PR E PA R ATORY S C HO OL
as students learn Italian music words to
describe dynamics, tempo and articulation.
When learning a Mexican folk song “Don
Gato”, the Year 4s applied their knowledge
of dynamics to tell the story through song
more effectively. The dynamics ranged from
pianissimo (very soft) when Don Gato dies to
fortissimo (very loud) when he comes back
from the dead!
“We try to work on dynamics and some
of the other basics of music.” – Oliver
“My favourite thing about Music is how
we use puppets to learn music rhythms
and dynamics and to make learning fun.”
– Chase
“My favourite part of music is the sound
of all the wonderful instruments together
such as recorder, piano and percussion
instruments.” – Greta
Our Year 5 students learn about world music
– specifically music of Indonesia, Japan and
India. They have the unique opportunity to
learn to play authentic Javanese Gamelan
instruments as part of a Gamelan orchestra
with Mrs Lee Roberts, while learning about
Indonesian music and culture.
Comparisons are made between music of
Western and Asian cultures, while learning
about intervals, scale structures and new
rhythms in compound time.
“I like learning about different music
traditions around the world such as
Japanese and Javanese music.” – Jarvis
“I like learning how to read traditional
notation for Javanese Gamelan Music.”
– James P
“It is interesting to learn how to play
different beat patterns on the Gamelan
instruments.” – Eoin
In Year 6, students expand their musical
skills and knowledge in the context of styles
such as Jazz and Rock. With Mrs Roberts,
their music reading and performance skills
are further developed through learning
the keyboard, while they also have the
opportunity to engage in music composition.
The Year 6s recently completed an inquiry
task, researching and presenting key
information about a chosen style of Jazz
music.
“We did presentations on different styles
of Jazz music like Bebop, Swing, Cool
Jazz, Big Band, Blues and Scat.” – Rohan
“In music class we learn keyboard music
from different styles such as Jazz and
Rock.” – Kelsi
“We did an inquiry about the different
styles of Jazz music. We had to find
out the King or Queen of that style. For
example, the King of Bebop was Charlie
Parker. A famous quote by Charlie Parker
is ‘Don’t play the saxophone, let it play
you’.” – Eowyn and Kelsi
I hope you have enjoyed taking this brief
journey through our vibrant classroom Music
Program. Soon we will welcome a new
Preparatory School Music teacher to bring
fresh ideas and new perspectives as I take
maternity and long service leave. I wish all
the Preparatory School students success and
joy as they continue their musical journeys.
Dr Anita Saxby
Preparatory School Music Specialist
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