From the Principal
Welcoming Greg Mason to our Music Team
One of the most sadly missed aspects of Arlington, during this time of COVID-19 restrictions and now lockdown, has been the loss of music as a soundtrack to the daily life of the children and teachers. The sounds of ensembles, of class music, whole school singing, of individual instrumental music lessons, as well as the excitement of the major musical events that punctuate the school year, bring pleasure and delight into our lives.
Anyone who has seen Karoline and Michelle in action is left in no doubt that music has a huge role in both the curriculum and in the wider school program. They are key members of our School across both campuses – which also means they are often stretched to meet the demands of both the classroom and ensemble and instrumental programs.
So it is with great pleasure and excitement that I introduce Greg Mason to Arlington families as another member of the music team.
Greg will join the Arlington staff officially from the beginning of Term 4 to teach classroom music and assist Karoline and Michelle with some of the ensembles.
Over the years that Michelle has been at Preshil she has absolutely transformed the singing program. With her extraordinary skill and passion she has continued to nurture and inspire even the shyest and least confident singer into exceptional soloists. The most telling part of Michelle’s magic is that each singer blossoms as an individual with their own authentic style and voice.
Having Greg take on the classroom teaching will allow Michelle to expand her instrumental singing role and meet the ever increasing demand she has from students across the whole school, as well as continuing to support the ensemble program.
Greg comes to Preshil with many years' teaching experience and IB Primary Years Programme training. As well as his classroom expertise he is a professional pianist who has performance experience with the Melbourne Theatre Company, Victorian Arts Centre and the Victorian State Opera. He is a composer and has published books of instrumental and choral works for children.
Greg has written:
‘I believe that primary age children hold extraordinarily powerful ideas and beliefs and I am passionate about setting up artistic opportunities for them to express their ideas and imaginings through music and the performing arts.'
Coming into a new school is always a challenge; in this time of isolation and a deserted campus it is even more demanding, so we are all looking forward to being able to welcome Greg to the community. He will join Michelle in some of her online classes before the end of term to meet the children and get a small taste of the music of Arlington.
Both Karoline and Michelle are delighted to welcome a pianist and a passionate choral musician to the Arlington team and we are all looking forward to having someone else to share the joy and the passion that underpins our music program.
Marilyn Smith
Principal