Performing Arts

Musicians showing great resilience

As we start Term 4, I would like to take a moment to say a big congratulations to all of our Music students (and their families, of course) for your dedication to the Instrumental Music Program throughout this challenging period of remote learning. All NHS musicians are to be commended for the ongoing enthusiasm that they have demonstrated both in their lessons and sectional rehearsals. 

A recent article I was reading highlighted the importance, now more than ever, of Performing Arts in the development of young people.

“Psychologist John Pellitteri has been a pioneer in showing how creating and performing music provides an outlet for processing strong emotion, and three major research reviews suggest that the arts are synergistic with children’s social and emotional development” (from an article by Maurice Elias titled “Help Students Process Covid 19 Emotions”).

Even though we have not yet come together as a community to celebrate the musical achievements of our students, we continue to hope that we will have a streamed or even live (perhaps outside) concert this year. Fingers crossed. However, the virtual performances that will be shared this term demonstrate that our young musicians have continued to develop their musical skills, showing their resilience and determination.

It is at this time of year that we begin our preparations for the following year. To ensure our workforce planning is as accurate as possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could please return the Instrumental Music Program re-enrolment form as soon as possible. Please be aware, that NHS will be offering lessons on the guitar for the first time next year. If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email. 

Jackie Brogan

Director of Performing Arts