World Music Day 2023

In celebration of World Music day, marked annually on 21st June, talented Weatherhead musicians are on tour, around the school, performing pop-up lunchtime gigs. These performances form part of Weatherhead’s week long celebrations for World Music Day which includes performances in morning assemblies and themed activities in music lessons.

Students can listen to live music performances in the foyer and, weather permitting, on the grass stage outside the canteen all week during lunch.

What is World Music Day?

Known also as La Fête de la Musique, World Music Day is celebrated during the summer solstice on 21st June, the longest day of the year. It started in France in 1982 and is now a worldwide event celebrated in more than 120 countries. 

World Music Day aims to bring people together, breaking barriers and boundaries, often through outdoor events in streets, squares, public parks and playgrounds. It offers the opportunity to host music events in non-traditional concert venues, such as museums, hospitals and public buildings.

Why is music so good for us?

There really is a song for every emotion….

• Research findings have demonstrated that music supports our physical, mental and emotional health.
• Music gives students unique opportunities to express themselves creatively and build confidence.
• Music can open doors to many opportunities for students; they get a chance to perform in choirs, orchestras and bands. They learn how to work and create music with a team and get a chance to meet and perform with new people. This all helps to improve social and communication skills.
• Music education helps students to know, understand and value different cultures and musical traditions.
• Performing music reinforces parts of the brain used when learning maths.
• Researchers found evidence to suggest that music can engage your brain in such a way that it trains it to pay better attention to events and make predictions about what might happen. If you struggle to make sense of new material, listening to music while studying could make this process easier
• Music is based in science: sound is produced when something vibrates – and those vibrations are brought to the ear as sound waves. And it’s mathematical, varying in pitch, volume, tempo, and rhythm.
• Research has shown that music can help you focus, concentrate, relax, feel motivated and improve memory.

How can you get involved?

There are lots of ways to get involved on World Music Day and beyond. Here are some suggestions:

• Learn an instrument – don’t worry, everyone’s a beginner at some point. Use this week as an excuse to sign up for lessons or teach yourself. YouTube has lots of instructional videos.
• Create some homemade music – even if you can’t play a genuine instrument yet, grab some everyday household objects, get together with your friends, and jam away. The music-making process can be therapeutic!
• Discover new artists – go out of your way to explore new genres. Put your music subscription to good use. If you see/hear anything new on social media that you like, find out more about the performer/song!

Interested in being a drummer? 

Come along to A102 on Friday 30th June, 7th July and 14th July.