On Thursday 12th September, our Year 4 students had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and experience the beauty of live classical music, including well-known pieces such as Bolero. Sitting in the concert hall, they were immersed in the richness of sound and the skill of world-class musicians.
As a Christian school, we are reminded that music is a gift from God. Throughout Scripture we see music being used to praise, encourage, and lift hearts toward Him (Psalm 150). The harmonies and rhythms our students enjoyed reflect God’s creativity, given to us to delight in and to use for His glory.
This experience was not just about hearing famous compositions, it was an opportunity for our students to recognise music as one of God’s good gifts, hopefully stirring wonder and joy, and pointing us back to our creator.
“One instrument by itself sounds nice, but when a whole variety of instruments come together and share the melody and harmony, that is where the most amazing things happen. Likewise, with a school, when we share ideas and support each other, listen to each other, learn from each other, that is when the music of the heart and mind is made.” Kristie Baker, Music Teacher
Below are some thoughts from our Year 4 students.
“They played a variety of songs from slow moving songs like The Ascending of Master Wu from Kung Fu Panda to the fast-moving William Tell Overture. I felt intrigued and fascinated by the music and amazed by how all the instruments could make a beautiful sound together.” Shin Yu
“The orchestra played 6 songs, both slow and fast. As the music played, I felt more and more interested. It was a wonderful experience for me watching the orchestra play together.” Zoe
“I like the music.” Ollie
“I loved in the hall of the mountain king.” Hugo
“Flute, The Mountain King, conducting with them. I liked it when the conductor put the horse mask on.” Liza
“I like the flute and the violin. My favourite piece was William Tell Overture and Mountain King. Orchestra had a person entertaining the crowd. I like the whole thing, when the conductor wears a horse on his head.” Joselyn
“My favourite instrument was the harp, my favourite song was the first one, I don’t know the name.” Joshua
“My favourite instrument was the violin. My favourite piece was the first song. I learned that we all have an instrument in our body. I enjoyed watching the orchestra. I was surprised by the conductor wearing a horse mask.” Luke
“My favourite instrument is the piano, my favourite piece was the 2nd one. I learnt that an Obo is an instrument, and I enjoyed the conductor having a horse head and how colourful Eliza was compared to the rest.” Florence
“I loved the violins, and I loved the second piece. I learned that music has beautiful ways to make you sad or happy. I enjoyed the music, and I got surprised by the conductor.” Watiri