First Semester of Music at PSC has been peppered with new concepts, instruments and a flurry of Drama.

Class 7 has been focused on transitioning music skills they have acquired throughout Primary School into a High School setting. Band classes have focused on simple pieces so the students can easily develop awareness of aural, practical and communication skills needed in an ensemble rehearsal. Theory class has focused on establishing new music terminology and symbols, the basic musical components to create small sung rounds and recently, inventing a new instrument and designing information posters (not yet received in time for this article). Class 7 has begun preparing repertoire and soundscapes to compliment their upcoming Drama Production and I look forward to supporting them through the journey from rehearsals to performance day. 

Class 8 began this year with a trifecta of new ideas. Drums and Bass Guitar became an option for Instrument lessons, creating new dynamics for Band rehearsals. Students have started Formal Theory where the basic components of music are translated into written notation. The Class Drama provided an opportunity for students to experiment with new and quirky instruments from my personal collection. Students embraced the idea of creating a soundtrack for scenes through out the play and it was a joy to see them actively design the ambient ‘Soundscapes”.

Class 9 this year is following a theme of ‘Music as an Influence’. In Term One, students have attempted their first taste of 1930s “Swing-ish” and throughout this term, focused on music that is aimed at challenging the concepts of conflict, division and war. Theory class became more actively interwoven with Band as the semester progressed, to compliment and support this class in their growing creativity and performance opportunities. This was beautifully demonstrated in the weeks leading up to the Class 9 Drama production, culminating with students smoothly stepping in to capably lead music in between the onstage appearances of their character roles.

Katina Bay
Music Teacher