Inclusive school orchestra

A mission from (…)

Here is another example of an engaging practice that, from a professional experience, fosters students’ SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT. By school engagement we mean students’ observable participation in school activities, sense of belonging to classmates and teachers, and valuing success in school-related goals.

It is implemented by: Teachers

It is directed at students aged: 3-5, 6-8, 9-11

Target group: Whole school approach

Main subjects involved: Arts and music

ICT involvement:  no

Description of the practice: We do a body expression workshop every two weeks in pre-school to improve coordination, imitation, movement skills, music experience, etc. From Primary school on, students have orchestra lesson once a week, where they do different activities: songs with dance, movement, singing, performances… with Orff instruments, homemade instruments, etc. From 5th Grade students learn to play an instrument (key-flutes, guitars, ukeleles or percussion) and have a weekly session to learn that instrument technique and a biweekly session of orchestra.

We do perform outside the school. Our school has 20% of students with compensatory education, 25% with special educational needs and 10% with the need of a special educator. All of them take part in the orchestra, the concerts and the activities related because these activities are inside the school time schedule. This project has improved the academic results of the students and the school.

Accessible to any student: yes

Meaningful participation for every student: yes

Why? Because scores adaptation: use of colors, signs, pictograms…

Body and auditory experience of music before being interpreted. Participation and assistance of special education teachers, educator, and support teacher in concerts and performances. The school gives the instruments to students.

Support to the practice: Yes. The Education Administration donated the funding to buy the instruments. The teachers help me with the concerts organization and the support to the students with special needs.

Does this practice promote students observable participation in school related activities? The orchestra is present in the different extra activities we do inside and outside our school. The students feel proud of playing instruments and give concerts. Besides, the whole school takes participates. There might be a song that the orchestra plays, but the rest of the students is the choir or dance or play theater.

Does the practice promote students sense of belonging to classmates, teachers and school? All students realize that their participation is important for the sake of the orchestra.

Does the practice promote students giving value to success in school-related goals? They improve their attention, responsibility, memory… They realize that with practice and study they can improve and learn. They transfer this idea to other subjects.

Link with more information: Website |

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Funded by the European Union