Music / Arts Workshops
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The range of programs The Song Room provides include:
In-School Workshops
In-school Workshop Programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of each school community. The program can involve the formation of a choir or percussion group, the development of classroom music programs, assistance with school drama / music productions, or a music focussed unit of study. Program planning is based on local need, demographics and evidence-based exemplary practice. Support materials and activities, advice, and professional development are provided to enhance impact and work towards self-sustainablity.
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“Children who have usually been distracted were focused and on their best behaviour in specialist classes. One child who elects to be mute most of the time spoke up in front of the microphone to the excitement and joy of the audience.” Meadowbank PS |
School Holiday Workshops
Targeted programs for specific community groups are also provided. This component addresses the broader community needs of particular districts and regional areas and is focused on specific children, youth, and families in need. They involve wider community partnerships and collaborations beyond the school system to encourage positive community participation.
They provide a safe, supervised and structured environment in which children can explore, experience and enjoy their creative talents and provide a forum for positive parental and family involvement with their children and the school environment.
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“There was one boy who is regularly in conflict at school, whose behaviour steadily improved throughout the week until the Friday he wasn’t involved in a single incident. I think the program helped him to understand the benefits of co-operation.” Bettina Leeson – Leading Teacher, Tregear PS, NSW |
Performance Events
Professional performances provide students and teachers with the inspiration and motivation to engage in further music and performing arts programs and activities. Teacher support materials and activities are provided in advance for improved student participation.
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“Almost half of our students are Sudanese or Afghani refugees and would not be likely to visit the Melbourne Town Hall or view (let alone participate) in a real stage performance. One of our students even managed to ask a good question on her own – wow!” Blackburn ELS, VIC |
Long-term Sustainability Planning
The key way The Song Room programs create sustainable change, rather than simply providing programs where they previously didn’t exist, is to encourage the motivation, resources, skills networks and capacity for a range of disadvantaged school communities in Australia to provide life-changing developmental benefits to children.
The Song Room consults with the school/communities to structure programs that meet the needs of that school/community, including expert advice, teacher support and resource materials for developing music and performing arts programs. It also provides teachers and community mentors / leaders with a range of professional development, mentoring, and teaching resources opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and practice in the ongoing delivery of such programs.
The Song Room works with the program stakeholders to build tailored long-term sustainability plans and to assist schools and communities to build their own music and performing arts capacity.
The Song Room Online
All schools who participate in Song Room programs, as well as many other schools across the country will be given access to The Song Room Online. Membership provides schools with a range of resources and support to help them more confidently incorporate music and creative arts programs into their curriculum and thereby support long-term, sustainable music/arts programs.
The online resources include: curriculum and teaching resources; music, singing, dance and drama activities; structured Professional Development, links to other websites with creative arts resources, links to arts/arts education bodies and details on how a creative arts program in a school links to a State's Curriculum.
Please go to School Members for more details on this innovative program.
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“Without the support of The Song Room showing us the benefits of having a music teacher in the school, it is entirely possible that our school would never have taken the step to employ one.” Naranga School |
Community Capacity Building
An important element of The Song Room programs is the development of community networks, leadership opportunities and cooperative district program structures to enable ongoing music and performing arts programs. This involves building linkages with community & school advisory committees and community representatives, and with local music and performing arts organisations.
Instrument Donations
Often schools have no music or performing arts programs and few resources or finances to fund the purchase of musical instruments. The Song Room assists in sourcing instrument donations from music companies and private sources, so that schools are left with a lasting resource.
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I've loved seeing children blossom and perform so well – children who don’t necessarily ‘make it’ in other areas of the curriculum.” Christ the King PS, Braybrook, VIC |
Partnerships and Collaborations
The Song Room has developed a broad and comprehensive range of partnerships and collaborations that have been instrumental in the effectiveness of the Song Room model in expanding access to disadvantaged groups and individuals.
Current collaborations and partnerships include the Australian Chamber Orchestra, National Gallery of Victoria, specialist and English language schools, government and non-government schools, the Royal Children’s Hospital, Local Governments, Wesley Mission and Relationships Australia.
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"....absolutely fabulous....A whole school experience that's been so uplifting. Every child in every class participated...there was perhaps one of 189 students who didn't thoroughly enjoy it. Some of the children burst into spontaneous song in the classroom and then the rest of the class joins in on regular occasions. And children who have been difficult to engage or motivate are just bursting out of their skin to participate. It's so wonderful to see the talents they possess and their eagerness to learn more and more. Thank you so much...we are forever indebted to The Song Room. The children have been able to experience music in a way we never dreamt of." St Mary's School, Ararat |
If you or your organisation would like to become a partner of, collaborate with, or sponsor The Song Room, please go to How You Can Help. You’ll be involved with a wonderful cause.
For information about any of The Song Room programs, please contact:
Deborah Nicolson
Program Manager
Tel: (03) 9495 6422
Fax: (03) 9495 6433
e:
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