Music 

Year 12 HSC Music students have had an action packed Term 1 for Year 12 who have been conscientiously rehearsing and performing HSC pieces. Students enjoyed their excursion to Encore and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical in Sydney.

This was a rewarding experience for the class who were able to experience live music in two world class venues including the Capitol Theatre and the Sydney Opera House. The experience of watching Band 6 HSC Music performances at the Opera House was definitely a highlight.

Positive student feedback included the opportunity to critique repertoire choices, acoustics, ensemble skills, self-confidence of performers and background experience of the performers.

During the term, Year 12 performed as a class at Grandparents Day which aimed to develop self confidence as performers as well as showcase their pieces in front of an audience. We wish the Year 12 Music 1 class all the best as they make their final preparations for their practical and written exam in the coming months.

Year 11 Preliminary Music students have been arranging music, which has included an arrangement of “You Give Love a Bad Name” (Bon Jovi) or “Let It Be” (The Beatles), in a style of their choice. The students have also been performing for each other on a solo basis as they gain performance experience before the HSC.

Year 10 Music students have been busy learning how to notate music in the Sibelius music program. This has included writing music for piano, drums as well as a melody. They have also performed some great songs including S.O.S (Abba), Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper), Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison) and Who Knew (Pink).

Year 9 Music students have completed a unit on Jazz which focused on learning about the musical characteristics of Traditional Jazz and Swing or Big Band Music. Students performed a whole class ensemble arrangement of “Oh When the Saints” which included improvisation and call and response on trumpet, clarinet and piano. Students performed either as a frontline instrument or rhythm section. After performing and analysing a swing style piece called “I Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” students were able to compare the characteristics in both styles of music.

The School of Rock Year 9 students have been rocking out every lesson as well as during many lunch times this term. It has been rewarding as a teacher to watch these enthusiastic, passionate Rock Music students come to class excited to play classic repertoire including songs by Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, AC/DC and Metallica.

Year 8 Music students have completed learning activities based on the Blues. After listening and analysing the melody based on the blues scale, the 12 bar blues chord progression and the walking bass line, students created their own arrangement of the Blues in pairs. It was rewarding to see the students grow in confidence in their ability to improvise melodies, create call and response melodic motifs and perform the 12 bar blues chord progression on keyboard.

Year 7 Music students have completed a unit on Keyboard and Ukulele performance skills. Students have been learning about melody, harmony and rhythm through performance, composition and listening activities throughout the term. Students have formed small groups and are in the process of performing either Riptide, Somewhere Over the Rainbow or I’m Yours on Ukulele with vocals and an untuned percussion part.

Ms Genelle Keogh | CALOTE KLA Leader