Music Tour

AGED CARE AND KINDERGARTEN MUSIC TOUR        OCTOBER 2017

At the beginning of Term 4 The Music Department held its annual tour of local Aged Care Facilities and a Kindergarten. The Flute and Clarinet Ensembles were the groups involved and the participants ranged from year 7 to year 12. Staff involved were Michelle Cleland, Eric Budd and Vivien Millar.

We started the day by visiting Bayview Preschool in Frankston and were greeted by some lively and interested 4 year olds and their teacher Melinda, who happily reconnected with some of her past students who were playing in the groups. The pieces chosen were familiar to the children and often they would sing along and spontaneously dance with our music. Feedback from the Kindergarten reflected very well on McClelland students and their ability to perform well.

“ The children and staff really enjoyed it and made the children very happy.”

“…beautiful choice of musical pieces. Happy, friendly performers.”

“ Lovely for the children to learn about different instruments and to join in.”

Next stop was Baptcare Peninsula View in Frankston South where we performed two concerts in different areas of the facility. Amongst our audience was an ex Light Opera singer who had worked in the UK for many years and several choir singers. I thought that this would be a tough gig with a very critical audience but it was not so, everyone joined in and there was a great deal of interaction from a chorus that could sing in tune.

Comments from Baptcare staff included:

“The residents knew the music that was played and we enjoyed seeing the looks on their faces.”

We liked “The music ability demonstrated by your students and the staff “

“ Music is great stimulation for all levels of cognitive ability so these concerts give enjoyment to everyone in our care.”

“the concert was excellent with variety and the students and teachers were wonderful.”

We liked” the variety of music and seeing the students performing.”

After a well-earned lunch break we proceeded on to Forest Lodge Residential Care in Frankston North where one of our student’s grandmother is a resident. We were welcomed by a large audience who were genuinely pleased to see and hear us perform. Audience participation was great and at the end of the concert the staff provided drinks and icy poles for the performers.

Feedback included:

“Great to hear such talented children play”

“Very Professional”

“Please come and play again. Lovely to see children play musical instruments these days. Lovely to see the children’s smiling faces.”

We liked “Presentation of the students and the music stands.”

“Exposure is a wonderful thing and the students kept the residents engaged throughout the performance.”

Overall the tour was a great success and not only broadened our students performance experience but showed them the positive power they have in affecting the emotional well being of others, through performing music to audiences of all ages.

Vivien Millar