Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra
Hi, my name is William. I am in grade 1.
On Sunday the 31st of July I went to see the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra. My Pop took my big brother Oliver and me along to see the children’s concert. At the performance I saw a piano, drums, violin, flute, and then other instruments being played. My favourite was the drums because they were loud and my favourite instrument was the piano because it made nice sounds. They also showed us what job the conductor is in an orchestra. The afternoon was lots of fun.
Grade 3 students have excitedly started composing their own music. In fact, after working together as a class to see how it might be done, Isabelle and Marcus from 3S couldn’t wait until their next music lesson to begin and both produced beautiful sounding, very neatly written works at home. Students are still working on their first compositions and you can see from these photos how enthusiastically and seriously everyone is taking this task.
3S composing on PhotoPeach
On the 24th of May, St Martin Of Tours senior school concert band participated in the Boroondara Eisteddfod along with seven other schools. This annual musical event for concert bands was held at the Hawthorn Town Hall and commenced at 11:00.
Our concert band played two pieces, Forrest Gump and Bunyip Blues and performed them in front of all the other schools and the adjudicator/judge Mr. Stephen Carpenter after two other bands.
After all eight performances, the winners were announced by Mr. Carpenter and our band came 3rd!! Our prize was $50 and a certificate for each of us but the greatest reward was having the honor of coming a place at such a special event. We were all ecstatic and pleased with what we had achieved. I still recall the expressions of our band members when our name was called; it was an emotional and exciting moment.
Congratulations to all those who participated in this event and, on behalf of the band, I would like to say thank you to Danny and all those who helped our band put on such an incredible performance on the day!! WELL DONE EVERYONE!!!!!!!
By Ruby 6cz
A week prior to this our Senior Recorder Ensemble also competed at the eisteddfod in the primary school small ensemble category. We were all amazed at the high standard of playing and our ensemble played their very best. The Hawthorn Town Hall is a beautiful old building and a lovely venue in which to perform.
We are starting to play the descant recorder in grade 3. Students are expected to practice 5×2 (5minutes twice a week) for music homework and it is easy to tell who conscientiously does this. Here is a sample from 3BY. We need to work a bit more on video skills.
3BY Hot Cross Buns Recorder from smot music on Vimeo.
The past few weeks have been very busy here at SMOTmusic. After returning from term 1 and Easter break we were straight into lots of extra rehearsals. Any students from the Grades 5&6 choir and the Grades 3&4 choir were invited to be part of the choir for confirmation and it was wonderful to see so many children contribute, most singing on both nights. Many people in the congregation were very complimentary and appreciative of your beautiful sound, including The Archbishop, Denis Hart.
Our newly formed violin ensemble also performed very well at both masses. (It was the first time everyone remembered to bring their instruments on the same day.) We look forward to many more performances from these talented students.
To say thank you, the choir and violinists enjoyed Mrs Snipe’s famous hot chips and Mrs Hobbs’ renowned chocolate cake.
In some classes recently, we have been listening to the second movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 7th symphony (a symphony is a long piece of music for an orchestra - in fact, it usually consists of 4 pieces which are called movements and together they make the whole symphony). This 2nd movement is very famous because it is particularly beautiful. We were listening to it because you can hear the rhythmic elements of ta, ti-ti and sa very easily in it. here are two different versions if you would like to hear it again.
Recently in grade 2 we sang and played “Tick Tock Little Clock”. It was harder than you might think because everyone sat in a circle and alternate people played the beat or the melody. The person on either side of you was doing the part you weren’t doing. Here is 2D. Students are playing a different part in the two versions. Thanks to Nirmal who videoed us.
Version 1
Untitled from smot music on Vimeo.
Version 2 – the other way around
Untitled from smot music on Vimeo.
Rehearsals are well underway now for both bands. The senior band (those students continuing from last year, the inaugural year of the band) rehearses with Danny and the new students practise in the Music room with Christy. It is a lot of work and much to learn, but I’m sure parents will be amazed at the sound when the bands have their first performances for the year.
Our Concert Bands on PhotoPeach
Today we had our first lunchtime mini-concert for 2011. We enjoyed piano, guitar and violin performances from students and as a special treat, a flute solo from Nirmal, an ex-student who is back on work experience. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to hear everyone today, but there will be another opportunity on Thursday next week (last Thursday of term). It’s wonderful that the school is bursting with such talent!
mini-concert March 31st on PhotoPeach
Check out the Listening Suggestions! 
We just don’t have enough time time in class to do all the things I’d love us to do. One of those things is listening to all sorts of interesting music. On the Listening Suggestions page, I will put a new special listening treat each week. Click on the other links to hear and watch famous or unusal music.