Music

While for some of us dance parties are a distant memory, Year 8 students had the opportunity this week to learn about the beats of DJ Crash in class as part of a unit about Popular Music. Fortunately for Year 8, Mr Shane Measday generously offered to demonstrate his skills from a past lifetime creating a dance party atmosphere replete with smoke machine and laser lighting in the St Eugene’s classroom. 

The students learned how DJ’s select appropriate music depending on the occasion and the audience, in a game called “What crowd am I playing to?”. Students matched images of different party crowds to DJ Crash’s music choices. They also worked together with peers to create suitable playlists for a given party scenario and several students volunteered to receive a ‘Crash’ course on the sophisticated mixing technology supported by Mr Measday. 

Music plays a significant role in our lives and it is important to be aware of its influence on how we feel and even what we might do. The success of commercial operations, community events, corporate functions and family occasions often depend on the skill of a DJ much more than we could imagine. On behalf of Year 8 Music thanks to Mr Measday for providing this unique and engaging experience. 

David Chaston | Music Teacher