Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Manager, Education & Community Outreach, Emma Cochran, said the orchestra is thrilled to be returning to Geelong to work with schools in creating new music. “These projects are only possible with the support of the Shell Geelong Refinery, and we are happy that this partnership has brought us into the third year of projects with new schools," said Emma. “This year musicians will conduct workshops with students from Lara Lake Primary School, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School and Rollins Primary School and we are also excited to be visiting Norlane High School for the first time,” said Emma. MSO musicians Michael Loftus-Hills (violin), Linley Bennett (violin), Cindy Watkin (viola), Chris Lane and Tim Phillips (percussion), alongside project leader Gillian Howell, Creative Director, Community Outreach, will work with Geelong students to create their own piece of music. The project gives the students the opportunity to work with professional musicians through many aspects of performing from rehearsal to performance. The group will work together over the day experimenting with instruments and voice with the resulting piece of music to be performed for the remainder of the school at the end of the session. Shell Geelong Refinery Manager, Huck Poh, said the success of the MSO program in past years prompted the refinery to continue support of the partnership that encompassed one of Shell’s social investment focus areas - education. “The refinery is pleased to continue supporting this valuable outreach program,” said Huck. “The Shell/MSO partnership allows local schools and students to benefit from the experience of collaborating with MSO musicians to produce a new creative work,” he said. These projects have also been received with tremendous enthusiasm from teachers and students. Lara Primary School teacher, Lynne Rankin, said the 2005 workshop was impressive and very beneficial to all involved. “It was fantastic to see top-quality experienced musicians involved in creating music and producing a performance with a group of children!” said Lynne. Corio West Primary School teacher, Heather Potts, also believed it was a wonderful day and helped create many exciting memories. MSO Community Outreach is a dynamic and responsive program of workshops, masterclasses, visits and creative projects, taking place in schools and other community settings. Each project is individually tailored according to the needs and interests of the participants - from all levels of experience whether musical or not. Details: Shell Geelong Refinery/MSO Outreach Projects: Date: Monday 5 June 2006 School: Lara Lake Primary School, Forest Road South, Lara Performance: 3pm – 3.20pm (Workshops start at 9:15am) School Contact: Megan McKenzie, Music Teacher Students involved: Years 3 to 6 Date: Tuesday 13 June 2006 School: Norlane High School Cox Road, Norlane Performance: 2:15pm – 3.10pm (Workshops start at 9am) School Contact: Michael Thacker, Music Coordinator Students involved: Years 7 to 9 Date: Monday 10 July 2006 School: St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Plume Street, Norlane Performance: 2.45pm – 3:10pm (Workshops start at 9:15am) School Contact: Betty Hurst Students involved: Years 3 to 6 Date: Tuesday 18 July 2006 School: Rollins Primary School Walsey Grove, Best Post Hill Performance: 3pm – 3:20pm (Workshops start at 9:15am) School Contact: Steve McGarrigle, Principal Students involved: Years 5 to 6 ENDS
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