Year 7 Music
Year 7 Music is all about exploring the foundations of how Music works and having a go at learning an instrument. Throughout the year students explore rhythm, compose melodies and learn about the instruments of the Orchestra and Program music.
Feel the Beat
Music has a heartbeat and term one is all about rhythm! Students composed their own four bar rhythm and then combined it with three other students to create a layered polyrhythm! Groups performed using a range of untuned percussion instruments.
Have a listen to some of their creations below!
Gemma, Miranda, Crispin and Jesse
Jasmine, Lizzie, Garrick and Ashwin
Josh, Luke and Dylan
Aadit, Tanish and Nikolay
Keyboard Half-yearly performances
In semester one, students spent time learning the keyboard and playing simple songs in different contexts. For some students this was a brand new experience and a big challenge. Congratulations to all students for giving it their best go!
Unfortunately due to the lockdown and covid restrictions during semester 2 students were not able to resume their keyboard work but stay tuned for more music making in the future!
7.2 Performing "Standing room only"
Incursion
Year 7 students participated in an exciting incursion with the Suara Indonesia Dance Company. Students were introduced to the role of music in the Indonesian culture and took part in a fabulous workshop. During the workshop, students learnt elements of Ratoh Duek which is sitting body percussion dances.
Students were also introduced to some traditional Javanese instruments including Randai which are big pants! Students tried them on and learnt how Indonesian Dancers use them as drums to create a fusion of rhythm and movement.
Instruments of the Orchestra
In term 3 our students explored the various instruments in the orchestra. This was during lockdown and so students completed lots of creative activities during online learning.
At the start of the topic students explored A Capella Vocal Ensembles by creating their own layered composition using Incredibox. Students competed to create the most engaging and entertaining arrangement. Have a listen to our winners!
Jaimie
Sophia
Johtaro
During zoom lessons we also made the most of having some expert musicians in our classes and held some "show and tell" sessions. Our experts introduced us to their instrument, the different parts and how to play it.
Students also put the pressure on the teachers by creating quizzes about various orchestral instruments. They included research about the origin of the instrument, sound production and its role in the Symphony Orchestra. Hover over the boxes below to test your own knowledge!
Q1.
Which of these is a feature of the viola?
a. Fingerboard
b. Valves
c. Frets
ANSWER:
A - Italy
by Lana Filep
ANSWER:
C - 1673
by Miranda
Q2.
When was the timpani first featured in an orchestra?
a. 1788
b. 1547
c. 1673
Q3.
Where does the clarinet originate from?
a. Sweden
b. Germany
c.Holland
ANSWER:
B - Germany
by Savanna
Q4.
What material is the trombone mainly made out of?
a. Gold
b. Silver
c. Brass
ANSWER:
C. Brass
by Gaurav
We would like to thank the Suara company performers for the entertaining and vibrant day!
Online Incursion
In Term three (during lockdown!) students were treated to a special musical masterclass with guest speaker Connor Malanos from Australian Ensemble Quart-Ed.
He introduced us to some extended performance techniques on string instruments and showed us some cool beatboxing basics!
Thanks Connor!
Prac Returns!
After many quiet classrooms and zoom lessons practical activities returned in a limited capacity during term 4 and how exciting it was! (look at the expressions on the right for proof!)
Some classes were able to learn some musical themes on the glockenspiel and others on the violin. Check it out!
7.2 Students performing "Hall of the Mountain King".
7.3 performing "The Moldau" on the violin