MUSIC

MUSIC : PARENT INFORMATION

Students at Valkstone Primary School are exposed to an extensive music program, which aims at fostering a deep appreciation and love of music.

Grade prep, one and two children commence learning with the building blocks of music, such as beat, rhythm, pitch and dynamics. Developing confidence, improving listening skills and expression through movement are prime objectives. Body percussion, as well as non-tuned and tuned percussion instruments, such as xylophones and marimbas are used extensively. During 2019, Ms. Darling and Steph Sensei will work with Grades prep and one, sharing these grade levels.

Children from grade three onwards learn to play ukulele as an accompaniment to their singing. Valkstone Primary School has a class set but should you wish to purchase a ukulele to play at home, we recommend Mahalo ukuleles which can be purchased for $40 and come with a two year warranty. You will find a colourful array of ukuleles at the Melbourne Music Centre at 525 North Road, Ormond (next to the Post office).

Why Learn an Instrument?

Learning and playing a musical instrument can be a fun and entertaining challenge. It can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity to take part in, alone or with others. Learning, performing or listening to music are among the few activities that activate the whole brain, and actually create new connections between different parts of the brain! 

Why Ukulele?

• Learning an instrument, reading music and singing at the same time has many benefits, including increased brain development in the areas of literacy and numeracy.
• The ukulele is a very social instrument with a real happiness factor and it is wonderful to see the children forming their own groups and jamming together.
• It is very cool – many contemporary artists are now playing the ukulele.
• Ukuleles are very portable, cheap and relatively easy to play, which promotes confidence and enjoyment in music
• Ukulele leads easily to other string and fretted instruments.

During the latter part of grade 5 and during grade 6, students learn to play guitar in order to capitalise on skills, which are developed earlier through their ukulele tuition. Once again, suitable guitars can be purchased for approximately $90 at the Melbourne Music Centre.

 Junior and Senior Choir: Students from grade one to grade four can join choir with Ms. Darling and Steph Sensei in the music room every Friday during the first half of lunchtime and other designated times during the week, depending on upcoming performances. Choir for students in grades five and six with Ms. Darling and Ms. Paletu’a will be held during the first half of lunchtime each Tuesday in the music room. All choir students are encouraged to bring along a plastic display book (approximate cost - $2.00 from Officeworks and Newsagencies). These books enable students to bring music home in a neat and orderly fashion. Please note that both choirs commence in term two as children are encouraged to spend time bonding with their new classmates in the playground during term one.

Ukulele Group: A multi-level ukulele group, consisting of grades four, five and six children will rehearse during designated lunch and school times, commencing in term one. This group will perform for the school and outer community, building confidence and presentation skills.

Musicorp: works in conjunction with the school, to offer small group lessons from grade one onwards. In grade one students are offered keyboard lessons. From grade two guitar and drums are included in the program. From grade three onward, additional brass, woodwind and percussion instruments are added to the list of lessons on offer. These lessons involve an extra cost, although scheduled on a Monday during school time, they are voluntary, and an additional add on to the music program.

School Band:  There is a school band which practises every Monday at lunchtime in the old multi-purpose room servery.

Whole School Concerts: Valkstone will hold a much-anticipated whole school Celebration concert later in the year.

Children at Valkstone are encouraged to share their music skills amongst the school and wider community, building confidence, self-esteem and most of all, having fun!