When students tune in to a tune

GREG CAREY, ACTING DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

One of the most important things we can do in life is listen, listen to the sounds around us. Sound is music, and music is one of the first things we sense when we are in the womb.

When a child begins school, their music education is fully ignited. At The Geelong College we consider music as an aural art form in the early levels, demonstrated most simply through singing. This is the start of a child’s own journey through creativity. In Year 3, we introduce students to the strings program where every student learns a string instrument for a year and later come together to experience the empowerment of playing together. We extend this at Year 7 when all students learn a brass, woodwind or string instrument and form a band or orchestra. At this point in a student’s education, they realise that music is closely linked to all areas of the curriculum. music in allowing children to develop in positive ways. Specifically, there are evidenced advantages within the domains of mathematics, science, language, physical education, and the visual and performing arts. Music is mathematical. It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions which must be done instantaneously. Through music, students can develop their math, problem-solving, and patternrecognition skills. We find music in science. It is precise, specific, and it demands exact acoustics. We view the printed music as a chart or graph which indicates frequencies, intensities, volume contrast, melody, and harmony all at once and with the most exact control of time. Music is a universal language made up of a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas. We see music through history, with music signifying the evolution of cultures and political climates as a catalyst for historical progression. Music is art, allowing students to take the techniques of playing an instrument and apply them to create emotion and self-expression. Music allows students to express themselves in a unique way, fuelling their learning and exploration of self, while developing fundamental social skills.

Ensemble music provides skills with parallels to physical education and team sport. Learning an instrument requires fine motor skills and exacting coordination of fingers, hands, arms, feet, lips, cheeks and facial muscles in

addition to extraordinary control of the diaphragm, back, stomach, and chest muscles, which respond instantly to the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets. Many of our students have elected to take individual instrumental tuition, spanning from strings, through to woodwind, brass, percussion, guitar, voice and piano. We are fortunate to have a rich history and culture of excellence in music education supported by 46 specialist music teachers who teach instrumental music to just over 600 students each week. Most of these students go on to participate in one of the 37 music ensembles on offer including the likes of our symphony orchestra, string orchestras, concert bands, rock groups, jazz ensembles, choirs and chamber ensembles as well as a very active VET Music Industry course which enables students to be industry-ready for the contemporary performance scene.

Students who commit to additional music studies are obviously busy. They enjoy the emotional and social bonds they form through participating in a group and often unknowingly experience a rich academic life. This is why it is not unusual to see musicians represented as the top academic achievers at any awards ceremony. But this is only a taste of the vast benefits of music, with so many rich experiences to be had within an academically musical life. Each year, we hold the Foundation Concert. Made possible by The Geelong College Foundation, the concert is the pinnacle of The Geelong College’s music program and celebrates the musicianship, talent and dedication our students embody. Musical ensembles and choirs from across the College are brought together in a single evening of performance, spanning a wide variety of musical styles.

After a whirlwind year, Greg will be handing over the baton to his successor, Scott Templeton. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Greg for his leadership and dedication to the role, and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Scott Templeton, incoming Director of Music

Scott comes to The Geelong College from Yarra Valley Grammar where he was Director of Performing Arts and previously the Director of Music. Scott is an accomplished jazz musician, playing tenor saxophone in a professional jazz ensemble, and teaching Saxophone, Clarinet and Drums to A.Mus.A and VCE level.

At TGC he aims to share his love of music with students and to instil in them the enjoyment, enthusiasm and discipline that he has learned through his own musical journey. He wants to lead a Music Department that can provide opportunities for all, and be a vibrant and happy place for both students and staff to work in.

Scott has considerable experience in all areas of music including jazz, musical theatre and loves the traditional music programs of mass participation, as well as an enthusiasm and understanding for contemporary music education. He, his wife Jane and daughter Ella are looking forward to joining The Geelong College community in 2023.