Dear Friend of Music
Welcome
Welcome to our August E-newsletter and a particular welcome to all the new readers from our recent Perth workshop and the Maryborough Music Teacher's conference in Queensland . This was a fantastic 4 day conference in early July for approx. 350 primary, secondary and instrumental music teachers.
Quick Questions
A couple of questions that were asked in our sessions were:
Where can we get the wonderful sound shapes? These are flat drums in different shapes and colours –very portable and attractive for all ages from preschool and up. They are made by Remo and available from:
Allan Watson
Optimum Percussion,
42 Burwood Rd ,
Burwood NSW 2134 Australia
Web site: www.optimumpercussion.com.au
Where can we get the xyloglock? This is a musical teaching aid – magnetic tuned percussion board that is great to model techniques for playing tuned instruments.
Email Jeff Cocks at specsign@senet.com.au
Banjo the Bunyip scores again
Australian Songwriter's Association (ASA) Competition
After a fourth place in the Unisong International song competition in 2003, we are excited to tell you that our song ‘Banjo the Bunyip' from the album 'Move It' has won 2nd prize in the 2005 ASA Children's Section.
Click here to read an article from ‘The Australian Songwriter' about Susie and Phil and their songwriting.
Preschool Music Classes
Susie is enjoying teaching at Surrey Hills Preschool and Kingswood College Early Learning Centre this term. Each week we start with an action song, then a hello song to encourage individual singing, singing games, movement and dance activities and end with an instrument song and goodbye song. Ritual and repetition are very important.
The goals of a music program are:
- Enjoyment and fun with music
- To encourage children to always use their beautiful singing voices
- To acquire a repertoire of rhymes, songs, musical games, and dances
- To play and enjoy a range of percussion instruments
- To develop a sense of beat
- To discriminate between high and low sounds (Pitch)
- To discriminate between loud and soft (Dynamics)
- To discriminate between fast and slow (Tempo)
- Improvisation - using creative imagination and free expression
- To promote social interaction, concentration, body awareness, language skills, listening skills and a range of general skills – most importantly self esteem and confidence
There is nothing more joyous than watching children's musical confidence build over time - seeing a 3 year old delight in being a movement leader or a 4 year old discover their high singing voice for the first time. This is a gift to behold.
Ask Susie question and comments forum –
featured question
Thanks to all of you who have written to me this month. I would like to feature this question and answer.
Question:
How do I get other staff members excited about and being 'brave' enough to teach music?? It would be wonderful even if they only 'did' music while the choirs were on or while their kids were at band....
Answer : Your question is very brave in itself. The way I see it is that many teachers do not feel confident with music and therefore do not want to teach it. The reasons vary, from having a bad experience when they were at school or simply not given the skills necessary to teach music as part of their tertiary course.
Those of us who are excited about music education and its many benefits, need to be actively involved in music advocacy. We can receive lots of advocacy assistance through the AMA (Aus Music Association) Sarah Hood - info@australianmusic.asn.au and Music Play for Life Tina Broad tina.mpfl@mca.org.au
It's important to gently encourage music making in the general classroom and get the teachers on side through;
- Offering an occasional music inservice for all the staff –
giving them lots of practical, fun and easy ideas
- Inviting an outsider to present professional development
- Starting up a teacher band, choir or guitar class
- Involving teachers in the school musical or concert as performers
- Simply, by being enthusiastic and passionate about music education but not pushy – being prepared to be patient and give in order to receive!
If you would like to ask me about anything relating to music education, send me an email susie@welcometomusic.net and I will attempt to answer it for you.
Family Music Workshop in Melbourne with Susie and Phil -
Sun 21st August
Where:
Coatesville Uniting Church ,
cnr North and Mackie Rds,
East Bentleigh
When:
Sunday August 21st from 2.30 – 4.30 including afternoon tea
A joyous celebration of music making for all ages. Lots of fun in an entertaining and educational setting. Families will be involved in music making through songs, rhymes, role play, playing instruments, laughter, movement and dance.
Cost:
Adults $10.
Kids/Conc $7.
Household $30.
Bookings:
Ph 9570 6632 or www.Coatesville.UnitingChurch.org.au
Flier available here
Workshop Dates for Teachers and Caregivers 2005
For all preschool and primary school teachers, caregivers, family day care workers, therapists and parents. Exciting, energetic, motivational and interactive music workshops with Susie and Phil featuring the brand NEW Album for 2005 Funkey Monkey.
CANBERRA NSW Sat 6th Aug Elizabeth.Barfoed@act.gov.au
‘Funkey Monkey' – All day Early Childhood Music workshop (for 3-8 yr olds)
Ann Clifton (02) 62974102 ah (plus enquiries)
Kerry Allen (02) 62609859 (voice mail) (02) 61612891 work hours
Flier available here
CASTLEMAINE AREA, VICTORIA Wed 24 th Aug 4.00 – 6.15pm
‘Teaching music, made easy and fun' – 2 hr Early childhood music workshop (for 3-8 yr olds) featuring music from new album ‘Funkey Monkey'
workshops@welcometomusic.net
Flier available here WARNAMBOOL AREA, VICTORIA Fri 2nd Sept
All day Early Childhood & middle years Music workshop
workshops@welcometomusic.net
Flier available here SALE , VIC Fri 7th Oct
All day Early Childhood Music workshop (for 3-8 yr olds)
workshops@welcometomusic.net
Flier available here Workshop Dates for 2006
MELBOURNE postponed from November to Fri 24 th Feb
All day Music workshop at Lauriston School Kindergarten in Armadale
workshops@welcometomusic.net
Focus Group in Melbourne – Sat 20th August
We are looking for a group of experienced educators in preschools and primary schools who are using our WtM resources. We would ideally like a mix of music specialists and non music specialists. Our goal is to meet over coffee either late afternoon or on a Saturday morning several times per year to discuss and give feedback on:
- Your musical needs
- Product development
- Resources that work
- Trying out new activities with your children
- reviewing etc.
In return for your time, you will receive free products. We have organised a meeting time on Sat 20th August at 10.30 – 12.00pm at our home in McKinnon, which is south east Melbourne . If you are interested please contact us at info@welcometomusic.net
Orff based improvisation course
Thankyou to all of those people who responded. Over 60 people have expressed interest in doing this course which will now be run during term 1, 2006. For information email susie@welcometomusic.net
Welcome to Music (WtM) Survey
Many thanks to all of you who took the time to fill out this survey.
CONGRATULATIONS to Jocelyn Lowinger from Bialik College who has won the draw for up to $119 worth of free Welcome to Music products
For the full results and suggested actions that we can take, please view on our website. There was lots of interest for an instructional DVD, themed activities, learning outcomes, assessment pages and worksheets and more of what we are already providing – so that was good news. Take a look at www.welcometomusic.net
Testimonials ...
Maryborough music conference:
" I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your sessions at the Music Conference in Maryborough. They were truly inspiring and I just can't stop singing and humming and listening to your music. "
Desley Meads
" Have had an awesome time with your 'Funkey Monkey' resource since returning from the Maryborough Music Conference. Have used 'Lo Yisa Goy' with every class and it's true what they say, music really does calm the savage beast! Thanks Sandy "
Sandra Mohyluk
Perth music workshop:
" I met you both in Perth at the all-day workshops. A few words of thanks, my kids are mad about Funkey Monkey. They can't get enough of it and it is certainly keeping me in shape doing all those moves class after class! Many thanks again "
Marina Spadaccini
On-line shopping now available!
On our website you will also find sample songs and pages from our teacher's manuals, PLUS we now have on line shopping for your convenience – It's quick and easy and school orders and credit cards are welcome – check it out here !
PS: We think that this newsletter is really good value. If you think so too, pass it on to another teacher, caregiver or parent and suggest that they subscribe as well.
Yours in harmony, Susie and Phil
What is MusicNotes?
MusicNotes is our eNewsletter for preschool and primary teachers, caregivers, parents, therapists, community members and anyone who loves music and is passionate about music for children and all people - regardless of age or background!
MusicNotes is filled with useful information, music resources updates, workshop and event information, articles on music education and even an Ask Susie question and comments forum.
Unsubscribe Information
Click here to automatically send us your instructions, or reply to this email with 'unsubscribe' in the subject line, and we will remove you from our email list. All Content © 2005 Welcome to Music - All Rights Reserved |
