Carramar Primary recently welcomed the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) for an inspiring incursion. This event introduced our students to the world of orchestral music and allowed them to explore how music can convey emotions in a hands-on way.
The inspiration behind bringing WASO to our school was a desire to help students experience the power of live music and understand its ability to express feelings.
Primary Music Teacher, Emily Flanagan, says “Music is a universal language, and introducing students to a professional orchestra can ignite a lasting passion for the arts”.
The hope for the students was to gain a deeper appreciation for music and learn how it tells stories. Many students were engaged during the performance and expressed excitement about learning how different instruments could evoke various emotions, making the experience both educational and impactful.
After participating in the incursion, students took away several important lessons. They learned to listen more deeply and connect with music on a personal level. Many expressed interest in trying out instruments themselves, which is a wonderful outcome.
Incorporating live performances into our curriculum offers countless benefits. It enriches learning experiences, fosters creativity, and cultivates a sense of community among our students. Live music has the power to enhance emotional intelligence and inspire students in ways that traditional learning cannot.
When reflecting on the performance Ruhaan, from Year 4, said he “Enjoyed that they could play really fast without making any mistakes and they practise a lot’. Elsie said she liked how they played music to tell a story that seemed like it actually happened and she enjoyed the different types of music for different feelings.
We are incredibly grateful to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for sharing their time and talent with us, and we look forward to more opportunities like this in the future.