Jupiter
Introducing KS2 students to Jupiter, Gustav Holst’s joyful and majestic celebration from The Planets, with free classroom resources including a video activity, lesson plans and a quiz.
This is part of a Key Stage two series on Gustav Holst’s seven-part suite. If you’re new to Holst, read the Introduction first.
Quick Overview
In this resource on Jupiter you’ll find:
A classroom activity video showing students how to experiment with Jupiter’s ‘laughing’ motifs, exploring how different kinds of giggles and bursts of joy can be shared around the ensemble.
A video of London Symphony Orchestra performing Jupiter at the Barbican to provide context.
Lesson materials to help you plan.
A quiz and word search to test student knowledge after the activity.
To Get Started
- Suggested teaching duration: 40 minutes
(video activity + quiz) - Key stage: KS2
- What you’ll need:
– Screen (to play video)
– Unpitched percussion instruments
– Tuned percussion (optional)
– Space for movement
Lesson with Rachel Leach
Run-time: 5 minutes
Experience Holst’s Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity through playful listening, laughing motifs, and creative group activities that celebrate joy in music.
Listening focus:
- Listen for the three-note motif
- Spot the musical laughs
- Notice how motifs create joy
View the video transcript
London Symphony Orchestra Performance
Run-time: 8 minutes
Lesson Plan
Download the Jupiter Teacher Pack
Fun and Games!
Holst’s Jupiter – Wordsearch
Explore the Series
Content written and presented by Rachel Leach for LSO Discovery 2026.
