Throughout the term, it has been fantastic to see the dedication and creativity of our students in their musical education. Recently the students have been exploring untuned percussion instruments such as djembes, bucket drums, and hand drums. They have engaged in a range of activities, from free-flowing improvised drumming circle activities to more refined whole class pieces with multiple sections. These experiences allow the students to hone their musical skills, including a sense of beat, the ability to play in time, technique, and expression, while learning to maintain their own part when performing with others.

The middle to upper-year students have been studying percussive instruments from around the world by creating a "Percussion Passport." Each week, they focus on instruments from a specific world region, Samba percussion instruments like the surdo, tamborim, agogô, and pandeiro from Brazil. Taiko from Japan, tabla from India, djembes from West Africa, doumbek from the Middle East, and conga from Cuba.  Through this study, the students explore factors that influence musical styles in different cultures, and contexts, as well as the unique rhythmic styles of various percussive instruments.

Meanwhile, the choir has been rehearsing diligently for the upcoming One Big Voice Choir Festival. It is fantastic to witness the students' commitment during rehearsals as they participate in warm-up activities, practise canons, learn new songs, and work on choreography.

Mr Sutherland

Music Teacher