Music News

Ben Hussell

 

Music News

After a massive year, all our Music students were highly relieved to be back in the prac room for the last two weeks of Term 3! 

Year 8 have been learning about Blues music, and did and excellent, laid back rendition of "Johnny B Goode" by Chuck Berry. Most of the student's had not played instruments before this year, so their level of proficiency was most pleasing!

 

Year 8 also presented an ensemble piece for their Woodwind/brass instruments they have been learning with Miss Retelsdorf through our Instrumental Music program. Run alongside of, but not part of our school Music, this program offers a valuable way for students to learn an instrument, which is assumed knowledge in the Australian Curriculum. Miss Retelsdorf and I are excited to see a closer collaboration and integration between our two programs to improve students learning!

Year 9/10 Music had worked through their unit on pop/rock composition and learning about the I V vi IV chord progression (look up the four chord song on youtube by Axis of Awesome to learn more!). They elected to take the reigns in the prac room, splitting up into their own groups, choosing and learning their own pieces, with only a light guiding touch from me. I was extremely impressed with the generally positive attitude and work ethic displayed by the students in learning and rehearsing their pieces! 

Finally our learning centre students had been having a prac focus this term. After a couple of false starts, they decided on "Heathens" by Twenty One Pilots (From the Suicide Squad movie). Unfortunately two student's couldn't make the performance, however our one brave learner embraced "the show must go on" and with "a little help from his teachers and SSO's" did a good job of performing the piece, in a custom home made mask especially for the occasion!

Our concert was closed by the legendary Mr. Tan, who performed a beautiful piano hymn, amazing student's once again with his diverse talents. He was joined later by Mr. Hussell for an unrehearsed jam session (no pressure guys!). This was well received.

This coming term we look forward to our "Cabaret" school concert event, where parents and community can come and celebrate the amazing work our students have done this year in Music. WATCH THIS SPACE!