Music
Music from Australia and Around the World
This term, the Kinder and the Lighthouse Keepers have joined in singing and dancing with Michelle each week on Zoom. We have lifted our voices to the Hokey Pokey, When You Walk in the Bush, Barramundi, Shake Your Sillies Out, The Rainbow Song (in French, in English and in Auslan!) as well as The Breathing Song by Julia Donaldson. Since being together from last week, the children have shown a strong sense of delight in being able to make music with one another. We have also enjoyed following the ABC musical podcast of Kirra the Quokka over the term, learning about different instrument sounds, the orchestra, the Sydney Opera House and Australian animals.
The Lofties have demonstrated a keen interest in learning about the continents and countries of planet Earth this term as we discover world instruments and cultures. They are becoming more aware of the diversity in sounds and people that exist across the globe, and in turn discovering more about their own tastes, expressing empathetic and critical thinking. There is still a ‘world’ of knowledge to explore (pun intended!) and therefore we have decided collectively to continue learning about music and culture next term.
The Sunroom students have been researching world instruments this term also, in order to create their own ‘world music’ Soundtrap pieces. Soundtrap has proven very popular amongst the Sunroom students, as they are able to record sounds, manipulate sounds, add loops, make their own beat patterns and add effects. Students have researched some fascinating world instruments, including the Australian Didgeridoo and the Ecuadorian Rondador, which will be featured in original pieces by the end of the term. It will be wonderful to share these inspiring creations with one another in person.
The Peppercorns have been busy recording sounds at home and outside to produce their own Soundtrap ‘home song’. Students have shown tremendous creativity, recording sounds such as electric toothbrushes, salt and pepper shakers, running water, gates closing and chair scrapes! Sound production techniques are then added to these audio files, such as reverb, delay, pan, and other interesting ‘voices’ available in the program. Files are being cut up and looped, moved around and faded out. Textures and form, timbres and articulation are becoming part of a home-made orchestration. We are looking forward to having the Peppercorns back at school, so that we can share and celebrate their creations in person!
Michelle Berner
Music teacher