Junior Music Debut Concert

At the end of last term, the Music Department held its first performance event in almost two years. Covid held off for us and we were able to go ahead as planned, with no lockdown to interrupt our planned program (as had happened the last two concerts).

As the concert involved 137 performing musicians all on stage all at once, the event was held in the new gym and it was a great success. Thank you to Joel Malcom and Gary Hofert for being so accommodating and allowing that to occur! 

What made it extra special was that this is a new program at McClelland. Traditionally we have students that chose to learn an instrument, and therefore already have an interest in learning, which is far easier to foster and cultivate. In the current setting, rather than learning about dead composers, you are learning an instrument this semester…..   

Here is a clarinet. Much like P.E. for example, not all students love it, but at least they get to experience what it takes to play an instrument and to perform as part of an ensemble (team). 

They learn many transferable skills such as perseverance, communication, discipline, adaptability, patience, receiving and applying feedback, organisation, thinking outside of the box and the list goes on..

With eight notes under their fingers, the students were able to perform crowd favourites like Mary had a little lamb, Twinkle twinkle little star, Old MacDonald had a farm, Ode to Joy, Mickey Mouse March and We will Rock You!   

The students were all fantastic. It was such a thrill to see so many kids on stage at once, and the comments from the parents were all positive. Roughly a third of the students chose to continue learning an instrument, which is a great outcome for all of us!

Many thanks to the Principal team for your attendance and support, and of course all Instrumental Music teachers for your positive and effective teaching across the semester. 

Regards, 

Eric Budd - Head of Music