KELVINGROVE BANDSTAND AND AMPHITHEATRE Five ways to use the Bandstand and Amphitheatre as a learning resource for primary schools

Introduction Contents

The much loved Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre 1. Perform! welcomed a global audience during the Commonwealth 2. Putting it together - Games in 2014 after a sensitive repair programme and construction science comprehensive upgrade of facilities. 3. The Victorians, Joseph Paxton The historic venue now programmes regular concert series. and a park full of gems It has greatly enhanced accessibility for performers and audience. It is able to host a variety of performances as well 4. Performer stories as learning visits from education groups and families keen to 5. Bandstand maths discover more about the fascinating history and heritage of the Bandstand. History and background of the Bandstand This pack is one of a number of resources to support learning and enjoyment of the historic bandstand building and Sources of further information amphitheatre. It is an extremely rare example of its type, with Pupil worksheets a fascinating history, and rich potential for meaningful and 1. Putting it together, enjoyable learning. construction science 2. Putting it together, We hope the ideas in this pack inspire you to use the construction science Bandstand and Amphitheatre as an outdoor learning resource! 3. The Victorians, Kelvingrove Bandstand, Ampitheatre and Park 4. Performer stories

PAGE ONE 1. Perform!

Like any theatre with a covered Consider bringing your pupils to use auditorium, Kelvingrove Bandstand has the Bandstand for: a stage, wings and modest backstage • A carol concert. facilities. It is ideal for performances by • A graduation ceremony, from nursery to schools. Benefits of using it include: primary one. • Seating for 2250, allowing a large audience • A nativity performance. for popular events such as nativity plays. • An annual prize giving, talent or progress • Pupils can learn about – and carry out - recognition event. different roles associated with performances: • stage manager • A ceremony for giving out John Muir Awards in • props and costume managers an appropriately outdoor, riverside setting. • front of house jobs such as preparing • A pantomime. posters and tickets for sale, selling tickets by • A primary 7 leavers’ assembly. staffing the box offices, and stewarding the amphitheatre. • A farewell and thanks to a staff member event. Pupils could gain understanding and • An “Our School’s Got Talent” show. experience of all aspects of staging a performance, and the purposes of all of the • Gathering the pupils after a sports day or different spaces. whole school outing to the park. • The Bandstand’s professional quality sound • An inspiring setting for a whole school systems allow even the quietest singer, or softly photograph. spoken actor, to be heard by audiences. • The Bandstand and Amphitheatre are fully accessible.

Performers at the Bandstand through the ages were celebrated in 2015 through a presentation and performance by Mischief La Bas. http://www.mischieflabas.co.uk/ The scripts from the performance on 11th July 2015 are available on the resource page of the bandstand website www.kelvingrovebandstand.org.uk​ Why not restage the performances with your pupils? Or use the scripts to inspire them to write performances for other characters who have been part of the bandstand’s history?

PAGE TWO 2. Putting it together - construction science

The Bandstand was built in 1924, and re-opened in 2014. An apparently simple traditional building, in fact the Bandstand and Amphitheatre cleverly use the natural contours of the landscape, resulting in great sight lines, and a naturally successful acoustic. A visit on an open day in summer could be used to explore with second level pupils the construction materials. Pupils could first watch the You Tube film by Hopscotch, The Kelvingrove Bandstand, which documents the restoration process, as well as people’s memories.

As a safe, enclosed place, pupils could have a Glass checklist to find examples of: • Windows to back stage spaces, to the ticket offices, stage lighting has glass covers. Brick and tiles • the stage base course, the roof is tiled, point out the decorative tiles on the ridges CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE Metal Learning in the sciences will enable me to: • Metal railings and gates. develop curiosity and understanding of the environment and my place in the living, material • Iron brackets support the wooden bench and physical world seats. • Iron downpipes on the Bandstand, painted EARTH’S MATERIALS green – even ticket offices roofs have tiny Having explored the substances that make up metal downpipes, also painted green. Earth’s surface, I can compare some of their characteristics and uses. CN 2-17a • Decorative iron brackets at the sides of the stage projecting roof covering. PUPIL WORKSHEET 1 PUPIL WORKSHEETS Putting it together, • New hand rails. 1 & 2 construction science Pupil’s name ......

in pack Kelvingrove Bandstand, the Amphitheatre and the ticket offices are traditional buildings, and use • Iron scrolls support the cast iron traditional materials. The materials were chosen because they had the right qualities for the job they had to do. Look hard at the buildings, the steps, seats and all of the surroundings. See how many examples you can find things made of each of these materials. Beside each material, write what you Coat of Arms on the Bandstand roof. discovered, and draw it. For example, Wood ticket office window Brick and tiles • Grey parts of the roof are mainly clad in zinc, another metal which is soft, and waterproof, PUPIL WORKSHEET 2 Putting it together, Wood so it can be bent around complicated roof Metal construction science shapes. Pupil’s name ......

Can you find these items in an around the bandstand and what are they made of?

• Speaker horns repurposed as lights on the Glass Now draw something else you have seen roof. today at the Bandstand that you like. • The spiky shape projecting from the domed Where is it and what is it made of? Where is it and what is it made of? Where is it and what is it made of? top of the ventilation feature is a metal finial.

Wood

• Bench seat slats, the doors on stage, the Where is it and what is it made of? Where is it and what is it made of? Where is it and what is it made of? boards of the stage panelling.

PAGE THREE 3. The Victorians, Joseph Paxton and a park full of gems

Some open questions and discussion starters for Why was there a bandstand and pupils on a visit to the park: seating in Kelvingrove Park? Parks, and in particular the Bandstand and When do you think the term Victorian amphitheatre, were somewhere for ordinary was first used? people to relax and enjoy themselves. The term “Victorian” was first used during Remember, Victorians didn’t have TV, iTunes or the Great Exhibition in (1851), where even radio. Victorian inventions and morals were shown to the world. Did Victorians have lots of parks? Kelvingrove Park was the first public park in Has anyone heard of Crystal Palace? : evidence of another Victorian value, More than a football team, the centrepiece philanthropy, the idea of helping others. In of the 1851 exhibition was a daring, futuristic Victorian times, populations soared, and more marvel in glass and iron, the Crystal Palace, people than ever were squashed into cramped designed by Joseph Paxton. It was in Hyde Park, conditions in cities. central London. Glasgow wanted the best for its city parks, and commissioned Paxton. CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE Who do you think designed this park? Learning in the social studies will enable me to: Joseph Paxton designed Kelvingrove Park; the • develop my understanding of the history, arrangement of curving paths, avenues of heritage and culture of Scotland, and an trees, steps, terracing, flower beds, viewpoints, appreciation of my local and national curiosities and points of interest. heritage within the world, • broaden my understanding of the world Why did Paxton put a bandstand and by learning about human activities and achievements in the past and present amphitheatre here in the park? I can interpret historical evidence from a The current Bandstand replaces an earlier one range of periods to help to build a picture of on the same site, but relationship of stage to Scotland’s heritage and my sense of chronology. amphitheatre seating shows how Paxton cleverly used the natural landscape in the park, for an SOC 2-02a outdoor performance area with great sight lines, and an equally successful acoustic. The riverside HOMEWORK/ REINFORCEMENT setting is also highly picturesque.

PUPIL WORKSHEET 3 PUPIL WORKSHEET 3 The Victorians, Kelvingrove Bandstand, Ampitheatre and Park

Why is Paxton typical of Victorian Pupil’s name ......

When was the term Victorian first used? Write a short paragraph describing something values? you saw and liked, or learned about, when visiting Kelvingrove Park, Amphitheatre and Paxton is closely associated with many Victorian Bandstand.

Do you remember the name of the person who ideas, including celebrating the advancement designed Kelvingrove Park?

Why is the Bandstand in that particular part of of industry with his daring new building types – Kelvingrove Park next to the river? he also designed Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens and glass houses, and laid out Queen’s Park Where was the first public park in Scotland? and Alexandra Park. Glass and iron hadn’t ever Why did the Victorian build parks? before been used for whole buildings.

PAGE FOUR 4. Performer stories

The Bandstand’s history is packed with Classes could watch the film, visit the Bandstand, interesting characters, and has reflected and create a fictional character based on one changing times and tastes from the early of the real Bandstand characters: the singer who was heckled, or the heckler, the site agent, the 20th century, right up to recent times. bearded DJ, the cornet player, the CND activist, the brick layer, the architect. From performances by soubrettes, who were dancers and singers in the 1930s, who sang Pupils could use the setting for creative so precisely that audiences right at back could writing, with stories from different perspectives: lip read if they couldn’t hear, to the 1950s, a Commonwealth Games concert from when Sundays were always brass band a performer’s point of view, or that of the concerts, to which hatted and gloved parents audience. took well behaved children! The 1960s and 70s saw concerts broadcast by Radio Clyde: Pupils could write factual accounts of their trip to Saturday was for traditional and folk music, the Bandstand; create leaflets about its history; while Sunday nights were for rock! By the 1980s, help promote it being used more widely; or the bandstand was also a gathering place for make short presentations about the Bandstand’s political activists. history, even presenting (listening and talking) in situ from the area in front of the stage, to Curriculum for Excellence outcomes in literacy classmates on the bench seating. advocate opportunities for pupils to engage with and create a wide range of texts in different media, including film, and to explore themes PUPIL WORKSHEET 4 PUPIL WORKSHEET 4 which relate to the history, heritage and culture Performer stories of Scotland. Pupil’s name ...... Character development Choose a character from the short film about the Bandstand. Now sit in the Amphitheatre, and think about your character.

Write five words to describe your character’s appearance. Now write a short paragraph using some of the words above, to describe your character A short documentary film about the restoration 1. performing at the Bandstand. Add details like 2. the weather, what they could see, the stage and the audience. 3. of the Bandstand, featuring reminiscences, 4. 5.

Now add some more words to describe the archive footage of the bandstand, and recent personality of your character. 1. 2. interviews was made in 2014 by hopscotch films. 3. 4. The Kelvingrove Bandstand lasts just over 10 5. Think about your character where you are sitting now: how would they feel about performing? minutes, and is available on You Tube. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

1951 Image: Newsquest

PAGE FIVE 5. Bandstand maths

Kelvingrove Bandstand can be used for active learning in numeracy and mathematics. The table below lists outcomes at Early and first levels, with suggestions for outdoor learning on a visit to the Bandstand and Amphitheatre.

Strand Early level First level On a visit

Estimation I am developing a I can share ideas with Estimate then count, and sense of size and others to develop railings, steps, benches. rounding amount by observing, ways of estimating the Pupils could have a exploring, using and answer to a calculation number, stand on a communicating with or problem, work out step, call their number others about things in the actual answer, then in turn. Count in 2s, 3s, the world around me check my solution by 4s to add challenge, MNU 0-01a comparing it with the forwards, back. estimate. MNU 1-01a

Measurement I have experimented I can estimate the area Measure a bench, a with everyday items of a shape by counting step, accessible parts as units of measure squares or other of the stage. to investigate and methods. MNU 1-11b compare sizes and amounts in my environment, sharing my findings with others. MNU 0-11a

Properties of I enjoy investigating I have explored simple Spot shapes: 2D shapes objects and shapes and 3D objects and 2D circles (speakers) , and 3D can sort, describe and shapes and can identify, rectangles (lots in railings objects be creative with them. name and describe and Bandstand) spheres MTH 0-16a their features using (on ticket office roofs) appropriate vocabulary. Count corners MTH 1-16a Touch edges

Angle, I have had fun creating I have explored Entire composition is symmetry and a range of symmetrical symmetry in my own and symmetrical! Look at the transformation pictures and patterns the wider environment stage, seating, ticket using a range of media. and can create and offices, railing designs, MTH 0-19a recognise symmetrical scrolls supporting the pictures, patterns and Coat of Arms. shapes. MTH 1-19a

PAGE SIX History and background of the Bandstand

Kelvingrove Bandstand was built in 1924 by the City Parks Department, and opened in 1925. It is a rare example of a bandstand with associated amphitheatre style seating, which cleverly fits into the natural shape of the land around, sweeping down to the , an unusual and picturesque setting.

In its heyday, there were two performances Kelvingrove Bandstand is the only bandstand a week in the Bandstand, and numbers in of its kind in Glasgow. It was almost lost, having the audience could be up to 6,000. The fallen into disuse and poor repair in the 1990s. performances could be by military bands, A long hard-fought campaign by the Friends of variety acts, singers or choirs. There were regular Kelvingrove Park, teamed with the unique skills of performances up until the 1950s and 1960s, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, the support and many people have fond memories of being of funders Heritage Lottery Fund, and partners in the audience for different shows at this time. and Glasgow Life, meant the building was saved. It was redeveloped during 2012 and 2013, and re-opened in 2014, in time to play a starring role for the city-wide celebrations of the .

PAGE SEVEN Kelvingrove Park

Kelvingrove Park is an outstanding designed landscape, and has high historical and cultural significance as the first public park in Scotland. The formal arrangements of paths, terraces and planting were designed by the esteemed Victorian Sir Joseph Paxton, world famous for the daringly modern Crystal Palace, star attraction of London’s 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. Originally called the West End Park, Kelvingrove Park was laid out in “conscious curves” between 1852 and 1867. Paxton also designed Queen’s Park, Alexandra Park, and Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens.

A series of major exhibitions were held in the bridge, at water level, between the arches are park. Among the 6 million people who came cut waters: the angled shapes cleverly divert the to the International Exhibitions of Science and water flow towards the arch openings. Art in the park in 1888, was Queen Victoria, who came twice! The Queen’s Jubilee gifts Among the many statues and sculptures in the were loaned to the exhibition, and displayed park is one by Archibald Macfarlane Shannon of in the splendid Kelvingrove Museum. Even William Thompson, 1st Baron Kelvin, the famous more people, 11 million, came to the 1901 scientist best known for the Kelvin scale. He was International exhibition. The 1911 Scottish at University by the age of 10, and became a Exhibition of History, Art and Industry, drew professor by the age of 22. 9 million, and had an overhead railway There is a monument in the park to An Clachan, connecting the to the Park. which is all that remains of a model Highland The oldest of the bridges over the River Kelvin village, built as part of the 1911 exhibition, and as it meanders towards the Clyde is the a very popular exhibit. An Clachan is Gaelic for Snowbridge of 1876, which originally had the village, the name now adopted by the small opening gates on the parapet, allowing snow cafe beside the early years play area within to be swept easily into the river. Lower down the the park.

PAGE EIGHT Sources of further information

To find out more about the fascinating heritage and history of Kelvingrove Bandstand and Park, there are great online, interactive and downloadable resources.

Friends of Kelvingrove Park, http://www.kelvingrovepark.com/heritage-walk.html. This has an interactive map, clicking on individual features brings up a descriptive text and further links. The page also has clear descriptive text on buildings and structure, bridges, statues and sculpture. The entries link to the interactive map, and there is a bibliography for further reading.

The Kelvingrove Bandstand, You Tube, 10.25, hopscotch films 2014, Documentary film made to celebrate the building’s rescue and restoration, showcases some of the archive film of the Bandstand from the early, mid and late 20th century. Features many intriguing, informative and amusing interviews. QUEEN MARGARET DR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeHOLH_A3sg

ROXBURGH ST

HYNDLAND RD

GREAT GEORGE ST GREAT WESTERN ROAD The Glasgow Women’s Library http://womenslibrary.org.uk/ GLASGOW ST Botanic Gardens PARTICKHILL RD PARTICKHILL RD 20 Glasgow created history, through researching, leading and producing a Laurel Street Bank

Queen GIBSON ST BYRES ROAD Margaret downloadable audio tour of West End Women, a fascinating Union STREET The Mackintosh UNIVERSITY AVENUEHouse BANK STREET heritage trail starting at Kelvingrove Museum, focussing on women Glasgow University Gates University Union in area from 1880-1920, and featuring the Suffrage Oak on Kelvin University of Glasgow ELDON ST Su rage Oak Anderson Way. Guided walks are regularly programmed in spring and CHURCH STREET College DUMBA RTO N KELVIN WAY R D summer, check the website above for details. ARGYLE ST Kelvingrove Kelvingrove Art Gallery PARK CIRCUS & Museum Park Park Gardens

Route map

How to hire the Bandstand

The bandstand is available to hire, with a sliding scale of costs depending on when and how you hope to use it. Costs depend on audience size, length of time of your event, and what staff or equipment you might need to hire to complement the event. Costs start from £200 for an event up to 4 hours in length and under 500 audience members. Included in the hire is Glasgow Life staff member(s). It is possible to bring equipment with you to support your event. If you don’t have the right equipment, it can be hired. Available items and services include steps up to the stage (treads), a PA with sound technician who can operate it, Lighting technician.

To discuss a hire please email [email protected] or phone 0141 353 8050.

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