Case studies
The whole school sings – Melbourne High School
Steven Bowler has an infectious energy when he speaks about Melbourne High School’s massed singing program, but also humbly points out that the program started well before he arrived at the school.
It’s been part of the timetable for ages. The Year 9 and 10 students learn songs every Tuesday, and we do all styles from Purcell to country and western, acid rock – we’re even learning a heavy metal number.
I think it really builds character. It feels like they are part of something bigger – something important.
Steven says that the group singing, which has been a school tradition for many years, gives the boys a real sense of cohesion: ‘It’s a sense of being part of something big. When I see boys out and about who are ex-Melbourne High School – when they get together they burst into songs that they remember from class time.’
Educationally, Steven says, the singing fills a gap. Some boys come to the school with no prior music education and singing offers them a way into music that is inclusive and a great way to participate in music without having to know how to play an instrument.
Singing really levels the playing field.
Steven is emphatic that the school singing program has gained the school kudos. This program is bolstered by opportunities for instrumental learning, with around 360 students across the school learning musical instruments.
The students gain plenty of performance opportunities for their singing and playing prowess with between eight and 10 concerts per year, and the big night – the end of school Speech Night when all 1400 boys sing together for their community.
Detailed planning to integrate classroom music with the school instrumental program and performance opportunities is the key to keeping the music program strong.
It has to dovetail with instrumental and classroom music. That way the boys are bringing the skills with them to other opportunities like the school symphony orchestra. Because of this program we’ve got substantial numbers of students doing music at VCE level and in instrumental, which builds our support from parents and the region.
Steven says that the benefits to the school are enormous.
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