Music
Music Update
It seems like only yesterday we we’re getting to know new classes, and here we are, 19 school weeks later, about to have our busiest performance week to date. Here’s what’s been happening…
Young Warriors-
Our Young Warriors program allows motivated students to collaborate in cross class, and cross year, ensembles, extending musical skills, developing teamwork and leadership abilities, and representing the school both at school events and at out of school performances. This semester, two of our Young Warrior ensembles visited Doveton College, sharing a stage with groups from Doveton and Timbarra College. All three schools have a Musical Futures program, and the students greatly enjoyed seeing how peers from different schools, with different backgrounds and influences, expressed their musicality. Our students performed exceptionally well, both in terms of musical output, and in the way they carried themselves throughout the experience.
Rockfest-
All four of our Young Warriors groups competed at Rockfest. A statewide contemporary music competition, Rockfest’s western region heats were held at Carranballac College. Having had Carranballac visit Brookside in 2018, it was a great opportunity for us to continue to build our relationship, and get an idea of what the music experience is like for Carranballac’s students. Jayden wrote us this report-
RockFest
By Jayden 8E
On the 18th of June, Tuesday, all students in the Young Warrior's group attended a nation-wide band and solo competition. This allowed us to focus on showcasing our talent in the musical field and getting the experience of performing in front of people. For some, out of their comfort zone.
We all had a fabulous time with the energetic crowd and the great performances, Brookside did notably well with all of our students participating and well executing their songs. Honourable mentions to Arav in Year 9, getting the Best Guitarist's Award with his outstanding performance and solo on the electric guitar.
Congratulation's to all the other schools that participated as well and a big thank-you to Carranballac College for hosting the event, as well as all its sponsors for making this competition possible. Last but not least a huge thank-you to our music teachers, Mr Apted and Mr O’Neil for assisting with all of our songs and always being there for us in the process.
Last Week of Term Events-
The last week of term 2 sees a bevy of music events taking place. As well as the usual end of semester assembly performances, we have Winterfest, Y6 Songwriting, and Y5 Class Band performances.
Winterfest ran from 3.15pm till 6pm Tuesday 25th. Featuring our Young Warriors and groups drawn from the classroom program, it proved to be a busy evening filled with music performances displaying the breadth and depth of musical talent at the college. From songs written and performed by our students to rock bands, soul and reggae infused rhythms, and a surprise guest appearance by a former student, there was something for every pallete, and all who were present couldn’t help but remark how much progress has been made by our passionate musicians over the course of the semester. Bravo!
The last Thursday of term sees the gym in use all day for music events. Firstly, our Y6 classes will take to the stage to showcase the songs they’ve been writing in class. Music at Brookside is about self-expression as music as it is about skill development, and this concert will be filled with both. This concert runs through sessions 1 and 2.
Secondly, our Y5 students will come together to share the songs they’ve been rehearsing this term. Each class has chosen a different song, and have work shopped the songs as a class in weekly rehearsals. This event promises to be filled with energy and fun, as up to 25 students at a time will take to the stage to make music together. Hold on to your hats!
The day will finish with our whole school assembly, where outstanding musical items will be featured.
Year 4 Music-
Our Y4 classes have been looking at composing music this term. Three of the classes have been developing animations with Brookside Live, and in music they’ve explored how music can assist in communicating mood, emotion and create atmosphere in film. The finished products will be screened at Winterfest, and is a testament to the work of the students and staff involved. The students have also found time to continue developing their instrument skills in class ensembles.
Y3 Music-
Students in Y3 have focused on the idea of melody this term. By learning the riffs to songs such as “Shape of You” and “Treat You Better” on the xylphones and pianos, they’ve further developed the idea of pulse and rhythm while exploring pitch, intervals, and phrasing. They’ve also been able to develop chord skills on keyboard, and continue ukulele development, helping to understand the way chords and melodies interact. Finally, the class work has introduced the concept of form in music (verses, choruses etc), and allowed a whole lot of singing!
The Futures Team