Class 7 Music  

Semester One was a busy term in Class 7 Music. Throughout Term Two, students had a number of tasks to complete ranging from accompanying the Class 7 play with atmospheric music to working collaboratively on a performance piece in Band Class. Our focus for Term Two was instruments, culminating in students researching an instrument of their choice and creating an informative poster to be displayed in the classroom. Students are beginning to experiment with different combinations of instruments, peers and skill levels when working in bands and groups.  

In Term Three, Class 7 students will be journeying around the world via music. Each week we will focus on a different area of the world, exploring and recreating their music traditions. A particular highlight should be our ‘visit’ to Japan and South America, which will involve learning authentic rhythms and pieces to be played on our new bucket drums. 

Kirsten Greenshaw 
Music Teacher  

Class 7 Renaissance Main Lesson 

Class 7 have commenced this term with the Renaissance Main Lesson where they have begun to hear of the chaos that was the end of the Medieval period out of which came this new era, the Renaissance, which literally translates to ‘rebirth.’ In this period, human society was transformed socially, politically, technologically and artistically.  These changes were reflected in the way the people lived and thought.   

For the Class 7 student, this historical period echoes their rising sense of individuality.  In Medieval times, people did what their same gender parent did, and his or hers before them.  They obeyed, without question, their lord on earth, those above them in the Feudal system, and the Lord, according to the representatives of the Church led by the Pope.  Now, after the fall of Constantinople, we see this tremendous spreading and flourishing of ideas, along trade routes previously established during the Crusades, and augmented by the spice trade.  The epicentre of this rebirth was gorgeous Firenze (Florence), the capital of Tuscany, wealthy enough to support a myriad of artists, musicians, philosophers and scientists.  At this time, and in this place, there arose the intellectual movement of Humanism which encouraged people to turn their thoughts from religion to what it means to be human.  Humanists at this time believed that one could achieve one’s potential through education and knowledge, not simply via the favour of a deity.  Thus, at its core, Humanism is the belief in human agency.  How perfect for these young people in Class 7, who feel their minds and hearts expanding, and are beginning to question everything. 

Katie Southall 
Class 7 Teacher