Gaspard‘s Foxtrot: Concert for Primary Schools
The RSNO National Schools Concert Programme introduces thousands of primary school pupils across Scotland to classical music each year through a series of live concerts, in-school workshops, accompanying learning resources, and CPD sessions for teachers.
This year, the programme is going digital! Join us for Gaspard’s Foxtrot – a digital concert experience featuring the popular children’s book character, Gaspard the Fox. Narrated by author Zeb Soanes and presented by animateur Lucy Drever, the orchestral tale follows Gaspard accidentally boarding a bus to London and exploring the sights, sounds and smells of the city before trying to find his way home.
Alongside the digital concert, you will have access to digital resources, an online workshop with Lucy Drever, and teacher CPD.
The digital programme is free of charge to all participating schools. Please note this is only available for schools based in Scotland. By registering for a free ticket, you will gain access to the following online content:
Digital Resources release: Monday 8 March
12 individual lessons with accompanying short videos, written and presented by Lucy Drever, and focusing on various aspects of the programme.
Teacher CPD Session: Wednesday 24 March 4-5.30pm
This session will be delivered by Lucy Drever, concert presenter, who has also written the resources. The session will provide an introduction to the resources, useful tips and tricks, and an opportunity to ask questions.
Live Workshops: Tuesday 4 May 9.15am & 1.45pm
Lucy Drever will host two live sessions online in advance of the concert! Expect fun and games, links to the resources, what to expect from the concert and some special RSNO guests.
(This session is repeated – you do not need to attend both.)
Gaspard’s Foxtrot in Concert release: Monday 10 May
Gaspard accidentally boards a bus and has a thrilling fox-eye view of the sights, sounds and smells of London but how will he ever find his way back home? At Hyde Park he discovers a concert celebrating London’s wildlife and gets a surprise when a familiar-looking conductor walks out on stage…
Brought to life by Jonathan Dove’s wonderful composition, Gaspard’s latest adventure is the perfect introduction to classical music for primary school pupils in P3 – P6.
The film will be around 35 minutes in length.
You can find more information about Gaspard the Fox here.
Curriculum for Excellence
The National Schools Concert Programme is developed in line with the Curriculum for Excellence and aims to benefit pupils and teachers by:
Introducing children to classical music in their formative years, nurturing their creativity and well-being.
Exploring relevant themes and cross-curricular links.
Equipping teachers with the skills and increased knowledge that they need to confidently deliver music in the classroom.
Ensuring that pupils can benefit from the positive holistic impact on learning and engagement that musical education can bring.
This programme is free to participate in, but you must sign up to gain access to the content. For more information about the content and to register, please click the Eventbrite sign-up link below.
FAQs
How can I access the Gaspard’s Foxtrot content?
All content will be accessed via a password-protected webpage on the RSNO website. Once you have registered for a free ticket via Eventbrite, you will receive an email with further information about accessing the content.
Will I be able to access the content after the dates specified?
Yes - all digital material will be available on the webpage for you to use, including recordings of the CDP session and live workshops, so don’t worry if you can’t join on the day!
I didn’t register for a ticket before the first release date (8 March) – can I still access the content?
Yes – you can sign up for the programme via Eventbrite at any time. You will still receive access to all of the content via the password-protected webpage.
What ages is the programme aimed at?
We recommend that the programme content will best suit children in P3-5 (age 6-9).
Is the programme also appropriate for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?
Yes – the programme and resources have been developed in consultation with a SEND music education specialist. The video learning resources and concert film will include British Sign Language interpretation, optional subtitles, and accompanying Boardmaker resources.
I am a parent/carer home-schooling my children currently – can I still register for the programme?
Unfortunately, the programme is only open to schools. We would encourage you to share the programme with your child’s teacher/school and ask them to consider registering.
I am based outside Scotland – can I still register for the programme?
The programme is only open to schools in Scotland due to licensing. If you teach at a Scottish school but are currently based outside Scotland, you are welcome to register for the programme providing the details of the school at which you teach.
Which Curriculum for Excellence outcomes does the programme target?
Enabling children to experience the inspiration and power of the arts.
Recognising and nurturing children’s creative and aesthetic talents.
Allowing children to develop skills and techniques that are relevant to specific art forms and across the four expressive arts capacities.
Providing opportunities for children to deepen their understanding of culture in Scotland and the wider world.
Enhancing and enriching children’s learning through partnerships with professional arts companies, creative adults, and cultural organisations.
All of the programme’s learning resources will include links to specific Curriculum for Excellence outcome codes.