Music News…

Exciting Partnership Between Castlemaine Secondary College and Resonance String Orchestra formalised

In its February School Council meeting, CSC formalised a partnership with community music organisation Resonance String Orchestra. Founded in 2009 by CSC violin and viola teacher Heather Cummins and her colleague, violist Emma Wade, Resonance is a Not For Profit music education initiative that offers a String Orchestra, Cello Ensemble and Chamber Music tuition program. Known for its warm and inclusive approach, Resonance brings together community members who wish to strive for excellence in their music-making, and is open to players of Grade 4 AMEB to A.Mus standard and beyond.

Traditionally based in Woodend, Resonance’s past projects have included collaborations with diverse artists, including Tiffany Speight (Opera Australia), Flinders Quartet, soprano Elisabeth Denk, tango-gypsy quintet Cosmo Cosmolino, ACO Collective, percussionist Rob Cossom (MSO), Early Music specialist Lizzy Welsh and Travel Art Dance Company. Projects range from performance of repertoire from the classical canon, to explorations of improvisation, jazz and folk, and diverse side projects such as the much celebrated “You’re the Voice” competition of 2019.

Resonance String Orchestra is excited to be launching the Castlemaine based rehearsal schedule for 2021 in partnership with CSC, which will open up opportunities for string orchestra playing to residents of Castlemaine and expand the orchestra's Woodend program. The Castlemaine initiative will provide exciting possibilities for collaborations and shared performances, under the direction of Flinders Quartet’s Zoe Knighton (Resonance’s artistic patron) and Resonance’s teaching team, including Heather Cummins, Sam Goble and Emma Wade, and guest tutor, CSC cello teacher Libby Anderson – all Castlemaine residents and members of Castlemaine Chamber Players.

The March 12th launch saw a the birth of a new 24 piece string orchestra for Castlemaine, and the combined workshop on March 13th brought together approximately 50 string players, for an exciting morning exploring works by Vaughan Williams, Kachuturian, Piazzolla, Handel, Bartok and more.

Parent and student string players of 4th grade standard and above of the CSC community are highly encouraged to come and join in the fun!

To learn more about Resonance String Orchestra, please visit http://www.resonancestringorchestra.org.au/ or our facebook page.

For expressions of interest or further questions: Heather Cummins 0418 128 894

Year 10 Work Experience 2021

Work Experience is part of the schools’ educational program where students experience the world of work, often for the first time. It involves students participating in a short-term industry placement to broaden their experience and understanding of the world of work and possible career opportunities. In general, students will observe different aspects of work within a specific industry and may assist with tasks allocated by their supervisor.

As was the case with many of the educational opportunities offered to students at our school, last year the Year 10 Work Experience Program was severely impacted on by the Covid-19 virus. However, it is our intention to once again offer our Year 10 students the opportunity in 2021 to participate in Block Work Experience Program for one week, in a placement of their choice, from the 19th July until the 23rd of July (second week of Term 3).

A major component of the program is for students to be active participants in the organising of the placement of their choice. It is also recognised that many students need support in finding their placements. To access this support I need them to come and make contact with me ASAP.

In the past, many students undertaking Work Experience have been offered apprenticeships, traineeships, school based apprenticeships or part-time work opportunities as a result of their placements.

For the Work Experience to be organised the following documents and tasks need to be completed:

The Work Experience Arrangement Form.
The Work Experience Travel and Accommodation Form.
Additional Work Experience Form (Covid-19).
Two Safe@Work Occupational Health and Safety Modules, one general and one specific to the industry in which the student will be undertaking the Work Experience.

In order for the required Work Experience Forms to be completed prior to signing, I will require the following information with regard to a placement:

The Business Name;
The Business Address;
The Business Contact person – both First and Surname;
The Business Phone contact;
The Business email.

Year 10 students who are undertaking a VET Program as part of their studies are encouraged to undertake the Work Placement component of the VET Program during Work Experience Week.

If you have any questions or there is any reason your child may not be able to participate in a Work Experience placement during these dates, please contact me as soon as possible on 54791051 or by my email (Ian.Cook@education.vic.gov.au).

Mr Cook

Careers/MIPS Co-ordinator

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