At the start of this year, our students embarked on an exciting musical journey with two passionate music teachers and musicians: Mrs Ina-Marie Nel (full-time) and Mrs Tanya McFadyen-Bandera (part-time).
Choirs
Our three choirs have begun rehearsing enthusiastically in preparation for performances in Term 2. Rehearsals have been full of energy and creativity.
Students in the lower grades are learning to coordinate actions with their singing, while students in the upper grades are developing the skills needed to perform two-part
arrangements that aim to inspire and entertain.
Choir Schedule
“Little Voices” (Years 1–2)
Mrs Tanya McFadyen-Bandera (Mrs B)
Thursdays | 11:00–11:30 am
“Music Makers” (Years 3–4)
Mrs Ina-Marie Nel
Tuesdays | 11:00–11:30 am
“Cool Voices” (Years 5–6)
Mrs Ina-Marie Nel
Wednesdays | 11:00–11:30 am
We would love to see more students joining our choirs across all year levels. Participation is free of charge, although a choir uniform is required.
Instrumental Immersion Programs
This term, we were delighted to resume the Year 3 String Program, where students were introduced to playing the ukulele under the guidance of the talented Mrs B.
We also launched the Year 5 Band Program, where enthusiastic students began learning woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments. Instruction is provided by our
dedicated itinerant instrumental music teachers, giving students a wonderful opportunity to explore instrumental performance.
Classroom Music
Our Classroom Music Programme aims to inspire all students to sing, play, listen, and engage with music using the wide variety of instruments available at our school.
We strive for excellence by teaching the elements of music in a sequential and cumulative way, tailored to each year level’s developmental stage. Lessons include:
● Singing and listening activities
● Music literacy development
● Instrument-specific skill building
● Creative music games and movement activities
Our teaching approach is grounded in the Kodály concept within the Australian educational context and curriculum.
Prep
Prep students explored their experiences and feelings about music encountered at school, at home, and in the community. They learned action songs, responded to question and answer songs, and developed rhythmic awareness through finger plays, rhymes, and imaginative musical games.
Years 1–2
Students explored how people across different cultures and communities experience music. They performed songs from cultures other than their own while continuing to develop singing skills and instrumental techniques using percussion instruments, glockenspiels, and chime bars.
Years 3–4
Students explored where, why, and how music is performed across cultures, and reflected on the role music plays in their own lives. They further developed their ability to
manipulate rhythm and pitch while singing and playing xylophones, chime bars, ukuleles, and percussion instruments.
Years 5–6
Students explored how the elements of music are combined across cultures, times, and places.
Year 5 students reflected on how music continues and revitalises culture among First Nations Australians, while Year 6 students explored the role of music within Christian
communities.
Students also developed aural skills and learned to manipulate rhythm and pitch for expressive effect when singing and playing xylophones.
Year 6 students were introduced to music arranging, culminating in a three-part classroom arrangement for soprano, alto, and bass xylophones.
We are very pleased with the progress made during Term 1. We are already looking ahead to Term 2, where students will continue developing their instrumental and vocal skills, culminating in our first informal and formal performances of the year.
Soli Deo gloria!
Ina-Marie Nel, Primary Music Teacher
