Music Theory Exam success!
Congratulations to Danny Gong (8E) on his outstanding result of 94% (Honours) in his Grade 3 Music Theory Exam. Danny studies Music Theory with our Head of Keyboard, Ms McKenzie and she was thrilled that he attempted the Australian Music Examinations Board assessment in an online format last week with such a great outcome. Well done, Danny!
How playing an instrument benefits your brain
Music lessons clearly promote musical understanding and literacy, which is in and of itself a noble and challenging endeavour. Research has proven that a musical education and playing a musical instrument also can enhance language ability, improve attention span, promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, sociability, empathy and resilience and reduce anxiety and stress. Learning a musical instrument also supports the development of creative and collaboration skills. Did you know that all of this was happening as you listened to your child practise their instrument in the next room?!?
Neuromusical scientific research has reviewed brain activity scans of children (and adults) playing music and found it to be one of very few activities which activates the whole brain. If you are not already aware of the work of Australian researcher and music educator, Dr Anita Collins, be sure to watch her Ted Talk on the benefits of learning a musical instrument https://www.ted.com/talks/anita_collins_how_playing_an_instrument_benefits_your_brain for some wonderful insights into this burgeoning area of research.
News on upcoming concerts
Music events scheduled for the coming few weeks (including the Singing Soiree, the Brass and Woodwind Concert, the Speech and Drama Concert and the Friends of Music Jazz Night) have been postponed until further notice. In all likelihood, students’ performances will be filmed (either at home, or at school when we return) and the smaller concerts will be released to families as a video link at a future date, to be determined. The Friends of Music will be discussing whether our Jazz Night might see the light of day (or night) further down the track … stay tuned for updates. Thank you for your understanding.
