Term 2 has been a season of tremendous growth and learning throughout the instrumental music program. We have had events, performances, and the introduction of the GSC ensemble program. We continue to change, grow and excel.
In keeping with the momentum of our growing music program, after our recent student performances at lunchtime, students have had the opportunity to trial new instruments. Ms. McPhail has helped expand students’ musical knowledge through the trail of new and unique instruments– some instruments students had never even seen before! Students were keen to give everything a shot and trialled brass, woodwind, and voice instruments. This provided the perfect opportunity for students to decide what instrument they would want to continue learning.
Our new ensemble program already has strong foundations. Many students wish to expand their musical skills and have joined. Our ensemble program aims to provide students with not only a musical learning experience but also a social and collaborative experience as well. Some students have never worked on a team before ensemble and this new program provides students with the opportunity to learn not only new music skills but also teamwork and collaboration skills. Currently, students are excused from class for ensemble. Next term, ensemble will be available as an enhancement where students will have the opportunity to perform music pieces in front of their peers and parents.
On June 2, Leigh Olsson, from Yamaha Music, visited our school to help support our students in our newly formed GSC ensemble. The ensemble currently consists of flute, clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones and trumpets. Leigh brought his trumpet and helped by playing with the ensemble and supported students one-on-one when needed. He was extremely impressed with the students’ progress; after only having a couple of rehearsals, and with many students having only taken up a woodwind or brass instrument during term two. He spoke to the students about how important music can be and that learning to read music was like learning another language. Leigh praised the students’ efforts and told them that they should be proud of their achievements. He is hoping to come back again later this year to hear about the growth of our ensemble.
Greenvale SC is so lucky to have such a vast array of musical instruments available to the students. If a student is interested in an instrument please see Mr Rocek for a form.
Finally, thank you to all the students, staff and parents for all of their hard work and dedication–and for putting up with all of our noisy instruments!
