Music News

It’s been a busy couple of weeks in Music with the Training Band starting rehearsals and we’ve been extremely lucky to have events run at GSSC by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, APRA/AMCOS and Triple J. This week I’ve asked some of the students involved in these events to give their reflections.

SongMakers Workshop

On Wednesday 18th May, SongMakers APRA/AMCOS came to GSSC to help us write and create our own songs from scratch. They gave us insight into the music industry, and we were introduced to producers DVNA and Taka Perry. We were then split into three groups (Feedback, JMAK and Twilight), most of us not knowing each other very well. Together in our groups we built a song, disregarding our different interests and starting from the bottom up. 

On Thursday 19th May, we then recorded and produced our own songs with the help of DVNA and Taka. This process included playing instruments for bass lines, melodies, rhythms and stacking our voices to create harmonies. By the end of the day, each group had their songs (Never Happy, Home and Mine) mixed and finished completely. 

We all thoroughly loved the experience and learnt so much. It was also such a fun opportunity!

“Best days of my life.” – Sophie Woolstencroft.

“It was good and an eye opener.” – Alice Peters.

“A great experience.” -Leanne Luzuriaga.

SongMakers participants: Josh Mansur, Angelina Mason, Kesalini Muli, Brodee Sinclair, Nate Traianidis, Leanne Luzuriaga, Sophie Woolstencroft, Maria Kacavenda, Alice Peters, Jared Pitolau.

Working in groups, our students were mentored by expert writers, performers and producers in a partnership with national broadcaster Triple J and SongMakers. The result of an intensive two-day workshop will be three recorded songs - written and performed by our students! Stay tuned to our Facebook page to hear the results - or tune into Triple J !

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 

On Thursday 12th May, members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra came to GSSC and shared their musical talents and educated us on elements of music though their performances. Topics that were spoken about included: articulation, improvisation and tempo. Some instruments that we were spoken to about was the: trumpet, percussion, viola and many more.

Students of all different year levels were engaged throughout and were thoroughly impressed by all their abilities.

Lachlan Gallacher

Director of Music