Extra-Curricular at MAG
Violin Looping Performance by Carole McGregor
We were delighted to welcome Carole McGregor to perform for selected Primary and Secondary students during the last week of Term 1. Carole is a violin looping artist and enjoys performing an electric mix of music from originals to classical pieces, as well as contemporary looping covers.
‘Looping’ is a continuous repetition of musical phrases - multiple layers of sound are electronically recorded so that the musician is able to create interesting arrangements in ‘real time’. Carole demonstrated several looping arrangements to students, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Carole facilitated two performance workshops, including one for our Music Elective students where she demonstrated how to use loop pedals and layering to create effective performances and compositions.
Carole’s second workshop to Year 7 and Year 4 students, introduced students to the violin and looping effects, and Carole performed several pieces arranged for looping including popular covers, classical music and her own composition, ‘Lucy’s Song’.
As we amplify our music opportunities at MAG, all Year 4 students have the opportunity to learn violin in 2024, as part of our classroom music program. Exposure to Carole’s violin looping performance was a great opportunity to inspire all students and grow their music appreciation.
Comments from some Year 4 students about Carole’s performance:
Justin Baky, 4B: I liked the the different sounds from the looping pedals.
Violet Lew, 4B: It was interesting to see how you can use the violin in different ways, for example, hitting it like a percussion instrument.
Chanel Borg, 4B: Carole played so that every sound sounded really nice!
Zadie Nathan, 4B: I liked Carole’s composition, ‘Lucy’s Song’ the best.
Libby Hawkins, 4B: I liked the different sounds she made with the pedals, like the distortion effect.
Penrose Knight, 4B: It was amazing that Carole could use different effects to make a ‘three person band’ song, into a song by just one person!
Savannah Dicker, 4A: I liked that when she played the violin, she built it up and layered it. I liked how she added lots of emotion when playing.
Archie Flanigan, 4A: It was interesting that she didn’t just use the bow. She used different techniques like strumming and percussion, as well as the pedals to produce different sounds.
Dusty Watson, 4A: I liked the song that mimicked whale sounds.
Sam Connally, 4A: I liked that she used her feet to incorporate the looping. She was like Ed Sheeran – a one man band!
Mason Newton, 4A: I enjoyed that she asked us questions and we could answer them.
Hudson Alder, 4A: I liked the first song she played by Coldplay.
Drumline Performances
Easter Sunday
Our Drumline performed to a most appreciative audience on Easter Sunday as part of the Port of Echuca’s Easter Celebrations. The Drumline played while marching onto the Wharf, with crowds following behind. The Drumline then performed a set of pieces on the wharf, which was followed by a spectacular fireworks display!
Upcoming Performance - Moama ANZAC Day March
Our Drumline will be leading the Moama ANZAC Day March on Thursday 25 April. The March will start from the Echuca Street Carpark (behind Moama Post Office) at 8.30am, and travel to the Moama Cenotaph for a Service at 9.00am.
It is an honour to be involved in this significant event and families and friends are welcome to attend to support our Drumline and the loal community.
Extra Curricular Tuition Applications (Optional)
A variety of instruments are available for students to learn through our extra-curricular music program. We have a terrific team of music tutors who offer quality lessons and provide ongoing support to students. They gain confidence in playing instruments and participate in a range of music performance opportunities.
For students interested in participating in our Extra-Curricular tuition program, a range of percussion, brass, woodwind, and string instruments are available to learn, as well as the opportunity to join our Brass/Woodwind ‘Step Up’ program, or a Rock Band.
Please note, waitlists are currently in place for drums, guitar and voice (singing).
Please refer to details on our website and if required, visit this link to apply - Extra-curricular Music Program Information.