Performing Arts at Craigburn Primary

Information for Parents 2016

Classroom Lessons

These lessons are located in our new Performing Arts Room & I invite you to pop in for a visit at any time.

Every child is involved in a minimum of 40 minutes / week. I primarily use the Orff Schulwerk approach to music / movement education which is a creative way to teach and learn music through singing, movement and dance, drama, speech and instrumental work. This approach is based on things children (and adults) like to do: sing, chant rhymes, clap, move, dance and keep beat on anything near at hand. These instincts are directed into learning music by hearing and making music first, then reading and writing later. This is the same way we learn language! Students will also have the opportunity to use software (Garage Band & Sibelius) to create their own music.

Each student has the opportunity to be involved at their level of competency but is still able to contribute to the overall achievement and effect.

Students are involved in whole class performances and I will notify you of any assembly or special performances as they occur. Parents are always welcome to attend lessons and even join in!

Students are continually assessed using the Australian Curriculum in Arts. ( Music, Drama & Dance)

Instrumental Music Program

Students have the opportunity to be involved in learning a variety of instruments through private music teachers who provide tuition during school time. Parents pay for this tuition and are responsible for providing / hiring instruments and any associated materials. The school has a selection of woodwind and brass instruments, which can be hired. Tuition is currently available in the following instruments:

Cello	Guitar	Trumpet
Clarinet	Keyboard / Piano	Violin
Drums	Recorder	Viola
Fife	Saxophone	Voice
Flute	Trombone

The tuition is mainly available for Year 2 -7 students, however tuition for some of these instruments is available for younger students. You are always welcome to discuss your individual child’s needs with me.

Some lessons have already commenced and lesson times are currently being negotiated. You will be notified if your child was unable to start lessons. There are waiting lists in some instruments due to the large number of students wanting to learn this year. Please see me or contact Heather in the Front Office if you wish to place your child’s name on a waiting list for 2017

Junior Choirs

Junior Choir is available for Year 3/4/5 ,students. There are separate Boys and Girls groups, which rehearse on, alternate weeks. These choirs rehearse in the Performing Arts room on Wednesday at 12:25pm – 1:00pm.

Students will be notified when the first session commences.

Senior Choir ( Years 5/6/7)

This choir commenced rehearsals in Week 2. The group rehearses on Wednesdays between 11:10am – 12:25pm in the hall. The students are learning songs in preparation to participate in the Public Primary Schools Music Festival to be held at the Festival Theatre in September. There are opportunities for students to be involved in vocal solos, district orchestras and performance/dance troupes. Students are also able to audition for compere and other instrumental/ performance roles. I will send home information about these opportunities as it becomes available.

Choir members will need a book and CD. You will be invoiced for these - $16.50.

Parents are always welcome in rehearsals.

School Concert Band

This is a group of mainly Year 4 – 7 students who have developed a reasonable level of proficiency in their instruments. Students need to be able to read music & probably been learning their instrument for 1-2 years. I will meet with the students in week 4.

Performing Arts School Shirts

If your child is a member of a choir or concert band they can wear one of these shirts as part of their school uniform. These are also worn in performances. The shirts can be ordered from DZ Australia in the same way as other school uniform items.

Performing Arts Showcase Concert

This will be an opportunity for students to perform. The choirs, Band & individuals & groups will be able to showcase their talents & entertain us. Details of this are TBA later in the year.

If you need any information about these programmes or advice re extra curricular Performing Arts programmes, specialist schools, scholarships or instrument hire /purchase please contact me.

I am also available to discuss your child’s progress on an ongoing basis.

Kerry Rayner

kerry.rayner239@schools.sa.edu.au