Spotlight On Success - March
Perth Jazz Society workshop at Mt Lawley Senior High School
Jazz at Mt Lawley SHS
WA Ballet in Schools
WA Ballet in Schools
Perth Jazz Society at Mt Lawley Senior High School
The Smarter than Smoking High School Jazz Series workshop involved more than 50 students from Years 9 - 12. Music teacher Tessie Palmyre and her young musicians were inspired by The Michelle Nicolle Quartet from Melbourne including Michelle Nicolle on vocals, Geoff Hughes on guitar, Ronny Ferella on drums, and Tom Lee on bass
The musical performance and workshop were held on Tuesday 24 March 2009 in the school theatre arts room. Michelle Nicolle and her band performed several songs and discussed these with the audience. The Quartet members asked questions and then conducted a series of exercises involving everyone in the room. Several pieces being rehearsed by the advanced ensemble were played and re-worked with the ensemble. The visiting artists played along with the ensemble and provided individual coaching in their own sections as the pieces were re-worked.
Mt Lawley SHS students participate in the workshop, photograph by Vic Waters
“The overall student reaction to the workshop was extremely positive. The majority of the students have been inspired from the experience and seem to be incorporating most of the concepts and practice techniques into their playing.
The school's music program has benefited greatly from this experience. The students are quite motivated and inspired and the staff have been equipped with some new teaching ideas to incorporate in the classroom.”
“Thanks again PJS for this fantastic workshop” said teacher- Tessie Palmyre
In 2009 West Australian Ballet, in partnership with Eni, has developed a new initiative, Chance to Dance.
A student from Belmont Primary School with West Australian Ballet dancers. Photograph courtesy of West Australian Ballet
Belmont Primary School, Calista Primary School, Lockridge Primary School, Maylands Peninsula Primary School and North Balga Primary School were selected to participate in the project which aims to introduce primary school students who would not normally have the opportunity, to the magic of dance and theatre.
The program, conducted between March 27 and April 6, 2009 aims to encourage and inspire children to develop their physical skills, communication and self confidence through the enriching experience of dance and working with a major performing arts company. It also aims to teach children not to be intimidated by theatre and to encourage an interest in the arts.
Students involved in the program participate in an Insight into Dance presentation and Hands On workshop held at their school, see a performance by West Australian Ballet at His Majesty's Theatre (the BeActive Schools' matinee of Giselle on April 29, 2009) and go on a tour of His Majesty's Theatre.
Links to the curriculum can be made through physical and health education, art, music and drama.
“In the morning I was so excited. We went to the undercover area to meet Miss Head and then we had some morning tea. After that we caught the bus, It was so cool. Soon we got to the big theatre. It was so exciting and big. The best part of the ballet was when they jumped high and around the stage. The lighting was very cool.”
A student from Lockridge Primary School about coming to the Giselle schools’ matinee.
“The students were able to see benefits other than just the enjoyment of watching ballet, including being physically active through dance.”
Maylands Peninsula Primary School teacher Bec Turvey about the Insight into Dance presentation.
The beauty of this project is that 152 year 3 -7 students across 5 schools have had a rich arts experience which otherwise they would not have the opportunity to participate in.
For more information on this project and other education programs contact Rachel Breidahl on 9214 0704 or rbreidahl@waballet.com.au. To visit their website go to www.waballet.com.au
