Music Notes
Instrumental tasting plate
by Judy O'Donnell
Secondary School music office
Families and staff who attended this musical evening held at the Secondary School on Monday 26 February enjoyed a real treat.
It’s not often we have all our sessional music teachers gathered in the one room but they responded positively to Music Coordinator Karoline Kuti’s invitation to come and talk about, and play for us, the instruments they teach.
They are all performing musicians in their own right, multi-talented and highly experienced and their passion for teaching music was infectious.
o Phil Collings kicked off the evening on his personal drum kit, demonstrating the different sounds made with mallets, brushes and sticks.
o Woodwind teacher Josh Kelly showed us the very cool saxophone, the only woodwind instrument made of brass.
o Josh Teicher, who teaches both acoustic and electric guitar, was in his element and made us all want to pick up a guitar to strum.
o Atilla Kuti talked us through the beautiful violin and its versatility, including classical and rock, and finished with an exquisite rendition of If I Was A Rich Man from Fiddler on the Roof.
o Allan Tao showed us the beautiful cello; part of the violin family it can be played with a bow or held like a guitar and plucked.
o Brass teacher Adrian Perger played the trumpet and larger trombone, a fascinating instrument that can mimic many sounds, like the demonstrated changing gears of a car!
o Zoe Frater is the newest teacher to join our instrumental program and demonstrated the electric bass guitar, the foundation of most popular songs.
o Matthew Kneale showed us the newest instrument on offer at Preshil – the bassoon. This instrument offers very versatile sounds and Matthew’s beautiful 85 year-old bassoon made of maple with its velvety sound was a pleasure to listen to.
o Lastly, teacher of voice Michelle Berner (who teaches classroom music at the Primary School) accompanied by Adrian on piano sang I Will Survive. Voice is the ‘original’ instrument and Michelle encouraged all of us to explore the potential of our own voice.
Thank you to the very passionate Karoline Kuti who is forever working hard to enhance and promote Preshil's exciting music program and who orchestrated such a wonderful event. If you missed it, we will be holding a similar evening later in the year.
Most of us at one time or another have imagined playing a musical instrument. This evening was an opportunity for students to try out all the instruments the School offers - and they did!
Learning an instrument is a lot of fun, has endless possibilities and can become a life-long passion.
There are places available in the instrumental music program. If your child is interested in enrolling for lessons, all you need do is complete an application agreement here and send it into the office.