T Instrumental Music School Services . 150 Guildford Road, . MAYLANDS WA 6051 . Public education: A world of opportunities. http://det.wa.edu.au/imss .

USIC

Vol. 4 November 2019 ATTERS

A newsletter for music students and parents, brought to you by the Instrumental Music School Services, Department of Education.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Mr Bruce Herriman

On Friday 31 May, the Instrumental Music School Services held a school development day for instrumental teachers who work in metropolitan . There were some 120 teachers in attendance and the day was devoted to a presentation from Dr Anita Collins.

Dr Anita Collins is an award-winning educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning. Anita is best known for her role as on-screen expert and campaign lead for the Don’t Stop the Music documentary that aired on the ABC in late 2018. She is internationally recognized for her unique work in translating the scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists to the everyday parent, teacher and student.

Over the last two years Anita has interviewed close to 100 researchers in labs across the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. Anita has written opinion columns for The Age and The Conversation, authored papers for international peer-reviewed journals, guest author on international sites and specialist technical writer for OECD Education Framework 2030. Anita is a Churchill Fellow, a TEDx speaker and the author of one of the most watched TED Education films ever made.

You can watch this at https://www.ted.com/talks/anita_collins_how_playing_an_instrument_benefits_your_brain?language=en

Her presentations provide the evidence behind how the learning of a musical instrument and engagement with regular practice actually enhances brain function and general wellbeing. And of course the playing of a musical instrument is an amazing enjoyable experience – especially when playing/singing with others in bands, orchestras and choirs.

We all know that learning a musical instrument does take time and effort but the rewards are considerable and I do hope that your child/ren are making the most of their musical opportunities.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2019

Term 4 Week 6, 21/12/19 Primary Guitar Workshops

Week 8, 2-5/12/19 Parent Information Evenings

CONTENTS

METRO NEWS: OTHER: ATAR Performance Rehearsal Day IMSS Alumnus – Nola Formentin OPUS Instrument Feature – The Voice Primary Band Workshops Article – Practice Makes Progress Mental Health Week 2019 – Passion Project Review – Bigger Better Brains PD Fact Sheet – Music Is Good REGIONAL NEWS: Community Music-Making Geraldton Gossip Upcoming Opportunities Southwest Update Words of Inspiration

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Mr Marcus Perrozzi

Thank you very much to the Music Matters team (Ms Jacqui Edwick, Ms Alexandra Bak, Mrs Victoria O’Neill, Mr Bruce Herriman and Mrs Deborah Banks), the IMSS School Plan Consultation Team and to IMSS colleagues and the community for your contributions to this edition. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

To access previous editions of Music Matters, and other information about how instrumental music is delivered in public schools, please go to: http://det.wa.edu.au/imss/detcms/navigation/for-parents/

ATAR PERFORMANCE REHEARSAL DAY Mrs Deborah Banks & Ms Julie Scarpel

Deborah Banks: On Sunday 7 April, a group of classical guitar teachers, students and parents gathered for this year’s ATAR Performance Rehearsal Day. A last minute change of venues saw us move to Churchlands Primary School who generously allowed the use of their music classroom as a performance space and surrounding rooms as a rehearsal space. The aim of the Performance Rehearsal Day is to give students enrolled in the Year 11 and 12 ATAR Music course the opportunity to perform a repertoire piece they are preparing for their upcoming exams, and for the students to receive feedback from experienced teachers. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to practice performing and for some is their first solo performance for an audience. This year, eight classical guitar students took the opportunity to perform for an enthusiastic audience of teachers parents and their peers. The standard of the performances was very high with all students giving successful renditions of the works they were preparing for their upcoming exams. Congratulations to Ethan Wegner of Applecross Senior High School, Angel Ng, Dylan To and Amos Tan of Rossmoyne Senior High School, Ethan Hardy-Atkins of Melville Senior High School, Lara Pollard of , and Annie Mills and Drew Minto of on your fantastic performances! Parents, if you have students starting Year 11 ATAR Music next year, keep an eye out for the Performance Rehearsal Day which IMSS run in Term 1 each year.

Julie Scarpel: Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 Woodwind ATAR (WAM) performance rehearsal day at the end of Term 2. The morning coached sessions involved six flute players (one Year 12 and five Year 11s), and five clarinet students (three Year 11s and two Year 12s). A huge thank you to Catherine Cahill and Diane Riddell for the valuable feedback they offered these upper school students who took part in this session. Personally, my flute students took home some valuable tips to improve their playing and were made to feel both at ease and inspired from the positive and productive feedback offered. The afternoon sessions (performance only) comprised of three Year 12 clarinettists, four Year 11 and five Year 12 flautists. Despite a few nerves, these students also benefited greatly from the experience of performing in public, with the fabulous support of our piano accompanist, Stephanie Nicholls. MUSIC MATTERS November 2019 2

OPUS – July 1, 2019 Mr Lee Stanley

We were delighted to welcome the Director General Ms Lisa Rodgers, to this year’s Opus concert at the end of last term. Once again the evening was crammed with musical delights from public schools in WA. It is such a great way to share and celebrate the work our teachers do at the Instrumental Music School Services and in music classrooms up and down the State.

The Kalamunda Senior High School Senior Concert Band started the proceedings with the very moving and powerful premiere of The Message Stick, composed and conducted by Peter Hind. This told the story of the stolen generation and was narrated by Barb Southern. They were joined on stage by two dancers from Lesmurdie Senior High School who skilfully interpreted the music through movement, adding to the drama of the spectacle.

Nicolie Sullivan lead the John Curtin College of the Arts Senior Vocal Ensemble in a captivating performance. Then it was onto the Perth Modern School Year 8/9 Baroque Ensemble. Prepared and inspired by their director Nicola Brayshay, they performed the first movement of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #3.

The John Forrest Secondary College Senior Classical Guitar Ensemble, with their director Graham Hall, took us on a journey of their own with Journeys and Voyages by Richard Charlton. The first half came to a very spirited end with the triumphant return to Opus of Woodvale Secondary College and their senior jazz group: Jazz Encounter, directed by Phillip Mullane.

Mary-Anne Goyder was our special guest and we were able to congratulate her on being recently presented with the Director General’s Women of Achievement Award. She reminded us of the importance of singing in primary school and then backed this up by directing a wonderful performance by the Wembley Primary School Senior Choir.

Finally, it was the Rossmoyne Senior High School Symphony Orchestra and the Combined John Curtin/Rossmoyne Choir to bring the evening to a conclusion. Neil Coy directed the students in stunning performances of Verdi’s Overture to Nabucco, The Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly, and an epic rendition of The Fellowship of the Rings.

Once again the audience was left with a feeling of how amazing kids can be, especially when inspired by a team of dedicated professionals.

Above: Woodvale Secondary College Above: John Forrest Secondary College

Right: John Curtin College of the Arts Below: Rossmoyne Senior High School / Below: Wembley Primary School John Curtin College of the Arts

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PRIMARY BAND WORKSHOPS – Semester 2, 2019 Ms Jacqueline Edwick

Over the past few weeks, students from more than thirty schools in their first and second years of learning have participated in a day of music-making at the Primary Band Workshops held across the metropolitan area. The events provided students with the opportunity to extend their playing experience beyond their weekly instrumental lessons. The students worked with peers and teachers to learn concert band repertoire and took part in a variety of activities that included playing by ear, music reading, improvisation and memory work. At the conclusion of each workshop, students performed a short concert to a supportive audience of family, friends and staff.

Samantha Lillis was the conductor at the Baldivis Secondary College workshop (below), with Kate Hare as Teacher in Charge. Students attended from Baldivis PS, Baldivis Gardens PS, Bungaree PS, Leda PS, Makybe Rise PS, Rockingham Beach PS, Settlers PS and Tuart Rise PS.

Lee Stanley (below) led the students at the Ashdale Secondary College workshop with Jane Stevenson as TiC. Students attended from Ashdale PS, Carnaby Rise PS, Greenwood PS, Hawker Park PS, Landsdale PS, Madeley PS and West Greenwood PS.

Claudia Muller coordinated the workshop with Marcus Perrozzi conducting (below). Students from Butler PS, East Butler PS, Merriwa PS, Mindarie PS and Quinns Beach PS participated.

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Comet Bay College hosted students from Comet Bay PS, Endeavour PS, Meadow Springs PS, Port Kennedy PS, Rockingham Lakes PS, Secret Harbour PS, Singleton PS and Warnbro PS. Megan Graziani was the TiC for the workshop with students directed by Dale Pointon.

Matthew Cabala led the sectional rehearsal with the Brass students (below left). Thane Mandin rehearsed music with the Percussion students (below centre) and Cristy Savage and Megan Graziani worked with the Flute students in their sectional rehearsal (below right).

Students from Noranda PS, Sutherland Dianella PS, Tuart Hill PS and Yokine PS attended the Instrumental Music School Services workshop coordinated by Corrina Collins as TiC with Mayuka Juber conducting (below).

The support for Instrumental Music from staff at the primary and secondary schools is greatly appreciated to allow these events to take place and be such a success. Thank you very much to all involved!

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MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2019 – PASSION PROJECT Ms Christie Pannell

Stand By Me music clip: http://www.music.uwa.edu.au/mhw

This music clip was created to raise awareness about youth suicide and mental health statistics, and to promote WA Mental Health Week (6–12 October 2019). Current statistics indicate that one in seven young Australians will experience a mental health condition over the course of their adolescent years. They are also less likely than any other age group to seek professional help.

Rates of youth suicide in Australia are the highest they have been in 10 years. Suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians and accounts for the deaths of more young people each year than car accidents (Beyond Blue, 2019). Ben E. King's Stand By Me was chosen as a means of reminding young people of the importance of community, remaining connected and ‘standing by’ each other in difficult times.

This project was a proud collaboration between the UWA Conservatorium of Music and an enormous group of talented high school students and staff, led by voice teacher and choral director Christie Pannell from the Education Department’s Instrumental Music School Services. The project was a huge undertaking, stretching across several terms. Coordination and organisation ranged from applying for funding and acquiring licencing, through to nine weeks of rehearsals in schools. A total of 190 students from 11 Education Department schools were involved in the project. These students were accompanied by the UWA Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Head of the Conservatorium Professor Alan Lourens, who provided an original orchestral arrangement of the song. UWA is proud of its commitment to the incredibly hard-working music teachers in schools, and seeks to highlight the important role music can play in society to promote wellbeing, friendship and strong community.

The students from Applecross Senior High School, Balcatta Senior High School, , Butler College, , Ellenbrook Secondary College, Kalamunda Senior High School, Ocean Reef Senior High School, Thornlie Senior High School, Wanneroo Secondary College, and Woodvale Secondary College spent nine weeks learning the choral arrangement by Christie Pannell and Bronwyn Sprogowski. This arrangement in four-part harmony was created to suit the vast range of student ability across the 11 schools involved. Hour- long choir sessions occurred at each school across Perth every week, and were led by Christie Pannell, Victoria O'Neill and Bronwyn Sprogowski.

The students had not sung together until the day of the recording. Commencing in the morning, they worked a full day in UWA's Callaway Music Auditorium laying down the track, before working with UWA videographers to capture visuals across campus. They were superstars all day, even finding time to make many friendships across the schools.

All vocals were performed by the students, with Indigo Ellis from Ocean Reef Senior High School (Year 8) and Maddy Ngatai from Butler College (Year 10) performing the solo lines to great acclaim.

UWA would like to acknowledge the incredible amount of work by Christie Pannell, who instigated and then led this project in schools, along with her wonderful colleagues including Victoria O'Neill and Bronwyn Sprogowski, who gave countless hours preparing their students for the performance. Christie and all music teachers make a huge contribution to the development of music and music education in . Their efforts are immeasurable.

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GERALDTON GOSSIP Ms Anne Williams

The Batavia Coast Concert Band was formed this year with the amalgamation of three Geraldton high schools – Champion Bay Senior High School, Geraldton Senior High School and Strathalbyn Christian College. We have had an extremely busy year with lots of concerts and ample fundraisers to help assist families with the cost of band camp.

The annual pilgrimage to Perth was a fun experience for all. Not only did they attend an amazing concert put on by the vocal students of the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), they played Lazer Tag, visited family at the zoo and also went to Bounce. The main priority of camp was performing at the W.A. Schools’ Junior Concert Band Festival where they received a well-deserved ‘Excellent’ mark. Upon returning to Geraldton after our camp, a week later, the students had an awesome workshop with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO).

This year a new contemporary ensemble was born at Champion Bay Senior High School called Sound Familiar.

They have performed at various venues including the Mingenew Expo and our annual Primary Schools Band Tour, where we share our music with all of the local primary schools, trying to advocate the IMSS Program through some awesome performances.

SOUTHWEST UPDATE – TERM 2, 2019 Mrs Danielle Parkinson

During Semester 1, there were many musical events across the whole Southwest area. Though it is impossible to include them all, almost every school had concerts and assembly items which gave our IMSS Music students an opportunity to perform for appreciative audiences, supported by their dedicated Instrumental Music teachers. Many school bands participated in their school’s ANZAC Day assemblies, and several of the Southwest brass students had the opportunity to perform The Last Post as a solo at their school’s ANZAC ceremonies.

Busselton Foreshore Shell In Action A new performance shell has been put up in Busselton and some of us were lucky enough to perform in it during the Geographe Bay Music Band fete in Term 1 (left). MUSIC MATTERS November 2019 7

Bunbury Eisteddfod The Bunbury Eisteddfod is a big event which is held during Term 2. Many music, dance and drama students form the Southwest attended and performed in this Eisteddfod, supported by their Music teachers. We were lucky to have Professor Alan Lourens adjudicate some of the Music sections this year, and he was also able to visit some schools in the Southwest to do workshops with their bands.

“The WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod is Bunbury’s own Festival of Performing Arts, encompassing all genres. It is a safe, family-friendly event which is inclusive of all abilities and age groups, as well as people with disabilities and people who would not normally have the opportunity to showcase their talents. It is held in Winter to bring vibrancy into the City during what is generally a very quiet period in Bunbury.” (Bunbury Eisteddfod website)

This year, one of Nannup District High School’s Year 9 students, Waverly Edwards (left), won ‘Most Outstanding Wind Performance of the Eisteddfod’. She also performed at the prestigious Gala Concert on 29 June. Australind Senior High School trumpet (piano and saxophone) student, Bayden Adams, won the coveted ‘Southwest Guild of Music Trophy’, and a number of Bunbury bands, brass and woodwind students won their divisions in the Eisteddfod as well.

On 4-6 July The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra held their Pocket Jazz Festival. The Jazz Quartet from Bunbury Senior High School (right) was accepted to play in the festival. The students had to put together an hour of jazz. On 6 July the boys performed 10 Jazz Standards at the Intercontinental Hotel (next to His Majesty's Theatre) in front of a ticketed audience and did a great job. Australind Senior High School Jazz Band also attended and participated in the Port Macquarie Big Band Blast at the end of May.

SOUTHWEST UPDATE – TERM 3, 2019 Mrs Danielle Parkinson

Queen’s Cup Competition Each year on the last weekend of August, the Queen’s Cup Competition is held in the Southwest. This year, it was hosted by Dalyellup College. The Queen’s Cup competition is an avenue for all Southwest concert bands, jazz bands and WA country brass bands to come together in friendly competition to celebrate their passion for music and perform to an appreciative audience. It is held over three days and includes solo and ensemble items, jazz big bands, concert band and brass band events (from Queen’s Cup Handbook).

The main event organiser, Nicky Hair and the venue organiser, Chris Darlington-Terry both did a wonderful job in organising the smooth running of the competition over the weekend. It was great to have the expertise of IMSS Brass co-ordinator Peter Younghusband as a visiting adjudicator, and our own Southwest brass expert Wendy Armstrong also adjudicating on the weekend.

Many of our IMSS staff and students participated in the Queen’s Cup weekend, participating in solo and party events, concert band performances and jazz band performances. Andrew MacKay-Sim had both a concert and jazz band entered, of which his senior concert band won the B grade division and many of his Australind students won soloist awards across the weekend. Young up and coming woodwind soloist Austin Ballantyne won an award as well as Australind trumpet student Bayden Adams winning the jazz soloist award for the Friday night. One highlight was Bayden Adams’ own composition being played by the Australind Senior Concert Band and conducted by Bayden himself.

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The Collie-Donnybrook Combined Band run by Nick Vane and Phil Luke won the D grade concert band division. The Novice, C grade and A grade concert bands from Geographe Bay Music under the direction of Nicky Hair won their divisions, and the B division and A division big band awards were also won by Geographe Bay Music under the direction of Danielle Parkinson and Nicky Hair respectively. There were also many solo and party entrants from all schools supported by their dedicated instrumental music teachers across the weekend. David Parkinson, James Kiely, Stacey Smart, Arwel Jenkins, and Michelle Bracken-Perks were all there supporting, directing and helping students. Jayden Williamson directed the Southwest Wind and Jazz Orchestra and entertained the crowd with his trading solo with Australind percussion student Jessie Shortis and the conga line!

It was a very positive and happy weekend of music making, with everyone working together as a team to make the event a success. Many staff were moving between conducting, playing, MCing, stage managing, running students to venues, helping, and organising roles. The time and dedication of each staff member to allow our South West students to have these performance opportunities is much appreciated.

Perth Festival Season The Bunbury Senior High School Music Department bands, under the direction of Geoff Ogden, have been involved in the Perth Festivals this year. They have participated in the WA Schools’ Senior Concert Band Festival and the Schools Jazz Festival at WAAPA, where trumpeter Jonah Golds was awarded the Division 3 and Jazz Combo awards of Excellence. The Contemporary Ensemble performed at the Contemporary Festival and the Bunbury Senior High School Junior Band and Australind Fundamentals Band performed at the WA Schools’ Junior Concert Band Festival. Both bands were under the direction of Geoff Ogden.

Instrumental Music Workshops Terms 3 and 4 have been busy times in the Southwest with our Instrumental Music workshops. Each area in the Southwest runs its own ‘cluster’-based workshop. This allows students from the primary schools to join the high school students for a fun day of music making and learning in a concert band setting, followed by a short concert for friends and family. The primary school students gain confidence and make new friends, and meet and learn from some of the older students they will be going to high school with in the future. The high school students have the opportunity to take on a mentoring role, directing, rehearsing and helping the younger students. It is amazing to see the result of just one day’s workshop when the students all play together at the end of the day. All Southwest IMSS staff and students are involved in these workshops throughout the region.

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Big Band Blast June Long Weekend – Australind Senior High School The Big Band Blast is run by John Morrison and Jacki Cooper and it is a great weekend of big band music, with workshops of all different kinds running all weekend, visiting artists from Australia and overseas, a New Orleans-style parade, nightly concerts and generally a party atmosphere all in a picturesque part of Australia.

The Australind Senior High School Big Band, under the direction of Andrew Mackay-Sim, have participated in the Big Band Blast many times, where they played a one hour set, participated in workshops, jammed with other students and got involved in a weekend of big band music. It’s been a real highlight of the year for the students. It is not a competition, but each band participates at a very high standard and this gives students a great sample of the national standards of music in Australia.

Donnybrook Music News On Thursday 15 August, the Donnybrook District High School Concert Band, under the direction of Phil Luke, performed for the Donnybrook Junior Campus students. The band played superbly. Highlights of the event include students from Years 1 to 3 acting in the role of cars caught in a traffic jam, surprisingly enough to a composition called Traffic Jam. There were a number of “near-misses”, but thankfully no collisions. The program concluded with a “dance off”, with the younger grades doing their “surfing moves” to the song Surfin’ USA.

On Sunday 18 August, there was a combined Donnybrook/Collie Concert Band rehearsal at Collie Senior High School to prepare for the Queen’s Cup Competition in Dallyelup, and the WA Schools’ Junior Concert Band Festival. It was a great day spent performing and rehearsing music, and the band members got to catch up with all their old friends from Collie, including Mr Nick Vane. A big thank you to Jake Thompson and Sevina Jones (last year’s Year 10 students) who joined us for the day and performed at both events with us. It is wonderful to have past students come along and play with us for the sheer enjoyment of music making.

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IMSS ALUMNUS Ms Alexandra Bak

~ Nola Formentin (Mrs. Chinyama) ~ Trombone and Voice - Perth Modern School

Q. Who was your instrumental teacher/s? A. Trombone – in Year 5 I started with Andrea Hay, then learned from Roger Hey and Bob Matthews at Perth Modern School. Voice – I started with Harry Coghill in Queensland, then Andrew Foote and Fiona Campbell at UWA, and finally the wonderful Jolanta Nagajek.

Q. What is your favourite memory of learning music at school? A. Discovering classical music with my friends. We would go crazy over pieces we had found and would play them, arrange them and make up comedy routines using them.

Q. What music are you listening to at the moment? A. I am really into electronica and Jean Michelle Jarre.

Q. Do you have any advice for music students? A. Relax and enjoy what you play. If you don’t enjoy it, then use it as a tool to build discipline and perseverance. Eventually, you will find enjoyment in it!

Q. What has been your career path? A. I joined the Australian Regular Army straight after school as a trombonist and singer. After 6 years, I discharged and studied jazz for a year at WAAPA. Then I played around Perth in all types of bands, eventually finding my way back to UWA and my BMus in Classical Voice. I joined the WA Opera Chorus and had the best time performing all the classics. During that time, I taught singing at Mercedes College and finally decided that I wanted to teach in Africa. I sold up everything, moved to Malawi and did some volunteering until I married a local and landed a position at a primary school as music specialist (and swimming coach!) After a year I wanted to move up to an International school, so I returned to Perth to complete my Post Grad Dip Ed at ECU. That was one of the best things I ever did. Now I have returned to Malawi and am music specialist at St Andrew’s International Primary School. I love it.

Q. Are you playing in any groups/ensembles currently? A. I sing with a fellow trombonist/pianist over here. We mainly play jazz.

Q. What are your future aspirations? A. To travel to other countries as a music specialist with my husband.

Q. Anything else you would like to share with IMSS students/parents? A. If it wasn’t for IMSS in 1980, I wouldn’t have embarked upon my career as a musician and teacher. Music is a very important part of education – so students... share what you learn/play with your parents, and parents... listen and encourage your children. It is a great way to communicate.

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INSTRUMENT FEATURE Mrs Victoria O’Neill

10 Facts About . . . the Voice

1. Believe it or not but the Human Voice is an instrument, a wind instrument in fact. Structurally there are similarities between the Voice and some wind instruments.

2. The human voice creates sound by using the vocal folds, which are located in the Larynx. Sound is created by air, that is expelled from the lungs, passing through the vocal folds.

3. The sound travels through the vocal tract, that is made up of the lips, tongue and Velum (soft palate). The Velum opens and closes controlling the sound going into the nasal cavity.

4. There are many vocal styles that exist today. They are generally grouped into these categories: Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Jazz and Western Art.

5. Throat Singing or also known as over-tone singing, is one of the oldest forms of music. It is a guttural style of chanting where a single vocalist creates more than one pitch. This is done by reinforcing certain harmonics of the fundamental pitch.

6. There are 6 classifications of vocal ranges. They are: Soprano C4-A5, Mezzo-Soprano A3- F#5, Alto G3-E5, Contralto F3-D5, Tenor C3-A4 and Baritone F2-E4.

7. The widest vocal range recorded in the Guinness World Record is 10 Octaves. This was set by Tim Storms, from Missouri in 2008. His range extends from G/G#-5 to G/G#5

8. Boys voices usually break at around the age of 13 due to changes in the size of the vocal folds. Girls voices also change although it is not as noticeable.

9. Laryngitis is a condition that can come from having a viral infection, or overuse of the voice, such as screaming at a sports game or at a loud music concert.

10. It is very important to take care of the voice as an instrument, just like any other instrument. We need to warm up our voice before singing a demanding piece of music or before singing for an extended amount of time. Failure to do so, can cause irreparable damage over time. Learning to sing correctly and safely will allow the singer the ability to sing a variety of styles at varying volumes and ranges.

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PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS Ms Jacqueline Edwick

For those who would like advice on how to motivate their child to practise and make the most of their practice time, you may find the excerpt below of interest. (https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2013/09/03/216906386/10-easy-ways-to-optimize- your-music-practice)

10 Easy Ways to Optimize Your Practice by Anastasia Tsioulcas

1. Find somewhere quiet. This seems too obvious for words, but not only will you be far less likely to succumb to all sorts of distractions, but entering a special practice area, whether it's a certain room or just a corner of the living room, will help prepare you mentally for this very particular kind of work. Mindful intention is everything, and having the ritual of going to the same place every time can help set that intention. 2. Have your supplies nearby. I really love cellist David Finckel's "Cello Talks" 100-video series on YouTube; you don't have to play cello to get a lot out of many of them. Some of what he covers seems like impossibly basic advice — as in the discussion (below) of his practice space. Part of his advice is to keep a pencil sharpener and a very clean eraser within arm's reach, along with a pencil to mark up your music. Simple, right? But those little things are easy to forget, and if you have to go searching for them, add up to a big waste of time. 3. Technology can be an amazing aid — as long as you don't spend too much time futzing with it. Three free or low-cost apps I have on my phone and iPad: a metronome, a tuner and a timer, which are all essential tools for practicing. And I always have my phone with me (see above). 4. Begin with the end in mind: Have a goal for each practice session before you start playing. Just playing through your music isn't the same thing as practicing. Before you start, think: What do I want to accomplish today? If you're not sure what you need to focus on, ask your teacher for a few concrete goals to work toward before the next lesson — and write them down so that you can refer to them during your practice sessions. 5. Map a practice session out like a workout. Lots of musicians start with a few actual stretches and breathing exercises before they pick up their instruments. Even if you don't go quite that far, a pretty common scenario is to start with scales as a warm-up, to loosen up your muscles and get your brain thinking about technique; move on to the "working" part where you analyze and try to solve problems; then cool down by improvising or revisiting some music you already know well. 6. Practice smarter, not necessarily longer. You'll probably accomplish a whole lot more in a short amount of time if you have a very focused objective — and science tells us that we have a limited amount of willpower to draw upon anyway. So make the most of the time you have. Say you are having trouble with two very tricky measures. Set your timer for a short period (like five or 10 minutes), and then work just on one problem in as many ways as you can — break it down into even smaller and more manageable bits, go super slow, try to play the passage backwards, change the rhythm, whatever. If that trouble spot is still giving you agita, then make yourself a mental note to come back to that section again tomorrow. Chances are it will be much, much easier the next time around. 7. Don't always start at the beginning every time. Remember what I said about maximizing your time and your willpower? This. It can feel really good to hear yourself playing the beginning of a piece beautifully, but you may wind up wasting the limited time and energy you have. (Also, it leads to performances that start strong and then, well, wilt.) 8. Challenge yourself — physically. Especially if you're trying to wrestle down an element that you find problematic, scientific researchers say that if you add a physical challenge to the difficult task, such as trying to play that part while standing on one leg or while walking, your brain is likely to start carving out new neural pathways — and the original task will be easier when you return to just doing that. 9. Practice away from your instrument. Many musicians use visualization in the same way that athletes do: They run through their music without touching their instruments. Try bringing your music along with you (either on paper or a mobile device) when you know you'll have some downtime, such as during a car or train ride, and read through the piece silently. 10. Reward hard work — in positive ways — to help your brain automate good habits. That sounds like out-and-out bribery, but again, science! Finding something that your brain likes helps it remember the "habit loop," writes Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit.

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REVIEW – BIGGER BETTER BRAINS PD with DR. ANITA COLLINS Ms Caroline Binsted

Musicians have ‘bigger better brains’! You heard it! The science is in!

At a staff training session back in Term 2 (School Development Day #3), the Instrumental Music School Services staff were privileged to attend a workshop with esteemed Australian researcher, musician and educator Dr. Anita Collins. She works with neuroscientists focussing on brain development and music learning.

I was gobsmacked by the recent findings of studying musicians’ brains via MRI.

Musicians have literally got bigger, stronger, harder working brains.

What scientists have recently discovered is that the old saying ‘musicians use the right side of the brain for the more creative things and left side for the mathematical’ blah blah blah…turns out this is INCORRECT. There is a bridge that connects the left and the right hemispheres of the brain. This bridge is called the Corpus Callosum. In a musician the corpus callosum is thickened, thereby providing a more efficient flow of data through the neural pathways of the brain. In an MRI machine a musician’s brain goes off like fireworks. No other profession has noted brain activity such as this.

What the scientists also discovered is that five to seven years of formal music training and instrumental lessons below the age of 18, can improve brain function for life. Even just two years can make an impact, but five to seven years significantly makes the brain faster, stronger, denser and more efficient.

Watch this short video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng

Well done to all my classical guitar students. Although I am only part-time I teach at 10 schools this year, and have around 80 students. Some of you are still at the beginning of your musical journal and some of you are approaching six or seven years of training this year. I am so proud of all of you for your commitment to learning an instrument. You all deserve a pat on the back!

Statistically not many of you will become a professional musician after all these years of learning the classical guitar, but it still makes you a better person. Your brain will be better than that of your non- musician friends (don’t hold that against them!). Next time you hit a period of difficulty or a patch of boredom, if the thought of ‘quitting guitar’ goes through your mind, re-read this article and remind yourself of the positive effects of learning music.

A final piece of interesting information – In the USA last year approximately 96% of university STEM graduates played a musical instrument versus only 30% of the general population played an instrument. One can deduct that playing a musical instrument for five or more years increases the chance of a student entering higher education studies in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.

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FACT SHEET – MUSIC IS GOOD (Music Australia) Mr Marcus Perrozzi

Reproduced with permission from Music Australia https://musicaustralia.org.au

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FACT SHEET – MUSIC IS GOOD (Music Australia) continued… Mr Marcus Perrozzi

Reproduced with permission from Music Australia https://musicaustralia.org.au

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COMMUNITY BANDS – CANNING CITY BRASS BAND Ms Carol Salt

Students often wonder, apart from playing in the school band, or after year 12, what options are there? Community banding is one fantastic option. There are orchestras, concert bands, jazz bands and brass bands just to name a few. I am a member of Canning City Brass Band. Each year we do a range of concerts ranging from playing at local events such as the Canning Show, ANZAC Day marches, Carols by Candlelight concerts, as well as competitions locally and interstate. Most community bands rehearse in the evenings and play a range of pieces from classical to modern pop songs.

In Canning City Brass Band, we currently have members ranging in ages from 14 to over 65. One of our student members recently said to me that she can’t believe how welcome everyone has made her feel and how well everyone gets on. Banding is like a big family; it doesn’t matter how old you are, or what you do during the day, it is all about the music and being part of a group to perform and entertain.

Throughout Perth and country areas there are different bands with a range of playing standards, so no matter what level you are, there is bound to be a group that suits your ability and interests. For brass and concert bands you can check out the WABA website - http://www.waba.asn.au/ or for other groups, a small Google search will soon give you results. When you leave school, explore the options as a lot of bands would love extra members, and the opportunities for fun and friendship in banding are endless.

WABA: WESTERN AUSTRALIAN BAND ASSOCIATION Mr Marcus Perrozzi

The Western Australian Band Association’s website features a list of concert and brass bands from across our State. If you’re looking for an opportunity to participate in community music making, please go to the link provided for further contact information:

http://waba.asn.au/contact-us/wa-bands/

SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY MUSIC MAKING OPPORTUNITIES Mrs Danielle Parkinson

Regular ensembles that rehearse throughout the year include: • Margaret River Concert Band – Margaret River High School Auditorium 7.30–9.30pm. • Philharmonic Orchestra Southwest – Monday 6:45–9:15pm Bunbury SHS Performing Arts • The South West Wind and Jazz Orchestra – Tuesday 7pm–9pm • Brassomatics – Wednesday 3:45–5pm • Busselton Brass – Thursday 7:30–9:30pm Busselton Bandrooms • Bunbury City Band – Wednesday 7:30–9pm Queen’s Garden Bandrooms • All groups contain members/Musical Directors from the Southwest IMSS staff.

All community ensembles perform regularly at various events in the Southwest. Have a look online for more information.

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ALBANY AREA COMMUNITY MUSIC MAKING OPPORTUNITIES Mr Neville Talbot

Sinfonia WA's first regional symphony orchestra. Plays everything from pops concert programs, through to big repertoire. The last 2 years this has included Mahler's 2nd Symphony and Beethoven 9 (final movement). Rehearses Wednesday nights at Lancaster Hall, Lancaster Rd, McKail. 7-9pm Contact Neville Talbot – 0411 874 172 or [email protected] Non auditioned ensemble, but it is requested you play for the AD to gauge playing standard.

City of Albany Band One of WA's oldest brass bands, with members from 15 years old to... much older. Rehearses Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30pm Lancaster Hall, Lancaster Rd, McKail More info at Uptown Music (Colin France) No auditions

Albany City Wind Ensemble www.albanycitywindensemble.com.au Rehearses at North Albany SHS on Monday nights 0419 098 475 (Sue Findlay) No audition, but minimum playing standard required

Albany Choral Society Rehearses at Wesley Church, Duke St, Albany Monday evenings 7:30-9:30pm 0418 935 488 No auditions

About Face Choir www.aboutfacechoir.com Rehearses 6-7:30pm on Tuesday evenings at North Albany SHS 0419 098 475 (Sue Findlay) Auditioned ensemble – Only for singers under 30 years old.

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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

https://www.education.wa.edu.au/gifted-and-talented

https://www.education.wa.edu.au/application-process

https://www.education.wa.edu.au/key-dates-and-application-guidelines

https://www.education.wa.edu.au/arts-programs

The world of music opens up for exceptionally able children taking part in this exciting program.

Young people from across Western Australia have access to experienced teachers, music professionals who excel in their field and quality resources.

Children develop their ability and love for music through music creation analysis performance and reflection and by attending a range of professional performances.

They receive instrumental or vocal tuition and perform in choral instrumental ensembles such as concert band, orchestra, guitar or choir.

Participating Schools:

Churchlands Senior High School

John Curtin College of the Arts

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES – continued…

WAAPA JAZZ SUMMER SCHOOL Monday 20 January – Wednesday 22 January 2020

Suitable for Years 8-12 students, this three day workshop covers improvisation and ensemble playing and is run by WAAPA’s internationally renowned lecturers. Students will learn how to arrange songs, play improvised solos and learn the ins and outs of small jazz ensemble playing, culminating in a concert on the final day.

For more information go to: https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/corporate-training-and-short-courses/explore-short-courses/available- short-courses/summer-school-holiday-program/jazz-music-summer-school

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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES – continued…

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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES – continued…

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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES – continued…

~ GUITAR EVENTS ~

WAAPA GRADUATION RECITALS Venue: Richard Gill Music Auditorium, WAAPA – ECU, 2 Bradford St, Mt Lawley. Date: 20 November from 5.30pm. Free admission. Program: 5.30pm Rohan Bacskai 3rd year recital rd 6.30pm Abbey Bradstreet 3 year recital 7.30pm Tayne Burnside 3rd year recital 8.30pm Robert Parker Honours recital.

CHRYSTIAN DOZZA CONCERT Venue: Kalamunda Club, 18 Kalamunda Road, Kalamunda. Date: Monday 2 December at 7.00pm. Tickets: $25 full price. $15 for children, seniors and Guitar Society members. Book at https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=573347& Program: Exciting South American guitar virtuoso Chrystian Dozza will be performing a concert featuring his own compositions. A special event not to be missed! Chrystian is currently touring Australia, and we are lucky enough to have him visit Perth for a second time.

GUITARSTROPHE AND WAMO (West Australian Mandolin Orchestra) Strumming To Rio: A Music Voyage Venue: Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre, 48 Canning Rd, Kalamunda. Date: Sunday 8 December at 3.00pm. Tickets: $25 via www.trybooking.com/BGCAA Program: The concert includes full orchestral pieces featuring music from around the world and across the centuries, as well as some newer works. A highlight will be the Rio de Janeiro Suite which includes the combined rich sounds of WAMO and Guitarstrophe together.

GUITAR SOCIETY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS CONCERT Venue: Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre. Date: Sunday 15 December at 2.00pm. Tickets: $15. Program: Join the Guitar Society Orchestra as they end a fantastic 2019 concert season with a bang at the picturesque setting of Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre.

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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES – continued…

Auditions for 2020 Entry – November 25, 2019

UWA’s flexible, innovative course structure gives you the opportunity to tailor your study pathway and achieve your unique goals. You can choose to specialise in performance, composition, musicology or electronic music – or you can choose to combine music with other study areas, giving many choices of career!

For more information, please go to: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=487627&

WORDS OF INSPIRATION

The difference between the master and the beginner is that:

“The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.”

- Stephen McCranie -

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