Ellenbrook sings! WAO brings choral education to the City of Swan
WAO SINGS has officially launched, with Choral Director Dr Emma Jayakumar bringing young voices together in the City of Swan to explore the power of music and storytelling. Designed to foster social and emotional growth, this full-time choral program sees primary students learning songs in a variety of languages, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the West Australian community.
In this blog, Dr Jayakumar shares how the program is unfolding and how this program can make a lifelong difference for participating students.
WAO SINGS launched this year with primary school students in The City of Swan. How have the first few weeks of sessions been going?
Sessions have been very energetic and lots of fun. I have been sleeping fitfully at the end of each day! Working closely with each schools’ classroom teacher, we have integrated lots of movement into sessions as well as reinforcing vocal music and songs with classroom instruments.
How have the students been responding to the program?
Very positively. Each school has their individual strengths, and this first term for me has been about discovering these and pinpointing the best approach to each school with their music teacher. It’s very rewarding when an exercise hits the mark with a group.
Why do you think singing and music has such a powerful impact on students and their development?
Music is an opportunity to express yourself creatively and release tension from the grind of formal study. And singing has text and added emotive meaning within that expression. Everybody has a voice, and choral music is a wonderful way to slowly build confidence in singing without the fear of having to sing a solo in front of everyone! Of course, some kids really love being a soloist, but it’s not my goal to just produce soloists. I want all kids to feel comfortable to participate in whatever way best suits them.
How do you think this program benefits students who might not otherwise engage with vocal music?
Most music teachers don’t have specialist vocal training, and yet the voice is the most utilised instrument when they teach children. A section of every lesson focuses on sound vocal technique (breathing, posture, warming up properly and vocal care), and teachers are learning along with the students these important vocal fundamentals. This program is also not just focusing on contemporary music styles. I teach folk songs and classical songs as well, and lots of fun choral rounds and memory games.
Can you share a moment from a rehearsal that really brought home the purpose of WAO SINGS for you?
I think the most gratifying so far has been the participation of several children (some with Autism Spectrum Disorder, some with difficult personal circumstances) who, prior to WAO SINGS at their school, have not participated in lessons. It’s wonderful to see music and singing bringing them out of their shells.
What impact do you hope WAO SINGS will have on these young people, both musically and personally, over time?
I’ve taught singing for a long time, and I already know how well it builds a young person’s confidence in themselves and their social and emotional wellbeing. I’ve taught students who barely speak full sentences blossom and grow as individuals who communicate better and have pride and confidence in themselves for their creative abilities. I am already witnessing this beginning for many students in the WAO SINGS participating schools. Also, there is such a wealth of music in the world, and I hope this program opens their young minds into being curious about the broader music and cultural world we all contribute to. Every child deserves that opportunity.
