Research identifies many benefits of students growing as learners within the area of Music, such as improved memory, concentration and coordination, as well as the development of social skills. Music is also a wonderful way for students to express themselves creatively.
St. Peter’s prides itself on offering opportunities for all students. The area of Music is one that particularly stands out within our local community. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of both Music specialists and classroom teachers with a keen passion for music, and a desire to develop a love of music within all students. This ensures that at St. Peter’s we can offer our students an opportunity that forgoes the boundaries of expectation for what a Primary School delivers in this area.
The following information outlines some of the groups that are currently on offer that work alongside the classroom learning that all students participate in weekly.
Band Programme
Our Band Programme is capably led by Miss Elyse Hardiman. Students have the opportunity to commence in our Training Programme from Year 3, either by sharing an interest in a school instrument or by providing their own. All band members participate in weekly tutorials, where small groups of students meet to receive tuition in correctly playing their instrument, learning to read music and general musicianship skills. Students in the Junior and Senior Band programmes also participate in weekly rehearsals, either before or after school, with a particular focus on learning to watch the conductor and play as a member of a group.
Choir Programme
Our Choir Programme is facilitated by Mrs Melinda Richardson. Currently, due to the whole School Musical, only the Vocal Ensemble is rehearsing. This small, auditioned group provides enrichment to students in Years 5 and 6, who desire to learn how to sing as a member of an Ensemble. Repertoire is chosen to challenge these members.
Our Junior Choir (Years 1 & 2) and Senior Choir (Years 3 - 6) will recommence in Term 3, where all students who love to sing are warmly welcomed.
Strings Programme
This year we welcomed back Mrs Desiree Pollett as our Strings Coordinator. This programme is highly sought after within our school community, and we recognise the patience of many students and their families who are awaiting the opportunity to join.
Currently, Junior Strings and Senior Strings are operating in the same format as the Band Programme, with weekly tutorials and whole group rehearsals. Training Strings will commence early Term 3, as an introduction to Strings.
African Drumming
Mr Mitchell Smith has continued to work alongside students in Years 5 & 6, as part of their co-curricular afternoons each Friday. This offers students to build upon their learning within their classroom Music lessons, and to continue to develop their skill in this area.
Musical
A cast and crew of approximately 70 students have dedicated themselves since mid-Term 3, 2020, in preparing for our performance of Matilda Jr. Being a member of the cast and crew fosters special relationships across the grades and with a number of our teachers, as well as developing skills within Musical Theatre.
All students within the school have the opportunity to perform as part of the chorus in this event, which enables them to stand on purpose built stages with professional sound and lighting. We are looking forward to sharing this with our families at the end of the term!
Performance Opportunities
Our Music Programmes often enhance our Junior and Primary Assemblies, providing opportunity for students to perform in a familiar environment. As well, additional School Functions, such as Presentation Evenings, Grandparents Day and Music Festival. As restrictions ease, we look forward to seeking ways we can share our learning with our wider community.
Every second year (off set to Musical), our Music students have the opportunity to participate in the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival, where they meet alongside students from a range of schools, to collaborate and perform at the Sydney Town Hall.
Our Strings and Band Programmes have also had the opportunity to perform with other schools through Eisteddfods, of which their results are to be highly commended.
Learning in the area of Music requires commitment and dedication, and not just from our students. May we extend our thanks to our ‘music parents’ who assist their children in developing self-management skills in practicing, waking up earlier than normal, to get to a before school rehearsal in time and juggling after school pick up. Whilst these commitments are taken for granted at times, they are also greatly appreciated.
