In 2009 the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra began a unique residency with Meadows Primary School, The Pizzicato Effect.
The Pizzicato Effect is filling a much-needed place in the 106 participating students’ lives. This special project is a collaboration between Meadows Primary School in Broadmeadows, Melbourne, Victoria and the MSO, with the intention to improve through the joy of music-making, the serious social and economic disadvantages children in the local community are experiencing. It allows these children opportunities to get acquainted with music, engaging in new and challenging activities which foster important social skills and self-confidence. It is also intended as a long-term residency contributing to community renewal and as a model for others.
A few highlights in the project so far this year:
Participants
In early 2009 two merging schools, Meadowbank Primary School and Campmeadows Primary School were approached to pilot unique program. The 93 grade 1 and 2 students were provided with an instrument of their choice (cello, violin or viola) to take home for the year and bring to school each Monday for tuition. To compliment the program the students were provided with two trips in to the city to view orchestral concerts and the parents were provided with a bus to attend one evening concert. As the schools officially merged in August and became Meadows Primary they moved onto one site and awaited the completion of the new school building. The program continued without distraction and took place in the local community hub which consisted of two portables.
In 2010 we invited all the children participating in 2009 to continue but did not make it compulsory and indeed anticipated that at least half would give it up. Not the case! As a result, 106 students are taking part this year, reflecting 100% retention from 2009’s pilot as well as a healthy new intake of Grade 2’s keen to find out what the fuss is about. That’s 106 families encountering music, in a new way.
Both MSO Teaching Artists who began the project have continued with it – Bonnie Smart teaching cello and Danielle Arcaro teaching violin. The additional support secured this year of two teaching interns from the University of Melbourne’s post-graduate Arts Management course, has been invaluable in assisting with workshop support and also the increasing administration required for the larger number of participants.
Mark Shiell, world renowned youth orchestra conductor has joined the program. He attends the school every Tuesday for two hours working with the students on consolidating their rhythm and percussion skills. Mark is coordinating and preparing an ensemble performance by our students on stage with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in June of next year at the Melbourne Town Hall as part of the Education Week celebrations.
Program and Evaluation
The children convene in small groups every Monday afternoon and work together through a highly structured program. The students are better engaged in their learning when given opportunities to explore “hands-on” the sounds and textures of music. This is achieved by personalising and scaffolding the program by grouping the students according to their developmental readiness; ensuring that at the end of each lesson at least one new skill/ knowledge has been introduced and developed.
They are personally mentored by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Master, Wilma Smith who comes into the school talking about her commitment to music and performing with her beautiful 17th century violin.
Celebrations
We keenly look forward to the two small concerts which are highlights in the Pizzicato calendar. There is always a:
- Mid-Year Concert on 7th June
- End of Year Concert in early December
We welcome members of the community to attend as we celebrate the ongoing accomplishments of our students.
Please feel free to watch this space as details will be listed when finalised.
Pizzicato Effect Program In-School Coordinator
Helen Hatzikalis
hatzikalis.helen.h@edumail.vic.gov.au
