Magazine 2017

Justin Tarte said, “If you are going to focus on changing how students learn, then you have to ensure the learning space accommodates that learning.” Learners have come to understand the importance of rhythm, harmony and melody. They have spent time learning note values and basic note names. Some learners have even tried their hand at composing. The application, ‘Garageband’ has assisted the learners with melodic writing and recording rhythms on the keyboard. Learners who take individual music lessons have progressed very well this year. Our Assemblies are filled with music each week, and many learners participated in the Cape Town Eisteddfod and the Trinity Grade Examinations. This year, we initiated the Cultural Showcase evenings, where each Senior Preparatory grade was given an opportunity to present items of a cultural nature. This gave many inexperienced performers the opportunity to perform in front of an audience of peers and parents. Our marimba bands are always very popular at functions, and two of our bands played at a Charity Fundraiser for the Tygerberg Hospital School. The orchestras have swelled in numbers, and with a large variety of instruments, are able to play an assortment of popular and classical arrangements. We are very proud of the achievements of our Junior and Senior Choirs. They competed in the Tygerberg Eisteddfod, the ATKV Applous competition, and appeared on television as part of the KykNet ‘Sing in Harmonie’ series. A highlight on the music calendar is the annual Junior and Senior Preparatory Music Concerts. The audience was treated to a variety of solo pieces, duets, trios and ensembles. The choirs, orchestras and marimba bands also performed in a truly melodious event. Drama lessons give every learner the opportunity to express themselves through voice and action. Each idea can become a scene or story and we fully embrace this quote: “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” - The Queen, Alice in Wonderland The learners certainly proved that nothing is impossible. The Junior Preparatory learners have learnt poetry for recitation, improving their vocal quality and communication skills. They have also experimented with group acted stories and creating role-play from various ideas. The Senior Preparatory learners have used applications such as Toontastic, the Green Scene and iMovie to create presentations where they use their knowledge of stage technique and the use of Modulation to create characters and scenes. They have also experimented with different acting techniques. The members of the various Drama Societies achieved excellent results at the Cape Town Eisteddfod, and we are extremely proud of their performances. Educators in the Culture Department have embraced technology and integrated the use thereof into their lessons. As David Warlick says, ‘We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.’ From Left to right: A - A Fine Flautist. B - Pianist with a beautiful posture. C - All that Jazz. D - Strumming his Song. E - Clarinet Trio - Song of the Sea. F - Careful Finger Work on the Piano. G - Budding Violinist. “All the world's but a stage!” Some wise words from Shakespeare, which applies to all not just our Junior Preparatory Orchestra. B C D E F G B E F 53 www.parklands.co.za