2009 Awards
Special Commendation, Teacher Award
Mrs Loretta Simmonds
Music Specialist
Moil Primary School, Moil, Darwin, NT
Loretta Simmonds has made an enormous contribution to the development of the music program at Moil Primary School. Loretta has prepared and showcased numerous excellent student performances - both instrumental and choral - over years of teaching, but making a public 'splash' is not her preferred style. Rather, she has revolutionized perceptions and understanding amongst her students and school communities about the nature and impact of music education, initially by developing a caring relationship of mutual trust with children, then by fostering creativity, exciting children's imagination, and building self-esteem through achievement.
The strength of Loretta's work is mainly seen within her own music classroom, where joyful music-making is a result of her passionate belief that every child is musical, regardless of 'talent', and can achieve through music when effectively taught and inspired. Loretta's music teaching area is no custom-designed facility, has no electronic 'smartboard' or other built-in music technology. In fact it is not a classroom at all - only a stage area at one end of a multipurpose open-sided hall with a shuttable partition, but Loretta has turned this space into a haven of magical, creative opportunity for her students.
Her teaching approaches are varied and appropriate for her students. Of particular note is her work with newly acquired students from the Intensive English Unit, with many staff recognising that their progress is largely as a result of Loretta's singing program. Her classroom and choral programs attract teachers and choirs from all over Australia and in 2006 she was awarded an "Excellence in Music Teaching" award from Musica Viva.
The Moil Primary School community knows that Loretta's music program is benefitting not only student wellbeing across the school, but the whole learning journey of many of its students, and other schools are now seeking to learn from her expertise. Loretta aims to inspire, delight and ignite a passion for music in children that will last a lifetime. She believes that music is essential to a balanced curriculum and that through providing positive and creative musical experiences she can instil in her students the self-confidence to achieve excellence both at school and later in life.
Teacher Award
Ms Melissa Alexander
Music Teacher
Weetangera Primary School (2009), Weetangera, ACT
Latham Primary School (pre-2009), Latham, ACT
Melissa Alexander's dedication and commitment to professional development in her own time has enabled her to become a highly respected and inspirational music teacher. During her years at Latham Primary School, Melissa had such a positive impact on students and staff that music is now a highly valued part of the whole curriculum. Melissa was able to work collaboratively with other teachers in a way that raised their skills, understanding, and confidence to include music in their own classroom programs. Due to the Education Department's teacher mobility policy, Melissa was transferred to a new school in 2009, with her legacy to Latham PS being a sustainable program.
In her new school, Weetangera Primary School, Melissa has quickly won the trust and respect of the whole school community. In addition to regular music lessons, Melissa has successfully worked with students with special needs. With the cooperation of parents, the program has expanded to include instrumental and choral participation, whole school activity and links with the wider community. It is evident that Melissa ensures that music plays an important role in the whole school ethos through her inspirational and vibrant leadership in the Arts.
Teacher Award
Mr Daniel Crump
Curriculum Leader The Arts, Music Specialist
Mt Alvernia College, Kedron, QLD
Daniel Crump has made an enormous contribution to the development of the music program at Mt Alvernia College. His philosophy of music education is based on the expectation that music should be accessible to all students. In 2008 he instigated the Music Everyday Project - a daily sequential and developmental aural-based music program for students in Years 8 and 9. Under Daniel's direction, the school's choral program has grown from one choir to five choirs and now has a team of three choral directors.
Daniel is committed to professional learning. This is particularly evident in his involvement in the organisation of significant choral events and workshops around Brisbane and the success of these has seen these programs extend to regional areas. He actively shares his expertise in the classroom with other educators, with the mission to reach far beyond his own school community, demonstrating true service to the profession. His commitment to community music making is evident with the establishment of programs such as the Mt Alvernia Alumni Choir.
Teacher Award
Mrs Gail Elliott
Teacher and Music Coordinator
Devonport High School, Devonport, TAS
As a music teacher and leader of the Arts Program Team at Devonport High School Gail Elliott is committed to providing a diverse range of elective opportunities for students, including the Drum Circle, String Ensemble, Ukelele Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Group, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band. She has developed a range of smaller same instrument groups like "Flutopia", and the Clarinet Choir. Her work with rock bands has included students creating and recording original songs as well as participating in various "Rock Challenges" in Devonport.
Gail has instigated a school Arts Festival which provides a large range of events, and an array of visiting performing artists. Gail supports other Arts staff in their own professional learning and is continually involved in her own professional development. Gail Elliott has been responsible for the introduction of many changes in the music program and has had a significant level of involvement in the direction of the Tasmanian Curriculum Framework course development. Her approach is always encouraging and through her inclusive practice she is able to motivate and challenge the full range of students.
Teacher Award
Mrs Gail Ann Godber
Music Specialist Teacher
Spring Gully Primary School, Bendigo, VIC
Gail Godber has empowered and enabled students, staff and community members to participate in, and to be an integral part of, the Spring Gully Primary School music program. Through her enthusiasm and passion for music, her knowledge and expertise, her song-writing, her ability to engage students and her effective teaching of music, Gail has been able to create a school culture that values music as part of the everyday life of the school. Gail's vision has seen the words of the school song being part of the school's culture. She has promoted music as an essential part of the school experience, where aspects of music are used to develop skills in literacy, personal learning, interpersonal development, thinking and communication.
Gail has enabled students to be involved in the writing and performance of original songs, with the publishing and recording of these songs being a significant part of the music program. Through the singing of simple, positive messages in support of school values, she has promoted high self-esteem and the value of learning.
Teacher Award
Ms Lee-Anne Harrison
Music Teacher, Music Coordinator, Director C.H.S Concert Band and Community Choir
Cronulla High School, Cronulla, NSW
In a relatively short period of time, Lee-Anne Harrison has made a large impact on the musical life of Cronulla High School where she has initiated many different ventures and lifted the status of this key learning area. Her talent and enthusiasm have seen student interest and numbers increase significantly. Part of this is Lee-Anne's encouragement for students to participate in not only school-based ensembles, but events and competitions run at regional and state levels. Her classroom practices are exemplary and cater for the full needs and interests of all students. She has successfully integrated ICTs into classroom work and used these tools to assist students to become reflective learners.
Lee-Anne formed the Cronulla High Community Choir which brings together staff, students and parents in song. The Concert Band and Community Choir will both be participating in the Rotorua International Festival in 2009.
Teacher Award
Mr Stephen King
Coordinator of Middle School Music Programme and Director of Bands
Scotch Oakburn College, Launceston, TAS
Stephen King's unwavering commitment and dedication to music education has significantly elevated Scotch Oakburn College's music profile in the wider community. His philosophy of "music for everyone" has resulted in greatly increased participation in co-curricula music activities, with new students being drawn to these activities in ever-increasing numbers. His emphasis on developing "musical literacy" has also seen an increase in the number of students undertaking instrumental instruction.
Stephen has established a fully functional recording studio in the school which has enabled the continued integration of ICT into the music curriculum.
In addition to teaching Years 6-8 classroom music and a new course in Audio Design in Years 9-10, Stephen is responsible for several bands which maintain a performance program. His work has resulted in high levels of musical literacy, appreciation and understanding in the students in his care. His efforts are underpinned by a striving for excellence in all that he does.
Teacher Award
Mr Shain Kurelja
Music Teacher
Aspendale Gardens Primary School, Aspendale Gardens, VIC
Shain Kurelja has developed an engaging, performance-based music program that gives learning and performance opportunities to all students at Aspendale Gardens Primary School. He assists teachers to integrate music into their classroom programs, and he communicates effectively with classroom teachers and students to ensure projects are successful. Shain runs an inclusive school band, where students of various levels of ability rehearse and perform songs at school events. He encourages students with special needs or behavioural issues to become a part of this group.
In addition to ukulele, keyboard and recorder, Shain has introduced drumkit to the classroom music program to boost student engagement, musical understandings and co-ordination, with all students being able to play a drum pattern by the time they leave the school.
In the junior levels (Prep - 2), students begin composing their own music using software such as Groovy Shapes and Groovy Jungle. In the middle primary years, students continue to compose with Groovy City, Band in a Box and Sony Acid. Shain has demonstrated that ICT and music can be used together, effectively and meaningfully, in order to maximise engagement and learning.
Teacher Award
Ms Nicole Mengel
Music Coordinator
ANU Music Education Program, ANU, Acton, ACT
Nicole Mengel is an exemplary classroom music practitioner. In her current position as a facilitator in the ANU Music Education Program, she works across many schools. She teaches in collaboration with others with a view to maximising positive outcomes for students and developing the confidence and skills of her fellow teachers.
Nicole works with school administrators and staff to develop and implement a music plan that suits the needs of each individual school.
Innovative initiatives instigated by Nicole include:
- A boys' singing program that involves cross age and cross school mentoring, community involvement, feedback and leadership opportunities for the boys themselves;
- Music programs to assist students with special needs for learning support or English language learning;
- A range of music outreach events that link students with the wider community and that also have enhanced the status of public education in the eyes of the community.
Teacher Award
Ms Christine Narroway
Music Specialist Teacher
Rose Park Primary School, Rose Park, SA
In her five years as music specialist teacher at Rose Park Primary School, Christine Narroway has rejuvenated the music program and built an extensive and highly regarded instrumental and choral programme. Christine takes every class in the school for music once a week, using a variety of methodologies in the program which is wide-ranging and extensive. She is currently rewriting curriculum materials to align with the International Baccalaureate, and is working with other staff to expand learning technologies.
Christine developed a three-year strategic plan to raise the status of music education in the school by engaging and enthusing students through increased opportunities for instrumental learning. The programme growth, both in numbers and skills of students performing and opportunities for participating, has meant the school currently has around 160 students involved, an amazing feat and certainly a complex but well organised arrangement. The impact on student learning that has accompanied this shift is also noteworthy, with special highlights coming for some of the more difficult students being fully engaged in exciting and creative activities within expressive arts, such as class performances and dance lessons.
Teacher Award
Miss Maria Natoli
Classroom Music Teacher
Indooroopilly State School, Indooroopilly, QLD
Maria Natoli is an inspiring and enthusiastic music teacher for Preparatory to Year 7 classes at Indooroopilly State School. She provides a sequential and developmental program of classroom music, using a wide variety of music material to encourage students to actively participate in learning. Maria conducts choirs with Years 4-7, and has been successful in encouraging primary school boys of all ages to sing. She uses a range of pedagogical practices which advance students' knowledge, skills and confidence in music, and which develop persistence and foster a sense of belonging through group music-making. She organises a whole school Talent Quest which is non-competitive and seeks to promote student participation and to build confidence as performers.
Maria Natoli also provides professional support in music for her school colleagues, and organises cluster meetings with other music teachers in the area. She encourages all attendees to share ideas and to reflect on their teaching practice. Several initiatives have emerged which have been adopted for the benefit of students from the cluster schools, including 'Vocal Workout', a day where choral students come together to participate in a variety of small workshops to develop vocal technique and to foster a love of singing in a non-competitive environment.
Teacher Award
Mr Michael Newton
Music Teacher and Band Master
Inaburra School, Bangor, NSW
Michael Newton has transformed the music program at Inaburra School. Through his work in the classoom and his ensemble programs, he has engendered in students a culture of participation, practice and performance. He has developed the school band program from one band to five bands, as well as introducing programs that focus on chamber music and percussion ensembles.
Michael Newton is innovative in the use of technology within the classroom, particularly in the area of composition. His vision for a vibrant school musical community is being achieved through an emphasis on ensemble work of all kinds. Regular performance tours enrich opportunities for the students, with a tour to New Zealand being planned for this year. He is described as diligent, respectful of student abilities, willing to try new ideas, humourous, inclusive and professional.