St. David's Day and the Pride of Welsh Music

Matthew Dix
Feb 5
3 min read

Updated: May 1

St. David’s Day: Celebrating Welsh Culture Through Music

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St. David’s Day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant) is celebrated on March 1st. This day is a fantastic opportunity to explore Welsh culture, music, and traditions in primary schools. Whether you have Welsh heritage in your school or want to introduce children to different cultural celebrations, music is a great way to engage pupils in the festivities.

Who Was St. David?

St. David is the patron saint of Wales. He is known for his teachings, miracles, and simple way of life. He encouraged kindness, humility, and the importance of small actions. His famous words were "Gwnewch y pethau bychain" (Do the little things). Today, St. David's Day is a day to honor Wales as a whole. There is a useful video and activities on BBC Teach here.

Bringing St. David’s Day to Life Through Music

Music plays a huge role in Welsh culture. It ranges from traditional folk songs to modern Welsh artists. Here are some ideas to bring the celebration to life in your classroom.

🎶 1. Sing/Listen to Traditional Welsh Songs

Introduce children to famous Welsh songs, such as:

"Calon Lân" – A beautiful Welsh hymn about having a pure heart.
"Sosban Fach" – A fun, lively folk song that younger children love!
"Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" – The Welsh national anthem (great for a school assembly performance).

🎼 2. Explore Famous Welsh Musicians

Why not introduce children to famous musicians from Wales? Here are some names to consider:

Shirley Bassey – A legendary singer known for her powerful voice.
Tom Jones – A great way to introduce rhythm and performance.
Charlotte Church – A classical-crossover singer who became famous as a child.
Bryn Terfel – A world-renowned opera singer.
Super Furry Animals & Manic Street Preachers – Rock bands with a strong Welsh identity.

🥁 3. Learn About Welsh Instrumental Music

Traditional Welsh instruments include:

The Welsh harp (Telyn Cymru) – One of the most iconic instruments in Welsh music.
Pibgorn – A traditional Welsh wind instrument.
Male voice choirs – A defining sound of Welsh musical heritage.

🎭 4. Use Music to Inspire Creative Activities

You can use music to inspire various creative activities. Here are a few ideas:

Create a musical storytelling session – Use Welsh myths and legends (like the story of Gelert). Add sound effects or simple melodies to enhance the experience. The book 'Welsh Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends' is a great place to start for KS2.
Compose a class song – Write a simple tune inspired by St. David’s values of kindness and community. Engage the students by using Suno.ai to create a musical backdrop. Add some traditional Welsh instruments and musical styles for a unique touch.
Perform a mini-Eisteddfod – Host a small-scale version of Wales’ famous cultural festival. Children can sing, recite poetry, or play instruments.

More Musical Inspiration for Your Classroom

If you are looking for more ways to bring music into your lessons, visit Musician of the Month. You'll find engaging resources to introduce children to musicians from around the world. Celebrating St. David’s Day is not only about music; it's a great way to explore and honor culture. How will you be celebrating St. David’s Day in your classroom? Let us know in the comments! 🌼🎶

Incorporating these ideas into classroom activities can help students appreciate the rich musical heritage of Wales while celebrating a significant cultural event.