Performance from Della Mar, Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School Student Ensemble

On Wednesday 2 September, we were delighted to host students and staff from Cape Byron Steiner School. Their group 'Della Mar' spent the day at Orana and presented two beautiful concerts for us. It was inspiring to see the young musicians and their teachers perform a range of styles, including some original compositions, some folk and classically-based music, and some cool rhythmic rock items. There were heartwarming moments where Orana students clapped or sang along with the presenters.  Some Cape Byron students gave assured solo performances. It was wonderful to see the energetic commitment and endeavour on display.

The visiting students and staff were delighted to join with High School singing in the morning, and to experience Orana's beautiful landscape and facilities. They were especially entranced by the flowering plum trees - a novelty when coming from northern NSW! They enjoyed eating some of Murray's wholesome food at the picnic tables under the trees.

The visit was also an opportunity for the staff of both schools to re-connect and share ideas and observations. Loani McRae, who is Music Coordinator at Cape Byron School worked at Orana many years ago, when Maia had just joined the staff here. It was lovely to compare notes and chat about repertoire, strategies, and common experiences in the post-pandemic music teaching world.

Everyone appreciates such exciting performances but for music teachers there is an additional layer of appreciation! When we talk about these occasions, we are aware not only of the performance itself, but also of all the myriad tasks that are needed long before anyone steps on the stage. Our work is to encourage, scaffold and manage the tasks of learning and practising the notes. It is also to understand and support the students when they reach a new learning moment, and then we ask them to go beyond the safe and secure known paths and take a step into new and more complex territory.

Support for this moment of transformation takes many forms, and wonderfully, the whole community holds the power to help! Attentive and accepting audiences make it safe for young performers to show their newest achievements. As a community we can acknowledge the practice undertaken both at school and at home and value the strength to make mistakes and then keep trying. These are pivotal in developing a resilient growth mindset, not just for music but for all life's journeys! It is interesting that music teachers are privileged to see exactly these attributes when students perform together. As music teachers we witness the magic of profound endeavour which fosters deeper connections to music, self, and community.

On Friday 11 September this week, Orana students will present the Term 3 Twilight Concert in Overture Hall from 5.45 to 6.45pm. All the community is welcome to attend this free event. We ask that younger children sit quietly with parents so that our amazing, courageous student performers can concentrate and do their best. We hope everyone's hearts will be warmed by our offerings!

Maia Harrison
Music Coordinator