Year 1 & 2 MSO Excursion

On Friday 28 August, our Year 1 and 2 students visited Hamer Hall to enjoy a lively Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performance of Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint‑Saëns. The music brought a whole parade of creatures to life, from tiptoeing tortoises to a bold, roaring lion. Students also heard four new Australian works by the MSO’s Cybec Young Composer in Residence, Andrew Aronowicz, inspired by animals such as the platypus, frog, cockatoo and even a giant diprotodon. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to see how music can paint pictures and tell stories. Earlier this year, students were given the opportunity to create animal artwork inspired by the MSO’s performance. We were all so excited to see some of our Good Shepherd students’ artwork be displayed while the MSO were performing. Students then visited the National Gallery of Victoria, where NGV educators guided them through a range of artworks and exhibitions, exploring how artists use colour, materials and ideas. They enjoyed the iconic water wall and spent time in the bright and playful Dancing Pumpkin exhibition, which sparked plenty of curiosity and imagination.

Here is what some of the students had to say about the excursion:

“I liked the Chinese Warrior art. It was very interesting because there were mixed characters. I thought it was made out of stone but it was actually made out of clay. I also liked the piano in the MSO performance, and it was really cool that Andy, the composer, was sitting right in front of us.”

Brian 

2CJ

‘At the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra I saw two piano players and one conductor and a lot of other instruments playing too. There was a girl performing the story. I was sitting next to Sheyon and Mera and I saw my friend Jessica’s picture on the TV. After that we went to the NGV and I drew my own thing to scare people away from stealing the things that the dead people have. On the second floor we saw a very sparkly picture made out of glitter. When we got back to school it was already the end of class. We did not even do any work or phonics! My favourite part of the excursion was looking at the pumpkin even though it doesn’t look like a pumpkin. This was the first time I went on an excursion and it was so so so much fun!!’ 

Christy 

1SB

‘My artwork was on the screen while the MSO were performing and it was so exciting! When we went to the NGV we had to draw a picture using only circles and triangles which was a bit hard. I loved all the paintings and outfits that we saw. My mum came and helped and it was the best day!’ 

Nevaeh 

2BP 

I loved going on the bus with my friends and going into the city. My favourite part of the excursion was going to the NGV and seeing all the different textured paintings. I liked creating my own 2D shape monster using circles and triangles.

Leo 

1MB

My highlight of our excursion was going to the NGV and seeing the dancing pumpkin. She loved making pumpkin art because she grew up on a pumpkin farm when she was a little girl. She died when she was 97! I also loved touching the water at the front! Kiara 1MB

I really liked our excursion because we got to watch the ‘Carnival of the Animals’. I loved that I got to watch it with my friends. I enjoyed going to the NGV because we got to see different artsworks. I really liked the sculpture called ‘The Dancing Pumpkin'. 

Isabelle G 

2SJ