Performing Arts

Welcome to Performing Arts 2024!

The Preps were welcomed into our space with some games and a chance to familiarise themselves with the classroom musical instruments they will be using throughout the term. They got creative and made some 'Musical Instrument People' with tambourines, jingle bells, guiros, castanets, claves, egg shakers and other instruments. 

Grade 1/2s have started a unit on tuned percussion. They will explore tuned percussion instruments such as the chime bars, revisit ta and ti-ti and expand their knowledge of music notation in order to learn to play and create songs with their peers. 

Grade 3/4s will be learning to play the ukulele this term. We had a fun first lesson getting to know the parts of the ukulele, the string names, and getting comfortable holding and playing the instruments. In the coming weeks we will be learning to play a number of ukulele songs, as well as having a go at composing something original. 

Grade 5s started the year talking about rhythm and creating music with different objects. This week we had a go at making beats with basketballs. Students were able to recreate some famous beats such as 'We Will Rock You' and had fun bouncing and catching basketballs in the Performing Arts room. 

Grade 6s joined in on some games focused on quick thinking and improvisation, as well as getting to know each other. This week Grade 6 students enjoyed a game of Celebrity Heads, where they formed insightful questions to guess characters from popular TV shows, movies, books and games. 

Grade 1- 6 students have also prepared their Performing Arts books for the new year - finding their 2023 book and giving it a new 2024 bookmark and covering page. We have discussed the importance of reducing waste and therefore, we are continuing to use the same books that many students have had since 2022, adding to our work and learning journey over the years. 

Students have spent time discussing expectations for behaviour and learning in this special space and subject. We have talked about building a trusting space for everyone to feel safe to perform in different ways (like singing, dancing, acting and playing instruments) - and giving things a go, even when we might feel a bit shy. 

Throughout the year, students will be singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and acting during their Performing Arts sessions (once a week). If there are religious occasions that require students to not participate in such activities for the duration of the occasion/observance, students should provide their Performing Arts teacher with a written note from their guardian in advance so that teachers can plan alternative activities for that time.