As we accelerando to the conclusion of another year, it is so rewarding to see the significant growth and development that has happened with our Junior School musicians.
There is such cohesion in our groups as each member is now acutely aware of their own important role and significant contribution towards the collective making and sharing of great music. Beyond our ensembles, students in the classroom have shown greater courage to express themselves creatively, be that independently or within the sphere of small group tasks. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the development of students in my own classes as they creatively respond to music with their friends and make it their very own – with great joy!
In this final term of the year, there are a significant number of major performances that our students participate in. Putting the final polish on their music they have presented before appreciative audiences at our many events. During the Summer Concert held in the IWA, all of our major groups presented lighter-hearted performances that befitted an end of the year: a summery style. From Metcalfe Strings chasing dragons, to Los Bandidos relaxing seaside prior to a dance – they were not to be outdone by the Bluegrass fingerpicking stylings of Plecstrum! Our Year 6 soloists, Ellie and Isaac, showcased what is possible for our younger students to aspire to – mature, confident and refined playing on the big stage before a highly enthusiastic audience. Our choirs brought our night to a beautiful close, with some traditional Māori, sweetly lyrical, followed by more contemporary songs to conclude.
As well as preparing and presenting more sophisticated music for concerts, our students in the Junior School have enjoyed wonderfully enriching experiences. Year 1s revelled in the highly active music making with Jon Madin and his wacky instruments. They made music together by jumping on ding boxes, played Jon’s echo cellos (feature image), learnt a selection of pieces on marimbas and – to the absolute delight of so very many – played rubber glove hooters that Year 1s thought sounded a bit like musical farts – with the very best part being when the gloves were inflated so much that they… popped! Year 1 teachers and students alike revelled in this fun incursion by Jon, and whilst each class had 90 minutes to play, according to Mrs Poynton, they could have just kept on going!
Year 5s were not to be outdone by our Year 1s, and enjoyed the music, drumming, dance, storytelling and kora playing of our visiting artist from West Africa, Appiah. Year 5 learnt so much from this immersive experience about the music and traditions of West African countries and were able to use this experience and enhance their existing understanding in our African Music unit.
From the perspective of a magical carpet ride around the globe, Piccolo Canto shone as they shared songs with a particularly Eastern flavour, before returning via Paris, Spain, Israel, New Zealand, and finally home to Australia. What could be better than having a flying carpet to see the world with? Why, having a bouzouki, clarinet and oud to accompany it as well as the input of an enthusiastic audience of colourful scarf dancers and tambour players! Further to their experience as choristers in Piccolo Canto, our Year 2s showcased their wonderful development as string players from our compulsory string program with an end of year concert held in IWA before family and friends. A colourful and powerful testament to this program, students were then encouraged to consider learning an instrument on an ongoing basis. Had our Year 2s met and fallen in love with their ‘musical friend’ yet, such as the cello?
As we end this year, there are still yet more major events for our musicians to participate in: our final whole-school assembly where soloists and ensembles will be presenting their works before the Junior School; our Christmas Service where Los Bandidos and other musicians will participate, with a focus on our choirs as an essential part of the Christmas Play; Vivace performing for Sackville Grange aged-care facility; and the Year 6 Graduation where our departing students sing a final song collectively together to put a full stop on their musical involvement in Junior School.
As Head of Music, it is always a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to our most seasoned and accomplished musicians as they continue on with their journey into the middle years and beyond, with each ensemble then to begin afresh. To our Year 6s, I wish you every success in 2025 and hope that you look fondly on your time in Junior School. For all other students, I thank you for your commitment, diligence and passion in working with each other to make great music again, and again. Thank you to all of the music staff who work so tirelessly to support the dreams of each of our students. Lastly, thank you to the broader community for their support of Junior School Music – I look forward to a bright new beginning with you all once again in 2025.
Timothy Barker
Head of Junior School Music
