Clap! Clap! Stamp! Stamp! Everyone is in rhythm, and off they go. All eyes glued to the soloist, up and down the tone varies, as the grade five pupils at AC Ol Kalou Primary school enjoy their singing games.
Their little voices echoed by the classes that surround them, pull a crowd of other learners from their short timed tea break, joining in, in unison to the delight of everyone.
Charity Wambui, a grade six pupil and leader to the school’s music group confirms that the school has been enjoying their music lessons since the roll out of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) programme.
“I joined the school choir while in grade four after we were introduced to the music lesson,” she says.
The lesson that offers them a cocktail of folk songs, patriotic songs and sacred songs has scouted some talents that the school prides in. The school’s choir graced the county’s Madaraka day celebrations held at the schools ground a fortnight ago.
Another pupil Baraka Naende, who loves sacred songs noted that the curriculum had offered all an equal chance to showcase their capabilities adding that the students had improved their communication skills.
The teams’ leader Ms Tabitha Wambui, who also doubles as their Home Science and Music teacher noted that the learners had been exposed to various opportunities that had also improved their self-esteem.
“CBC is talent oriented and allows the learners to try each and every interest beyond classwork. This means the learners will never be wasted in future,” added Ms. Wambui.
The learners who also engaged in projects and practical lessons, she said, had been exposed to artists and other tutors to furnish their skills and expertise.
George Chege, a composer and tutor of music, who had been engaged at the school to teach music noted that the pupils had mastered pitching of the songs, with many keeping to the rhythms.
“The students love singing, though some of them do it for fun, a number are serious and would like to pursue it as a career in future. These opportunities are an eye opener for them to test the industry as they sample their choices in life,” added Chege fondly referred to as Kaguthi the Master by the learners.
Chege said that most learners had received huge support from their parents who requested the school to expose them to artists and song writers for growth.
The Music Studio, at the Ol Kalou Youth Empowerment centre, which offers free opportunities to the learners and musicians across the county to record their pieces, has come in handy in helping the learners actualize their dreams.
The learners say that the opening has come a long way in allowing them an opportunity to feel the whole industry, from the composition of the songs, poems and spoken word, to the subsequent recording that allows them to sell their talents.
“I have secured a chance to record my poems at the studio that is just a five minutes’ walk from our school. To listen to my voice on radio will be my biggest achievement as I dream to be a great gospel singer,” remarked Teresia Wairimu, a grade six pupil.
