The Arts

Song writing sessions

THE Year 11 and 12 Certificate III Music students embarked on a two-day incursion in the Xanten Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, 29 and Thursday, 30 June. The workshop was facilitated by award-winning singer-songwriter Nat Ripepi who shared her expertise, experiences and passion with us. 

On the first day students were tasked with choosing a theme and topic for our song, then choose a chord progression and the key that we wanted. Some chose to write lyrics about really interesting topics. We were required to finish the song within a day so that it could be officially recorded the next day. On the second day, each group were scheduled one hour to record our songs in the 'Practise Room 6 Recording Studio' that was set up, while other groups rehearsed their songs. At the end of the day we all enjoyed a good karaoke session with all bands together.

We learnt many things throughout the workshop and the set up and process of the recording surprised many of us. I really enjoyed how I could write a song about any theme and topic that we wished, and there were many challenges that we encountered that we learned to overcome.

We are really excited to listen to the finished product and to see how it sounds after the editing process. We will also be premiering these original songs live at the upcoming Cert Music Night.

Thank you Nat, Mr Beins and Mr Di Labio for letting us experience this – it was a really fun process.

Adrienne Arias

(Certificate III student)