TEACHERS' TREASURE CHEST

Here you’ll find everything you need to prepare your class for the live, interactive performance, where the children take part through singing, movement, vocal sounds and body percussion.

The Tale of the Whale is based on the picture book by Karen Swann and Padmacandra, with new music by Raph Clarkson.

In the performance, a team of Britten Sinfonia musicians and presenter Sheena Masson bring the story to life in your school hall. Much of the musical interaction is led by percussionist Owen Gunnell, using instruments made from junk and recycled materials.

The story follows a child’s journey across the ocean with a whale and explores:

• friendship and trust
• worry and hope
• the natural world
• how small actions can help us make a difference

The children are not just the audience – they are an important part of the team. 

Use as much or as little as works for you and your class.

If you do one thing: use the videos to learn the songs and actions — this makes a big difference to the children’s experience in the live performance.

You might like to:

• Share the story – read the book together

• Learn the songs and actions – using the videos

Take it further (optional)

The Teacher Resource Pack supports the core music learning.

The Using the Book offers ideas for wider curriculum work.

No specialist music knowledge is needed.

Britten Sinfonia is a professional chamber orchestra and music education charity based in Cambridge. Alongside performing in major concert halls in the UK and around the world, we work in schools and communities across the East of England, creating opportunities for people of all ages to make music together.

Our Learning & Participation programme brings musicians and children together through live performance, creative projects and new music written especially for young people.

Peterborough Music Hub works with schools and partners across the city to give every child the opportunity to make, learn and enjoy music. Through whole-class teaching, instrumental lessons, ensembles and live performances, the Hub supports high-quality music education and progression for young people at every stage.

Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. They are a national producer and create projects where music and creativity thrive, ensuring communities across the country have access to world-class orchestral experiences. Their collaborations with professional orchestras, educators, venues, promoters and communities are at the heart of their work, supported by active relationships with an ever- growing range of artistic, producer and funder partners.

20Twenty Productions works with children and young people across Fenland and Cambridgeshire to create opportunities through creative learning, wellbeing and social action. Their projects are designed to raise aspirations, build confidence and support young people to develop the skills and self-belief they need for the future.

This project has been made possible with support from Arts Council England using public funding from the National Lottery.