Music 

One would have considered returning to campus as being perhaps less challenging than the remote teaching environment hoisted upon us this year. However, the changing space of education and our new operational requirements have demanded that music teacher and student alike draw on their skills in flexibility, creativity and improvisation.  Luckily these are tools that we keep well oiled and sharp.  Being flexible, creative and improvising within our known context and using our know language is something we do regularly.

Improvisation is not just making things up on the spot.  That would potentially just be a random, incoherent mess. Music is far from such a thing. It is ordered, structured, and carefully thought out, and it is built on a deep understanding of concepts and processes. The master musician that improvises demonstrates mastery of a set of specific skills for manipulating their instrument with control and dexterity with access to the most extreme dynamics, pitch range, tonal shade and expression.  Simultaneously the improviser responds to harmonic progressions, thematic development and interacts with other performers, being open to new directions and challenges within a known language or context.  The improviser that doesn’t have this prior skill and understanding flounders and the product is incoherent.

The misconception that improvisation is only found in jazz is highlighted by a true study of music from Gregorian Chant to Classical Concertos and folk music and cabaret.  Beyond the performance stage these skills come in handy with the dynamic and changing education environment.  Year 7s have embraced a new acoustic and working outside and ensembles continually adapt to recording and simulcast performance; live performances without an audience in the room.

Change and growth go together and for our music students and teachers, flexibility, creativity and improvisation are vital skills now hotly in demand.

Mr Benjamin Hiscock              BHiscock14@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au        Director of Music

Mrs Nichole Atchison              music@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au              Music Administrator