Dear Friend of Music

Welcome & News

Welcome to our December E-newsletter - and a particular welcome to all the new readers from our recent workshops in Sale and Melbourne.

Phil and I have recently performed at the Queenscliff Music Festival in Victoria which was a lot of fun, and as part of International Day for people with a disability for the central Bayside disability service in Melbourne. It was wonderful to sing, dance, play instruments, laugh, create and enjoy music together as we all celebrated this grand ‘Abilities’ event. Our goals for these 60-70 adults were to develop listening skills, social skills, co-ordination, language, communication, self expression, self esteem and confidence and of course fun and laughter through music. Some of the adults jumped on the stage with us to sing and dance and to have a turn at singing into the microphone. Others bopped in their wheel chairs or had a turn at being a leader in dance – a great joy to behold!

Our songs in Canada and the USA
You may not know that a publisher in Canada and the States has reprinted some of our material into 2 collections: ‘Jazz it Up’ and ‘Shake it Up’ - and one of the biggest music stores in the USA, JW Pepper is featuring ‘Jazz it Up’ in their mid-year catalogue for 06 – so we’re pretty excited. We’ll let you know how it goes.

Susie’s Masters
I’ll be continuing to work on my Masters and hope to have it finished at the end of next year. The main thrust will be writing and presenting an Orff-based improvisation course for 30 teachers which will take place from Jan to March 06. Our goal is to then record the music and the findings from this course in a CD and book that will have an improvisation/creativity focus that you can use for preschool to the middle years – we will keep you posted.

Good news
I’d like to thank Sara Hood from the AMA (Australian Music Association) and Tina Broad from MPFL (Music, Play for Life) for the updates on the National Review of School Music Education in Australia (NRSME). Some very exciting initiatives have now taken place in music education in Australia where our politicians finally realize that music has an enormous part to play in the lives of our children, school and community. The government has allocated large sums of money to go towards improving music education in Australia over the next few years. For more information and to learn about how you can help continue this very important cause please read on.

Music workshops for 2006
We are presenting a number of teacher workshops, concerts and singing workshops in Feb and March 06 and we hope to be in your area sometime next year – see below for details. If you would like us to visit your centre or school or present at a conference, it’s not too late to book for next year.

So this is Xmas….
Can you believe it’s almost Christmas and the end of the year – how time flies when you’re having fun! We wish you all a wonderful holiday filled with good health, relaxation, much joy and music. We look forward to keeping you informed about the importance of music for all.

"How many potential Beethovens are we ignoring in Australia? Let's remember that Ian Thorpe's achievements are due to the fact that, early on in his life, someone showed him a swimming pool ..." Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport, at a recent media announcement relating to the NRSME.

Great Xmas Gift Special – valid until Fri 23rd Dec 05

Why not give the gift of music for Christmas?
Buy any combination of 4 or more single vocal CDs or lyric books for $20* each including GST (plus postage and handling) – what a bargain!
*This offer is limited to our E-news subscribers only

For the 0-8 year olds there is:

• Rainbows, Trees & Tambourines,
• Bop in the Bath,
• Move It !, and
• Funkey Monkey CDs

For the 8-12’s:

• Razzamajazz, and
• Boomerang Jam CDs

For adults and older children – our motivational and inspirational music range:

• The Power of You, and
• Anything is Possible single CDs or lyric books

Fax order form, phone or order online – just put ‘Xmas gift special’

National Review School Music Education (NRSME update) 11.05

"The combination of creative arts and education helps to improve problem solving skills, team skills, self confidence and self esteem", said the Hon. Senator Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport.

"Music is for everyone, not just those children deemed gifted or whose parents have the financial means" said Dr. Brendan Nelson, Minister for Education, Science and Training.

Brendan Nelson and Rod Kemp, Australian Government ministers, have now responded to the National Review of School. It has signalled a major leap forward for music in our schools and, therefore, all music in all genres and age groups.

The key points were:

1. Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) has appointed the Australian Music Association, in collaboration with the MCA (and Music.Play for Life), to hold a National Music Education Summit in 2006
2. DEST is providing $400,000 over four years to ASME (an AMA member) to run excellence awards for music educators and school leaders
3. DEST is committing $500,000 to developing music curriculum resources in priority areas
4. Music will be made a priority under the Australian Governments Quality Teaching Programme
5. The National Institute for Quality Teaching and School Leadership is to consider the lack of music in general teacher training
6. The National Review reports recommendations will be taken to MCEETYA, the education ministers committee for the Commonwealth, States and Territories
7. Minister Nelson will write to every school principal and peak parents group regarding the status of music

To read more information click here

Teacher Workshops - Feb and March 06
presented by Susie Davies-Splitter and Phil Splitter

Click here to see dates and download fliers - Book in NOW!!

Early Childhood Workshops
For all preschool and primary school teachers, caregivers, family day care workers, specialist music teachers, therapists and parents

Friday 17th Feb at Ballarat Centre of Music, Ballarat – click here for flier

Friday 3rd March at Geelong Grammar School, Glamorgan Campus, Toorak, Melbourne – click here for flier

Primary/Vocal workshops
8-12 year focus for teachers, music specialists and choral directors
Lots of exciting repertoire and ideas for your classrooms and choirs

Morning session - 'Jam, Jive and improvise' for the 8-12 year olds
Afternoon session - Vocal and choral music for the 8-12 year olds

Thursday 9th Feb at Croydon Primary School, Croydon, Melbourne.
– click here for flier

Thursday 16th Feb - 8-12 year old focus at Ballarat Centre of Music, Ballarat
– click here for flier

Concert - with The Splitters … and friends

Sunday 12th Feb 7 - 10.30pm Bonkers Music Cafe, Brighton, Melbourne

Enjoy an evening of fabulous entertainment with world class performers ‘The Splitters’ and some of Melbourne’s most talented musicians. With a mix of contemporary styles including jazz, pop and rock as well as their own original and uplifting songs, ‘The Splitters….and friends’ will be a night to remember as you sing, laugh, dance, join in and have loads of fun!
Tickets - $10 Dinner from 7.00 pm or showtime from 8.00 - 10.30 pm
For more information email kids@bonkersplaycentre.com.au OR susie@welcometomusic.net

Singing for Adults

Sing your heat out! for adults who loves to sing - no experience necessary - with inspiring singing leaders and performers 'The Splitters' (Susie Davies-Splitter and Phil Splitter)
Wed 1st March, 7.15 for a 7.30 start - 9.30 pm
Venue tbc - in south eastern Melbourne
Cost $25

Sing your heart out with original songs, African chants, gospel, folk, pop and jazz repertoire. Experience freedom and expression through vocal improvisation as well as incorporating movement, actions and AUSLAN signs. Come along, have fun with no embarrassment where you'll be singing together in minutes. For more information - susie@welcometomusic.net or 03 9578 0160

Susie and Phil on tour - 2006

As you can see from the list of areas below, we are planning lots of workshops for next year. There are some gaps in our schedule in various areas so if you would like to book us – please enquire NOW so you don’t miss out!

We are booking in Professional Development workshops for teachers, Artist in School programs, children’s shows, workshops and classes for preschools and schools, performances for festivals and Musikeynotes for conferences – see below for more info. We can send you detailed information and a costing tailor-made for your individual situation. If you would like to make a booking for 2006 please contact us at info@welcometomusic.net

AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL

Would you like free registration to a teacher workshop in your area?

We are always looking for suitable venues to run our workshops – if you think your centre or school might be suitable we’d love to hear from you. In return, we would be happy to offer up to 3 free registrations for you and other staff members. This works really well and can be a great opportunity to promote your centre or school to the general teaching community. Contact us on workshops@welcometomusic.net

VOSA (Vic Orff Schulwerk Association)
Conferences & Courses 2006

Living, Music and Dance (LMD) April 28-29th
For teachers, community musicians and anyone that loves music
Venue – Darebin Arts Centre, Preston, Melbourne
Guest Presenters – James Harding from USA & Mal Webb from Aus

Early Childhood Conference of Performing Arts (ECCPA) May 27-28th
For preschool and primary teachers, carers, therapists and parents
Venue – Genezzano College, Kew
Guest Presenters – Lori Custodero from USA & Tanya Batt from NZ

VOSA Level 1 and 2 Courses 2006
Either 18 - 23rd or 25 – 30th September
Glen Waverley, Melbourne

For more information www.vosa.org

Musikeynotes with The Splitters

Musikeynotes to motivate, energise and inspire!

A mix of motivation, education, inspiration, entertainment, stories, music and humour as a positive and inspiring opening or closing to your conference, PD day or special event. Topics include:

1. I’m not stressed, I always look like this!
   A light hearted look at a serious topic – an ideal conference opener or closer.
2. What me – musical?
   Why some of us are scared about music and how we can become musical models?
3. What me – sing?
   Singing for everyone – singing for life
4. The Power of Music -
   ‘Learning’ through music

Click HERE to read more information

Percussion Instrument Repairers

In Victoria, all these people repair xylophones and marimbas - including marimba tuning. Some also make percussion instruments

John Rechter from Mountain Marimbas, Vic - John jrechter@alphalink.com.au

Bill Vryens from Musaics, Melb - billv@melbpc.org.au

Rob Buchan - sbuchan@bigpond.com

Tim Rankin - ramsay35@hotmail.com

Jon Madin - marimba@iprimus.com.au

Instrument Retailer – highly recommended

Morris Bros Music, Stafford, Brisbane – a family business
Unit 2/17 Billabong Street, Stafford, QLD, 4053 Phone:07 3356 3299
They also repair most instruments including brass and woodwind, pianos and keyboards. They repair resonator bars as well
thanks to Cathy Goodwin – Kindermusik

If you can highly recommend other instrument suppliers or repairers in your area please email us and we will add to this list

Focus Group update

The focus group is busily trialling new activities and pieces with their students to be part of a new album in 06 with a focus on improvisation.We will keep you posted.

Ask Susie ... question and comments forum

Many thanks to Ann Clifton president of Kodaly Association in Canberra for this food for thought…

Ann raised some concerns:
Are teachers overworked and simply too tired to attend workshops?
Has music become the domain of specialists who go to workshops?
Perhaps the hope lies in the new teachers who somehow have to include music in the ridiculously overcrowded list of expectations and curriculum of today.
If we can convince them of the importance of including music in their teaching and (more importantly) make them feel comfortable about doing it, then we will succeed in having music in schools.

If you would like to share your views and write to me about anything relating to music education, send an Email susie@welcometomusic.net

Can you help?

We are looking to put together a list of associations and conferences around Australia to be able to recommend to you for;

1. Music Education in general
2. Early Childhood – that can include music
3. Special Education - that can include music
4. Primary School - that can include music

If you subscribe to a great association and/or they have a wonderful conference we’d like to know about it – please Email me on susie@welcometomusic.net

Testimonials Oct & Nov 2005

‘Funkey Monkey’
Congratulations on Funkey Monkey! Brilliant. Once again I know I can dip into
the resource & continually find fun & relevant material for my music classes
Vera Hillis, Westbourne Grammar, Melb

We have been using ‘Funky Monkey’ this week, which the children love doing the ‘Groove Train’ and have a giggle at Funky Monkey's red underpants!!!! It has put some excitement back into my music groups for both the children and myself! Thanks heaps.....
Janette Carr, Teacher-St Columbas Kindergarten, Sale, Vic

I've been using ‘Funky Monkey’ at school with my JP's They just love it. Congratulations on yet another wonderful resource.
Marian Woodlands, Fulham Primary School, SA

I use all of your resources and love them all. I am really impressed by your latest – ‘Funkey Monkey’. I attended a workshop of yours a couple of years ago and got an enormous amount out of it. I found it really helped my teaching of music. I am looking forward to your next workshop in Perth in 2006. Cheers, Julia Farrell, junior primary music teacher at Carmel School in Yokine, WA.

Inspirational music
Just have to tell you how much inspiration and enthusiasm arose from our whole Junior School singing "I Can Do It" at assembly. It was a magical experience. As well, my Junior School Choir have given several performances of "Have funwhile you're still alive". The children and I just love all your music. I am about to teach them "Strive for the Highest". Great stuff! Keep it up! In my last vocal group, we learned Fruity Samba. Not only were the students totally engaged in the melody and rhythmic qualities of the song, but it was such an easy song to use to teach basic harmony and how to build a major chord.
Stephanie Rickard, Head Junior School Music, Mowbray College, Melbourne

Did "Synco-copation" and "Chester" with my Instrumental Ensemble yesterday
They loved them! Thanks for writing such good stuff!!!
Lynne Burt, Hartwell Primary School, Melbourne

On-line shopping now available!

On our website you will also find sample songs and pages from our teacher's manuals, PLUS we now have on line shopping for your convenience – It's quick and easy and school orders and credit cards are welcome – check it out here!

PS: We think that this newsletter is really good value. If you think so too, pass it on to another teacher, caregiver or parent and suggest that they subscribe as well.

Yours in harmony,

Susie and Phil

What is MusicNotes?

MusicNotes is our eNewsletter for preschool and primary teachers, caregivers, parents, therapists, community members and anyone who loves music and is passionate about music for children and all people - regardless of age or background!

MusicNotes is filled with useful information, music resources updates, workshop and event information, articles on music education and even an Ask Susie question and comments forum.

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