After 10 years Bell Bay Aluminium’s partnership with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is moving into the classroom and students from George Town’s three schools will immerse themselves in an innovative new learning program, incorporating the use of percussion instruments.
TSO CEO Caroline Sharpen said The Percussion Project was a long-term initiative designed by the TSO to meaningfully engage students with music learning modules in an interactive way.
“This initiative has been made possible through the generous support of Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay Aluminium smelter, allowing us to create a module of work with the use of various percussion instruments including djembe’s, cowbells and hand drums,” Ms Sharpen said.
Bell Bay Aluminium’s General Manager, Richard Curtis said, “Access to music education for students is important to developing problem solving, collaboration and interdependent learning. George Town students will be the first in Tasmania to experience this exciting and fun new way to learn music in the classroom.”
The Percussion Project features a piece composed by percussionist and educator Tracey Patten, who along with her fellow percussionists have recorded the backing track as well as a series of ‘how to’ videos to support ongoing classroom learning – on a drumkit constructed from aluminium pots and pans.
Ms Sharpen said teachers from the three schools would attend a training workshop led by Tracey and TSO Director of Artistic Development Kim Waldock – also an experienced music teacher.
“Tracey will lead workshops with primary students from Port Dalrymple, South George Town Primary and Star of the Sea schools on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 December,” she said.
“The TSO is excited to embark on this three-year partnership with Bell Bay Aluminium and we look forward to meeting the students’ families when we present a family concert at the George Town Memorial Hall on February 8 next year.”
Workshop facilitator Kim Waldock said meaningful, long-term music making was so important to the development of a child mentally, socially, aesthetically and culturally.
“We are grateful that Bell Bay Aluminium shares our vision for the children in the George Town community, providing this opportunity for the TSO to connect with students and their families, through visiting ensembles and teaching artists,” Ms Waldock said.