Music News 

Indonesian Gamelan at Altona College! 

The music department at Altona College has recently acquired a Central Javanese gamelan ensemble on loan from the Ballarat Region Indonesian Community. We are extremely lucky to be one of the few Melbourne schools with this extensive set of instruments. The gamelan is said to have been brought to Australia around 80 years ago and has recently undergone a partial refurbishment.

The gamelan will be used for Mr. Fell's Y4 classroom music program introducing students to the basic principles of the musical genre and its socio-cultural contexts. Furthermore, Mr. Iyer will be directing a gamelan ensemble as an after-school activity open to anyone and everyone belonging to the school community interested in learning to perform the music. No prior knowledge/experience necessary.

The after-school activity is due to commence at the start of Term 4 and will take place on Mondays 3:15pm -4:20pm in room D2. 

Any interest in the after-school activity or general enquiries regarding the gamelan must be expressed to Mr. Iyer in-person (room D11, Mon & Wed) or through email at: rohan.iyer@education.vic.gov.au. For any creative individuals skilled in the arts of woodwork or metalwork, there are outstanding projects concerning the repair of certain instruments. Please feel free to get in touch.

The National Songwriting Competition 2023 

The National Songwriting Competition 2023 is open and accepting submissions from school children across all ages. Over $20,000 in prizes available. This would make a great holiday project for budding composers / songwriters. Entries close 30 September 2023.

Victoria Brass Training Program

Victoria Brass, one of the state's foremost British-style brass bands, is running a training program for budding brass and percussion instrumentalists. If you are looking for an intensive musical training camp over the holidays, look no further! Register here.