Graduate Diploma in Education . With two young children in tow , this took me several years to complete . Now having found my vocation , I can ’ t see myself in any other profession .
My goal was and is to ignite a love and passion for music in the students whom I teach , to inspire them to develop an ongoing love of music and help them to discover their gifts and interests . I hope that one day they will continue with a love and appreciation for music , whether that be playing an instrument or listening to music in whatever form or genre that happens to be .
INTERVIEW : SAMANTHA COLLINS
MUSIC TEACHER
Sam embarked on her journey at Scotch precisely one year ago , stepping into the shoes of Alyssa Luketic during her maternity leave . Since her inaugural day in the Scotch Junior School Music Department , Sam has wholeheartedly embraced every opportunity to contribute to the community . With an unwavering enthusiasm to lend a hand and an exceptional proficiency in IT , she has seamlessly integrated herself into various initiatives , such as the Music Leadership Team and Lower Primary Chapel Services . Sam is an accomplished flute player . Friday mornings see her stationed in the Ian Roach Hall , where she eagerly assists the Concert Band , often with her flute in tow .
Outside of school , Sam extends her passion for music by tutoring with the National Boys ’ Choir . Additionally , she indulges her creativity through sewing . Sam is mother to two children and Kobe the kelpie .
EMMA MACRAE
What is your role at Scotch College ?
I am one of the Junior School music teachers . My role is to encourage and develop a passion for music in the boys . Our time together is full of singing and games , which are all in the name of facilitating the learning of musical concepts , which will assist them as they move through the school in their music endeavours beyond the classroom . Music is also a great activity to expand the neural pathways and assist with the cognitive and emotional development of boys .
What ignited your passion to teach ?
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in secondary school , and I have always loved music . I found my path to teaching later than some . I had many music teachers along my education journey who inspired me to become a music teacher .
After doing life for a while , getting married , having a family and pursuing other interests , I decided to head back to university . My passion for music and education finally fell into place . Taking a slightly non-traditional route , I studied for a Bachelor of Applied Music in Performance before completing my
What do you find most rewarding about teaching ?
I love to watch children learn and grow . I love the joy on their faces as they experience or discover new things – the ‘ aha !’ moments are what I find the most rewarding . An example is how boys begin to understand the correlation between the words which are sung and how they can be written down . As all that falls into place , I enjoy watching their understanding develop and their confidence grow . This brings me joy .
What is your favourite corner of the school , and why ?
My favourite corner of the school is the Music School – specifically the entry to the David Yu Foyer . I love standing in the entry : it is an amazing place to be . I love gazing at the mosaic floor from the balcony above , as well as closing my eyes and listening to all the different instrument sounds swirling around as they practise . As we say in the Junior School – ‘ It fills my bucket .’
Many years from now , when you are no longer teaching , what is one of the Scotch memories you will reflect upon to warm your heart ?
My favourite memories of being at Scotch to date are the chapel services . I love heading into the services and seeing the respect and reverence that the students display , as they take part by either sharing their learning , or responding with their singing . It has also been a lovely breath of fresh air to start and conclude the year with a chapel celebration involving the whole staff .
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