Music 

Welcome to another year of music-making at BPS! 

I hope you all had a wonderful break with your families – although holidays may seem like a distant memory already! 

For those who don’t know me, my name is Lisa Shacklock. I am very fortunate to be the Co-ordinator of the Classroom Music Program, the School Choir & Band Liaison. I love teaching the fabulous students of BPS and have so many amazing things for them to learn this year! I am looking forward to helping all our students develop into finer musicians and performers in 2023!

You will find me in the Music Room (next to the Gym) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Alternately, if you have any queries about the Music Program, please contact me via Compass. 

Please read below for: 

• F-6 Classroom Music Lessons
• School Choir
• Music Appreciation
• Meet the 2023 Band & Music Captains

F-6 CLASSROOM MUSIC LESSONS

Leading up to Chinese Day in March, students will be focusing on: 

Foundation

• Celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit – creatively using scarves and movement while listening to Chinese music.
• Name Games with a focus on beat and body percussion
• Exploring the link between music and celebrations
• Australian National Anthem and anthems from other countries

Grades 1 and 2

• Up the Ladder, Down the Ladder – beat / rhythm activity
• Lunar New Year Celebrations 
• Animals of the Zodiac – Rondo Theme: composition and performance
• The Seaweed Dance
• Australian National Anthem and anthems from other countries

Grades 3 and 4

• Lunar New Year Rhythm Play-Along 
• Little Apple (dance)
• Little Apple – Guinness Book of Records
• The invention of the Music Staff by Guido D’Arezzo
• Australian National Anthem and anthems from other countries

Grades 5 and 6

• Radio, Let’s Go – beat and rhythm game 
• Instruments - Asian Civilizations, Harmony in Diversity
• Chinese New Year Rhythm Play-Along
• Chinese New Year Rondo - students create word rhythm compositions as B, C, D sections. 
• Bar Bar Bar – Chinese Dance
• Australian National Anthem and anthems from other countries

CHOIR

Students in Grades 4-6 are invited to come along and trial Choir each Monday during February.

Involvement in School Choir is a non-cost activity.  

Our next Choir trial is on Monday 13th February at 12.50pm -1.30pm, giving time for all children to play outside from 1.30pm.

It is important for students to attend each trial in February to gain a true understanding of Choir involvement. 

We are very fortunate to have Mrs Robinson (1FR) assisting the Choir with her musical expertise. 

The rewards of being in a Choir are plentiful - developing vocal skills and musical awareness, learning new genres to sing, enjoying the activity of performing, gaining confidence, responsibility and meeting new people. Students will be encouraged to suggest songs, movements and provide ideas for our Choir Performance clothing.

Choir Performances 

• Open Night for Education Week (May) 
• Mid-Year Soiree (June)
• BPS Evening of Music (November) 
• and other opportunities that may arise! 
  
  Please note it is the parents’ responsibility to transport their child to and from performances held after school hours. 

What happens after the trial sessions? 

There is no obligation to continue with choir after the trial period but if your child would like to continue participating in the School Choir for the remainder of 2023, they (and you!) will be required to sign the Choir Commitment Form. Continuing students will have access to all vocal and backing tracks, song lyrics and sheet music which I’ll set up in the 2023 Choir Folder in Showbie. Students will receive access to the Showbie folder once their Commitment Form has been returned. 

If students do not wish to continue Choir after the trial sessions – at least they gave it a go! They may like to try it again next year – or not!

MUSIC APPRECIATION

How do we make informed choices about the music we like to listen to, 

perform or create if we are not exposed to a diverse range of music?

I love music and learning everything I possibly can about it - music history, theory - you name it. However, there are a few musical genres that will most likely (I won't say "never") find their way into my CD collection (yes, I STILL buy CD’s!) Having said this, I do have an appreciation and understanding of these styles. One of my passions as a music educator is to expose students to a broad range of music so that they, too, can develop an appreciation of different styles (which doesn't necessarily mean that they'll like them!) This is how BELL MUSIC came to be J 

Each week a different musical genre (or theme) is played over the loudspeaker at bell times so that students become familiar with a variety of genres and artists. All songs chosen are child-appropriate.

The musical genres showcased in Term 1 will be:

If there are any songs or genres you would like to recommend, I would love to hear your suggestions!  I can be contacted at lisa.shacklock@education.vic.gov.au

Introducing the 2023 Music & Band Captains.....

                                                                  Louis and Cassie!

Here they are presenting at their first assembly as Music Captains last week! They were very excited and also very professional! I am looking forward to working with them both this year. 

Finally, you may find that my name often comes up when you hear the words ‘Elvis Presley’. You could say I’m a ‘bit’ of a fan….. yes, his picture is prominently displayed in the Music Room! Nevertheless, I was so surprised this week when four Grade 6 students presented me with Elvis-related gifts. What was most heart-warming was that these students saw these items and thought how much I would appreciate the gifts. I certainly did and I am extremely thankful! I joked with the students that I would soon need a proper display cabinet to house all my precious Elvis gifts!

Have an awesome week!

Yours in harmony,

Lisa Shacklock 

F-6 Music, Choir Co-ordinator & Band Liaison (M-W, F)

"Do something worth remembering" - Elvis Presley