Music Department
"Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment." Zig Ziglar
There is an irony in writing a second Thistle article on repetition as a follow up on guest lecturer Mr Michael Griffin's presentation to music students and staff earlier this term. However, it provides an outlet to expand on the thoughts shared with boys during this session and reinforce the approaches to learning that this word encompasses.
"We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit" Aristotle
Great practice contains the right balance between quality and quantity. Repetition enables the brain to make strong connections (myelin) and enables us to automate processes. It is important for students to have a strong concept of what excellence is and remember (or often - be reminded by staff, parents and peers) they should strive to play at a speed where they can avoid mistakes. Myelin does not distinguish between musical excellence and music with mistakes; it is up to the musician to make sure the connections developed in the brain are through repetition of quality performance.
"The amateurs practises until he plays it right. The professional practises until he cannot get it wrong" Stephen Hillier
There are different approaches to repetition such as blocked repetition, spaced repetition and varied repetition which all have different benefits depending on the ability of a student and the amount to time they can maintain their concentration on a task. I will expand on this in the next Thistle.
Congratulations to all ensemble members and ensemble directors of the Combined Scotch/PLC Symphony Orchestra and the Combined Scotch/PLC Vocal Ensemble who performed at the PLC Quarry Concert recently. Both ensembles performed with maturity and outstanding musicianship to the full house that attended the concert at this picturesque outdoor venue.
Important Dates:
Autumn Term
Week 2, Monday 2 May, FOSM meeting, 7.00pm Senior Music Department
Week 6, Tuesday 31 May, Vocal Showcase, 6.30pm Dickinson Centre
Week 7, Wednesday 8 June, Junior and Middle School Autumn Concert, 6.00pm Dickinson Centre
Week 9, Friday 24 June, Music Department Jazz Night, 7.30pm Dickinson Centre
Week 10, Wednesday 29 June, Con Brio Strings Concert, 6.30pm, Dickinson Centre
Contact Details
The Instrumental Programme is administered by the Senior School Music Department and all queries should be directed to the Music Administrator, Julia Robinson (9383 6841) music@scotch.wa.edu.au.
Alternately, please contact Mr Tim Simpson, Acting Head of Music, via email TMSimpson@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383 6824.
If you wish to become more involved in supporting the Music Department, please contact FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au.
Mr Tim Simpson
Acting Head of Music
