Music
The Joy of Music Performance
As we all know, music is an integral part of celebration and as we come closer to the end of the year festivities, music surrounds us.
To wrap up the year, the Arlington children have enjoyed and learned much from a variety of opportunities to perform for peers in music classes. Similarly, the instrumental programme is concluding with many small soirees giving students the opportunity to show their parents, friends and teachers their progress throughout the year.
The fact that music brings people joy is obvious, however, studies show that engaging in instrumental music lessons and collective music making develops skills: personal and interpersonal, problem solving, coordination, listening, negotiation, self-discipline, perseverance, memory and possibly most importantly creativity. Through learning an instrument, students cultivate confidence to express themselves, to value emotions and how to be part of a team. All that a student requires to be able learn an instrument is a commitment to lessons, practise and support from parents and families.
Each Tuesday morning in the hall at 8:30am, Arlington presents a rare opportunity for all students at any level of instrumentation to engage in a ‘jam with professionals’. Our Strings N Things ensemble, led by Karoline Kuti (Preshil Head of Music), is an ensemble consisting of proficient musicians who are leading and supporting young instrumentalists to learn music pieces in a similar way to how we learn to speak and read – by hearing, seeing, copying, problem solving and developing musicianship in an authentic skill-building condition. Rehearsing in this capacity (along with regular performance opportunities) builds skill, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility in a positive, fulfilling way.
Music performance not only brings enjoyment to those performing but also to those listening. Bringing music to communities who need support is an important part of our musical offerings at Preshil and also helps to foster a social justice culture. Throughout the year our musicians perform in various settings such as the Live Music Festival at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. On the 5th December the BK Strings Attached will bring music therapy to the residents of Melaleuca Lodge, forming a vital part of their well-being programme. Arlington’s Moonlight choir experience a similar opportunity performing for the Yarrbat Place Retirement Village residents in Balwyn. We hope that all students can become involved in the musical offerings of the school in some way next year.
With the end of the year almost upon us, we hope that your homes and celebrations burst with the delight and joy of music. We are warmly wishing everyone a safe, restful and music-filled break!
Karoline Kuti
Head of Music
karoline.kuti@preshil.vic.edu.au
Michelle Berner
Music teacher