Music is a big part of Dudley Park Primary School’s culture. Students from Pre-Primary to Year Six develop an appreciation for Music by listening, analysing, improvising and performing various forms of Music. Students in the junior years learn the basic skills of enjoying, reading and writing Music, as well as playing on various percussion instruments, such as drums, xylophones, boom whackers, bells and a variety of individual instruments like tapping sticks, shakers and tambourines.
Throughout the middle year levels, students become familiar with string instruments like ukuleles and guitars, as well as an introduction into keyboards. Students in the upper year levels refine their skills in ukuleles, guitars and keyboards whilst also being introduced to electric instruments, such as drumming and electric and bass guitars. Students in these year levels read and play along to popular music. They also get to sing along on microphones and create and improvise their own music. Students from Year 3-6 learn through the Musical Futures learning approach to instruments.
Throughout the years, students learn about music in different places, cultures and contexts. Our Aboriginal culture is a big influence in our learning and performances as we try to incorporate our own identity into what we present as a school. We often collaborate with the Noongar language teacher to learn Noongar songs and sign language to ensure accurate representation.
The school Glee Club is an extension music program which incorporates singing, dancing and rapping through performances at school and to the wider community. Many students audition to join the club annually as it is a privilege to be a representative of our school at various events. The club has previously performed at retirement villages, shopping centres and state grade basketball events. Each year we participate in the Western Australian Government School Music Society at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.