Camille Hollingdale, Music Specialist, Abbotsford Primary School, Sydney NSW

“Students thoroughly enjoyed the singing, movements, instrument playing and the pirate story presented to them. They fully participated and appreciated their experience.
‘I felt funny!’ ‘I felt amazed by the funny stuff!’ ‘Cool and crazy, you can sing anywhere!’ are just a few comments given by our students in Year 2.”

Edith Poon, Kristin Junior School, Auckland, New Zealand

“What a great day of music we had – Susie and Phil worked with our Junior and Middle School students developing a performance item with each group that was then performed in an afternoon concert for the whole school. Singing, moving and playing happened effortlessly, with every child feeling engaged and included in the items. Susie and Phil’s warn and joyful approach to music captivated the children from the moment they entered the hall.
I just love what you do –you make music so accessible for kids and so much fun.”

Mary Cornish – Bayfield School, Auckland 3.14

“Of all the performances we have enjoyed at our school our students always engage fully with Susie and Phil and thoroughly enjoy their show.”

Rakkael Creet, Music Teacher, Southern Support school, Hobart, Tas

“I have had nothing but positive reports and feedback since the workshop last week! I have had teachers and principals email me telling me how much they enjoyed the day, and how impressed they were with “Susie and Phil’s professionalism and enthusiasm, and terrific engagement of the kids!” (It is rare to get positive feedback from these events, so to have so many wonderful comments is really lovely!) The kids got so much out of the workshop, and the teacher’s too!!! It really was a pleasure working with you both and I hope I get the opportunity to do so again sometime in the future! Will most definitely let you know how the festival goes!

Thanks again”

Amy Ball

Assistant Principal

Gorokan Public School

“Phil and Susie came to our school in March 2010 for an Artist in Residence Program. It was an absolute joy and inspiration to see two people who love their work. Phil and Susie were inspirational to the children from across all year levels. The children were fully immersed in the activities and in no time they were up playing, creating, singing and performing with confidence. The concert at the conclusion of the week was a wonderful way to celebrate what was learnt. With a packed hall, we needed two concerts that evening to accommodate all the parents and children. The staff were also inspired from the Professional Development that Susie and Phil organised. We are currently beginning to form our own school staff choir. Many thanks Susie and Phil.”

Ian Phillips, Music co-ordinator, Corinda State Primary school

“We loved Susie and Phil at Broadmeadows SDS. They were great with the students and able to adapt the music and activities to meet the varying needs of the students.

Feedback from classroom teachers was glowing. They were really happy with the way that Susie and Phil related to the students, and the students participated well because they were engaged. Susie and Phil were great, and we would have them back any time.

By the way, we had an incursion at school the other day, and every time we have someone in, there are always comments about how good you and Phil were with the kids and how great it was. Everyone really loved you guys, and thought it was a worthwhile experience for the kids – which is more important. So thank you so much again.”

Louise Docherty
Music Therapist
Broadmeadows Special Developmental School

I would like to thank you for both being the resident musicians during the ‘Festival of the Arts’ and working with students ranging from E.L.C through all the year levels to year 8. The students benefited enormously from your warm and expert approach.

Celia Gall, Head of Music, Haileybury College, VIC

Two days of song, rhyme, movement, percussion playing, improvisation and making music together. Thank you for being our Artists in Residence.

Kerry Allen, Director of Early Childhood, Canberra Grammar School, ACT

What a great day. Susie and Phil had the whole school, all 175 children, singing, dancing and playing all day. Suddenly some of our students found new confidence and new skills and were able to participate and perform with enthusiasm, energy and new found skill.

Susie and Phil know how to energise the students and get them participating to a level the children themselves did not think possible. Great songs, fantastic dances and some amazing instruments meant it was a great day that our students will not forget.

Thanks Susie and Phil, you’re the best.

Greg Roberts, Music Specialist, St Mary Margarets School, VIC

“Our Artist in Schools program had a Performing Arts emphasis and we were very excited by the program offered by Susie and Phil. They had a fantastic rapport with the children. We had a fantastic time and would love to have them back for longer.”

Suzanne Kinnersly, Music Coordinator, Hawthorn West Primary School, VIC

All students in our Junior School were involved in a wonderful day of music-making entitled “Mad about Music”. A series of dynamic and exciting workshops were given by our Artists-in-Residence Susie Davies-Splitter and Phil Splitter. Susie and Phil not only entertained us with their original, jazzy songs but they brought with them a myriad of percussion instruments including marimbas, xylophones, drums and homemade wacky instruments. Students were introduced to improvisation and ensemble work using voice and percussion instruments and in no time at all were ready to perform in an exciting whole school session which finished the day. An important focus of the day was the visit by a group of children from the South Sudanese community who participated alongside the Caulfield Grammar students. Susie and Phil fully embraced the cultural awareness aspect of the day, interacting positively and sensitively with all of the participants. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and joy for music that they inspired in both the students and staff involved. They have made a lasting impression on our school community and we look forward to working with them again in the future.

JodieYemm & Marion Stafford, Caulfield Grammar School, Wheelers Hill Campus, Junior school

“Susie and Phil present an exciting and dynamic workshop that leave participants feeling energized and equipped to inspire their young students in music making that includes singing, movement, instrument playing and improvisation. Their creative approach is for all levels of ability and experience. Guaranteed learning and fun!”

Lynn Kleiner, Music Rhapsody, LA, USA

Wow! What an amazing week. It was great to witness the power of music transform the whole school into a big musical ensemble. All aspects of the school community came together, through Susie and Phil, for the final outcome, which of course was the performance.

The children were brought out of their “shells” and inhibitions to sing, create movements, play instruments, perform and extend on the talents they already had. With 700 children performing together with teachers and parents there to teach, witness and support, it encompassed the whole school philosophy of inclusion.

Ian Phillips, Flagstone Primary School, Flagstone, Qld

What an experience! Wish that we could have had another couple of weeks to see how far our students could have gone! Susie and Phil’s visit to our school was just fantastic with the students still singing and playing some of their favourite songs. Everyone now knows what ostinato is thanks to Phil’s – merge an ostrich and a tomato!! They worked with 640 students from Reception to Year 7 over three days – a tall order but one which was very professional, dynamic, entertaining and creative. Congratulations Susie and Phil.

Kerry Martin, Music Teacher, Adelaide

Rossmoyne Primary School was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of Susie and Phil’s company for a day. They worked with all year levels on improvisation. As one staff member commented, “They had the kids eating out of their hands”. The Junior students are still talking about ‘the crazy conductor’ and they’re all asking me when we can purchase some sets of boomwhackers. It was great to see the kids so actively involved in performances.

Wendy Oliver. Music Specialist , Rossmoyne Primary School., Perth WA