Take a bow everyone! We have had three terrific performances in the last two weeks which have resonated in our hearts with warmth and pride. Thank you to the whole school for your moving singing of ’Dream Baby, Dream’ in our Reconciliation Assembly, and to all our Year 3/4 and 5/6 Instrumental Music students for your wonderful performances in the IM concert and Assembly. These events nourish our community and inspire us to be our best. Fabulous students, teachers and IM teachers, you were your best, and you made us feel awesome. Thank you and thank you: Bravissimo!!

We opened our IM concert with Sasha’s violins performing traditional folk dance melodies and songs. All the students came together as a violin orchestra to perform a truely rousing rendition of the traditional Scottish dance ‘Mairi’s Wedding’. Mark’s students performed a variety of melodies including an ’Old German Dance’ from the 16th century, and ’Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gumtree’ which was written by Mary Sinclair in 1933. The music of the 19th Century German-French composer Jacques Offenbach was contrasted with an Afro American Spiritual and the ’James Bond Theme’ which were performed by Mitchell’s saxophone and clarinet students. Kylie’s flute students and Rose’s guitar students performed folk tunes, famous Classical melodies and a vals, or waltz, by the contemporary Spanish composer Calatayud. As with most of the instrumental arrangements performed, the student ensembles usually play the melodies in unison and are accompanied by their IM teachers.

The diverse selection of music programmed in Friday’s concert included traditional folk and dance melodies from across the world, tunes from Classical composers and contemporary themes from popular culture and films.

I love learning about the music we play and how it extends our sense of wonder. Would the German composer Praetorius (1571-1621) have ever imagined that his melodies would be played by children from a country yet to be ’discovered’ by the West, in an era four hundred years into the future? Our students are continuing a world-wide, age-old tradition and craft of learning how to play an instrument. We are engaging in music from diverse cultures and periods in history, and we are part of an ever living tradition of musical practise. In our fast paced world, we are contributing to a cultural art form which is at the very core of our humanity. So, to everyone who supports the music programs offered at PHPS, thank you.

Meanwhile, back in the Neighbourhoods we ‘Ukulaliens’ are strumming the winter chills away. Full Home Group sized Uke Clubs have sprung up across the Yr 2, 3/4 and 5/6 Neighbourhoods. The Year 2s have made a great start. It’s been very effective to introduce the ukulele to them in small groups of 8 students as this has assisted with the challenges of being a beginner instrumental learner. Now that we are learning in Home Groups, students are helping each other and are able to ’self correct’ aspects of their learning. A little bit of patience and persistence goes a long way as we can now accompany ourselves singing ‘Sailing over the Ocean’, and strum along to Katy Perry’s ’Roar’.

Our super Yr 2s of 2020, who were in a committed Uke Club with me and Ruby, are now the tutors of our current Yr 3s. We are progressing at a cracking pace and are enjoying playing along to several songs. The Yr 5/6s have consolidated the first 4 chords of C, A minor, F and G, which essentially give them a passport to hundreds of songs. Two combined Home Groups form a splendid Uke Band, and I’m impressed with the growth in their ensemble skills.

I’m delighted to be introducing the Yr 1s and Preps to some basic music literacy. Having some music reading skills breaks down the barriers to learning how to play an instrument, whether as a child or at any time in one’s life journey, and it’s a great work out for our brains.

As ever, thanks to everyone for a happy two weeks of music making. Keep warm and safe, and stay well for the winter holidays! Cheerio Deb.