Music
It has been another busy and creative term in Music at Yarrabing Secondary College, with students across Years 7–9 getting stuck into performing, composing, music technology and plenty of music-making!
Year 7 Music
Year 7 students have been busy exploring both music technology and the basics of music theory. In Computer Music, students have been creating their own electronic music using loops, experimenting with different sounds and arrangements to create music inspired by EDM genres.
Students have also started getting more familiar with reading and writing music, including note values and the musical staff. Along the way, they have been developing their listening skills and exploring music from different cultures and parts of the world.
Year 8 Music
Year 8 students have been exploring the world of film music and discovering just how much music can change the way we experience a scene.
Students have planned and created their own music to accompany film scenes, experimenting with techniques such as Ostinatos, Leitmotif, Underscoring and Mickey Mousing. They have had plenty of opportunities to be creative and make their own musical choices, with some very interesting ideas coming through in their compositions.
Year 9 Music Technology
Our Year 9 Music Technology students have been getting behind the decks and into the world of live sound!
Using Virtual DJ, students have been putting together their own DJ setlists and learning how to select tracks, beat match and create smooth transitions before producing their final MP3 projects.
Last term, students have also recently completed our Live Sound unit. They worked in teams to learn how a live sound system comes together, getting hands-on with microphones, cables, stage boxes, speakers and mixers. They created their own stage plots and signal-flow diagrams, practised setting up equipment, troubleshooting problems and running sound checks.
Year 9 Music Performance
Year 9 Music Performance students are about to head on a musical journey around the world using MusicMap.info. They will be exploring different genres, where they come from and how different musical styles and cultures have influenced each other.
Students will be researching, listening and presenting their findings, while discovering some of the amazing ways music connects people and communities around the world.
Ensemble Performance
Our ensemble classes have continued to work hard throughout the term, developing their instrumental skills while learning how to play together as a group. It has been great to see students building confidence, improving their coordination and becoming more comfortable performing with others.
Here’s what our ensembles are currently working on:
7G2: Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
7Y2: Heaven Can Wait – Michael Jackson
7B2: Earrings – Malcolm Todd
7R2: Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
7R3: Lush Life – Zara Larsson
8R1: Massive – Drake
8G1: Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
8B1: Baby Doll – Dominic Fike
8B3: Super – Shy
8Y1: Love – Keyshia Cole
9MP: Cheerleader – OMI
Music Club
Music Club continues to be a great place for students to come together, make music and hang out with friends.
Tuesday Lunchtime Band gives students from different year levels the chance to form a band, learn songs and play together. We’re always happy to have new vocalists, guitarists, bassists, keyboard players and drummers join us - whether they are experienced musicians or just keen to give it a go.
Monday and Thursday Free Play provides a relaxed space for students to practise, experiment, play instruments and spend time with other students who enjoy music. It has become a great way for students to connect, build confidence and be part of our growing Music community.
It has been fantastic to see students getting involved in so many different ways this term - whether they are performing in an ensemble, writing music, producing tracks, DJing, learning about live sound or simply picking up an instrument and having a play. We’re looking forward to seeing where their musical journeys take them next!