Music & Choir

Term 4, Week 10

It certainly has been a productive term, and I'm pretty sure everyone is ready for a well-deserved rest!

There’s no better time than the end of the school year to reflect on the year that was, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the following people for their support (and I hope I am not forgetting anyone!)

Acknowledgements

Andrew and Marianne – thank you for everything you do to make BPS the great school that it is! Your support is very much appreciated!

Liz, Yi, Merissa, Trinity, Tanya and Angelo – I love your enthusiasm to your teaching areas – our students are so lucky to have such passionate specialists. Thank you for another year of fun and friendship!

Skye, Deb, Reiha and Lisa – Thank you for everything you do to keep our school running! Thank you for cueing up my Bell Music playlists each week so that our students are exposed to a diverse range of music. The Bell Music is something our students talk about each lesson, so I’m pleased to know it IS making an impact. Thank you so much for helping me get the music out there - I appreciate you!

Ken MacDonald – it has been wonderful collaborating with you and organising the numerous musical events we have held this year. It has been a busy year, with the addition of the Blackburn High School ‘Play-In Day’ and other Blackburn High School performances. It’s all totally worth it when I see and hear our students immerse themselves in music and being part of such incredible ensembles. My heart feels like it is going to burst with joy every time I hear them play! Thank you for your co-ordination of our Band Program!

Kate Heng – the amazing co-ordinator of the FOTB (Friends of the Band). Although she doesn’t have children in the Band Program this year, Kate still volunteered her time to be co-ordinator and for this I am very grateful. I look forward to doing it all again next year with you, Kate!

The FOTB – thank you so much for your continued support ‘behind the scenes’. Your efforts are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Adrienne, Alwaynne, Flora, Jake, Jirene and Justin - our amazing instrumental teaching staff. Thank you for inspiring our students to become dedicated musicians and instilling in them an appreciation of learning an instrument and being in an ensemble. Thanks extended also to our BPS piano teachers Amelia and Aiden for their commitment to teaching piano to our students. Thank you sincerely!

To our Grade 6 and leaving students – Best wishes for a bright future ahead in your new endeavours! Don’t forget our school values and motto – BPS – Believe. Persevere. Succeed – and you will go far!

Our BPS parent community – thank you for your support of the Music and Band Program, for getting up earlier than you’d probably like, to bring your children to Band rehearsals, for reminding them that a bit of practise each day is better than none at all etc etc. I hope you get to enjoy some sleep-ins during the January holidays!

2025 Music and Band Captains

A HUGE thank you to Olivia and Amy for their fabulous efforts this year supporting me with the numerous music events throughout the year. You have been AMAZING – it has been such a pleasure to mentor you both this year. I wish you all the very best for your future endeavours (musical and otherwise!)

2025 Choir

THANK YOU to all parents of choristers for supporting your child at performance events throughout the year.

I hope that the 2025 Choir had as much fun participating as I have directing. I am so proud of the commitment they have showed ALL year; attending weekly lunchtime rehearsals, learning their songs and harmony parts at home, and most importantly, having fun together while singing! I am looking forward to doing it all again in 2026!

Special thank you to Angelo Merlino for his assistance during Choir rehearsals.

Ukuleles - Grades 5 and 6, 2026

Students in Grades 5 and 6 in 2026 will be learning the ukulele during classroom music lessons. They will have access to repertoire in Showbie so, if they’d like to further their skills, they can do so at home.

Why the ukulele?

The ukulele is a fantastic instrument for all ages. It is easy to play, inexpensive to buy and you can take it anywhere!

Are you looking for a Christmas present for your child in Grades 4 and 5? Look no further!

Music Junction will give a 5% discount on their already discounted price for the Makala Dolphin Bridge Soprano Ukuleles (this is the range I use at school).

The Makala Dolphin line is beautifully made with a lovely tone and comes in an assortment of colours. Price is approximately $66.00 (discounted from $77.95) - exceptional value to get anyone playing!

Use the code BPS26 either online or in store at 159 Whitehorse Rd, Blackburn (a few doors down from BPS). Happy playing!

https://www.musicjunction.com.au/products/makala-dolphin-bridge-soprano-ukulele?variant=39376087613572

Now, to a snapshot of what our students have been up to in the Music Room (and beyond!)

Foundation - Grade 4

Grade 5

Well done to our Grade 5 students on an excellent start to learning the ukulele this term. They will continue developing their ukulele skills in 2026.