ Isla, Year 6, said:
“It has really given me confidence and makes me want to come to school. It’s really fun and cool – there are loads of songs and you have the power to control them."
DJ Poppy said:
“It’s fun and I love playing around with songs and it makes me enjoy learning.”
Headteacher Amber Barter said: “Extra-curricular activities are really important across the trust. This DJ Club is superb and has not only taught them about music, but provided many other lessons too.”
