Junior School 

Performing Arts

Australian Army Band Concert report 

We had a fantastic time at the Australian Army Band Concert on 11 March which took place at the Orange Conservatorium. 

The sound and energy from the band was incredible. The variety of instruments in the band was great, from trumpets, saxophones and loads of percussion to a sousaphone which made the most amazing sound.  The band played lots of music that we knew which made it really engaging and fun. It was great to sing along with some of the songs, like ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’. The band was really entertaining and we enjoyed hearing different genres of band music like jazz and rock/pop music. After each piece was played, the band leader gave us some background information and history of the music genre which helped us learn as well as enjoy the music. It was interesting to see musicians who were all members of the Army, and it was great to see them playing in uniform.

The solos were a highlight - including the trumpet player who used a mute, which I hadn’t heard before.  The alto sax and trombone solos were also very impressive. I enjoyed attending the event with other local schools and being able to experience live music again was very exciting. 

Lucas Choi – Performing Arts Leader 

Cocurricular Dance – Term 2

Keep an eye out for an upcoming letter which will be sent from the Junior School Office containing details of dance group details for Term 2. 

Musicians at Work

Over the last few weeks, students have been busy making fantastic music in class. Year 3 have been working on their playing skills, learning simple ostinato (using the sounds do and soh), developing good technique and listening when playing an ensemble. Here are Year 3 Volcanic class playing ‘Sea Shell’ on xylophones and metallophones. 

Year 4 have been developing their composition skills by creating a 4-bar melody using a set rhythmic pattern but given a choice of using three notes (do-re-mi) in any order they liked. They created their melody then notated it on the musical staff. Here are three examples from Daniel Hayward, Grace Lowther (accompanied by Georgiana Saran) and Angus Triggs. 

Absence from Ensemble Rehearsals

As a courtesy to our ensemble directors, please ensure any planned absences are emailed to performingarts@kws.nsw.edu so they can be passed on to the relevant director. We understand booking appointments can be a logistical battle for families, but we do appreciate it if rehearsal times can be avoided where possible. 

Contacts

COORDINATOR OF JUNIOR SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS: Katie Sinclair – ksinclair@kws.nsw.edu.au 

PERFORMING ARTS OFFICE: Sharon Martin – performingarts@kws.nsw.edu.au 

K-12 INSTRUMENTAL COORDINATOR: Katherine Howarth – kahowarth@kws.nsw.edu.au 

HEAD OF PERFORMING ARTS: Jackie Shields – jshields@kws.nsw.edu.au