On Friday afternoons, the Junior School girls are engaged in learning right up until the end of the day. I saw this learning in action last week at Blackman Auditorium, where our Years 1 and 2 girls arrived for choir with energy and enthusiasm, ready to learn new songs that challenge them to coordinate their voices, hands and movement simultaneously.
Under the expert teaching of Ms Melinda Bryant, Ms Michelle Rollins, and Mrs Jodie Winton, our girls experience the joy of singing while developing musical skills. Our music teachers guide each girl’s vocal development, focusing on her breathing techniques, posture, clear diction, and the art of listening and responding to others within an ensemble.
All our Years 1 and 2 girls participate in choir during school time as part of their weekly program. For our older girls in Years 3 to 6, optional choir rehearsals occur before school. The teachers adapt their approach to suit each age group, creating a supportive environment where every girl can develop confidence and proficiency. The girls learn to listen carefully to one another, developing the skills to sing in harmony. This requires concentration and cooperation, and each girl must contribute her part whilst listening to how it blends with others around her.
The benefits of participation in a choir extend beyond the rehearsal. When children sing together, they are strengthening the neural pathways that support language development. Singing requires clear articulation and pronunciation, providing opportunities to refine speech sounds and enhance overall vocal quality. The rhythmic patterns in music help develop the sense of timing that supports reading fluency, whilst learning lyrics enhances memory and vocabulary.
I am delighted to share that this year our Year 1 and Year 2 girls will present Singing Showcases.
The Showcases will celebrate the musical growth and learning that has taken place throughout the term, while providing the girls with the experience of sharing their voices with their families. The Year 2, Years 3 and 4 and Years 5 and 6 Choirs will perform at the Junior School Ensembles Concert on Thursday 26 June beginning at 6:00pm.
- Year 1 Singing Showcase: Friday 13 June from 2:30pm – 3:00pm
- Year 2 Singing Showcase: Friday 20 June from 2:30pm – 3:00pm