Don't Stop The Music

ABC Documentary   Catalyst for a National focus on Music Education Showing on the ABC on Sunday 11 November 2018, 7:40pm Don’t Stop the Music, a landmark new ABC documentary from Artemis Media, highlights the transformative effects of teaching music in primary schools. Challis Primary School in Western Australia runs a pilot program for the show.  'Just Brass' by the Salvation Army, provides donated instruments and volunteers to tutor the students. Guy Sebastian lends his voice to the vision of seeing every child, in every school in Australia receiving a Music Education. Pictured: John Collinson from the Salvation Army and Catherine Lyons As the immediate past chair of sMAG Vic, Catherine Lyons was invited to the launch of ABC Documentary 'Don't Stop The Music' at Parliament House, Canberra. A room full of professionals, lecturers, politicians and public servants, laughed, cried, cheered and clapped for a film! So engaging, so emotive, so compelling. It's time to take action #DontStopTheMusicAU. After a heart-warming screening of Episode One, there was a Q&A with Celia Tait the Don't Stop The Music Executive Producer, Dr Anita Collins our expert music educator, Rhonda Davidson-Irwin from Music Australia and Dr Bradley Merrick from the Australian Society of Music Educators, marvellously MC'd by ABC Classic FM’s Russell Torrance. There was also a very special performance from the ACT Primary Choir, made up of children in year 4-6 from ACT Public Schools. The national airing provides the Music Education community with a once in a lifetime opportunity.  The lack of delivery will be brought into the public domain and generate significant debate. Now is the time to prepare, and take action! Initial Teacher Training:   At a federal level, sMAG received significant insight in letters from the Hon. Simon Birmingham MP during his tenure as Education Minister.  The Federal government can't tell universities what to teach, unless a subject is mandatory/compulsory.  Under the current legislation, universities will respond to principal demand from parents. At the moment, universities are not convinced that Music Teachers are needed, so many are not delivering. So parents need to make a noise about wanting music in schools. The general public will respond to this very emotive documentary. We have opportunity now to demonstrate that parents want music education to ITE providers, principals and the Federal government. We have opportunity to capitalise on a push to make Music Education mandatory/compulsory as we move towards a Federal election. We have opportunity to lobby local members, both at the Victorian election and in next year's Federal election. Victoria can stand proud in that we are leading the way in delivery.  There has been a $3M investment from the Andrews government, as well as The Quality Framework for Music Education and the VCAA Music Education Guide.  Details of the last 4 years published here: http://smag-schoolmusicactiongroup.blogspot.com/2018/09/smag-spring-enews-2018.html  What can we do next? What major investments can come towards Music Education? How can major companies like SONY, YAMAHA and JB HiFi contribute to the field?  Sponsorship?  Competitions? Festivals? Prizes? How can we capitalise on the wave of engagement that is about to be directed towards our field? Please sign both Change.org petitions running through sMAG. Please write to Federal members.  A template is on the sMAG blog. Please encourage your local communities to watch the show and donate instruments. Please prepare for how your organisation will respond as the documentary goes to air. Don’t Stop The Music Instrument Donation Campaign From 1 November the ABC, The Salvation Army's Just Brass, led by John Collison, and Musica Viva will launch a national appeal encouraging people to donate unused or unwanted musical instruments so they can be distributed to children who need them. We’d love for you to support the campaign and invite your networks to participate in getting any unused instruments out of the cupboards and down to a local Salvos Store. "The ABC have done a tremendous job in putting together such a compelling series, demonstrating clearly the need for increased music education delivery in Australia.  I have known John Collinson for many years.  He is a quality educator, and person.  We have the opportunity to gather great support from all sectors as we lobby for Music Education for every child in Australia.  Let's get behind the series, sign the petitions and write to election candidates all through November - AusMusicMonth."  sMAG Co-Chair, Fiona Philips. Use the Hashtag:  #DontStopTheMusicAU Join the TV Screening Event Page on Facebook Let's get every child, in every school from Brighton to the Back of Bourke an instrument and Music Education. Just Brass are sending in the Salvos to provide free tutoring. Like them on Facebook, and encourage them along! Dr. Anita Collins  Research, teaching and coaching provided by Dr Anita is a feature of the show #DontStopTheMusicAU Federal Election Music Education Charter  Parents, Industry providers, teachers, musicians, and anyone in the public may want to sign this online petition following the ABC Documentary 'Don't Stop The Music'.  Share with your networks, and show Federal politicians that Australians want Music Education delivered to every student, in every school in a continuous, sequential and developmental style. https://www.change.org/p/the-hon-daniel-tehan-mp-federal-election-music-education-charter "I strongly encourage everybody with an interest in making sure music is delivered consistently and properly across all schools to sign this important change.org petition. Initiatives such as this petition are often the only way for all our interest groups to come together and vote as one for this vital cause. Let’s keep the educational focus on the ‘whole child’! "                                   Carl Williams - sMAG Vice Chair Don't Stop The Music Event SYDNEY FACEBOOK CLICK HERE                                Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 11 AM – 3 PM                                       Centennial Parklands Grand Drive, Sydney, Australia 2021 Come and join the fun when the ABC, Centennial Parklands, Musica Viva, Sydney Youth Orchestras and the Salvation Army join forces to show just how exciting making music can be.  To celebrate the launch of the ABC’s landmark new TV series Don’t Stop The Music, which promotes the transformative powers of music in education, there will be dazzling performances, fun-packed musical workshops for kids, giveaways, appearances from ABC personalities, and the Salvation Army will be collecting second-hand instruments as part of a national campaign to help get them to schools and students in need.  So bring a picnic rug, and don’t miss this magical day in the beautiful surrounds of the Belvedere Amphitheatre! Main Stage Line-Up 11:00am: Sydney Schools’ musical groups, bands and choirs take centre stage 12:30pm: Musica Viva's B'Tutta Percussion Quartet Show and Kids Workshop  2:00pm: Sydney Youth Orchestra show "Meet The Orchestra" Other Activities (All Day)  • ABC Kids Listen Under 5’s Play Space, with Introduction to Music activities and workshops • ABC Giveaways • Meet and Greets with ABC Personalities • Salvation Army drop-off point for second hand instrument donations • Salvation Army pop-up performances If your organisation would like to be involved in outreach activities around music in education on the day the ABC can provide a gazebo and table for you.  Get in touch with David Seale, ABC Community Engagement Advisor at seale.david@abc.net.au for more information. Victorian Election Music Education Charter  Victoria is ahead of the game, and has already seen significant strategic investment at State level. A November election means we need to ensure that any newly elected government will maintain momentum to see every student, in every school receive a music education.  Numbers count.  Politicians will only move if voters want change around an issue.  Add your name to the Petition, and spread the word. https://www.change.org/p/smag-vic-victorian-election-music-education-charter. Keep Reading JOIN THE sMAG FACEBOOK GROUP Networking, sharing and support is all offered through the group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1101931139911842/?source_id=493771463995354 The Ugly Sound Competition ABC Classic FM and ABC Education are running a schools competition calling on kids to create a picture inspired by the musical fable 'The Ugly Sound' for a chance to win a Musica Viva concert at their school.  AMUSE events Free Professional Learning around the new Quality Framework for Music Education will be held by AMUSE.  Check out the information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Association-of-Music-Educators-130383587059/events/?ref=page_internal The 2018 inaugural Women In Music Awards presented Dr. Anita Collins with the Educator Gong last week.  Congratulations Anita! Sign up to the ABC TV Media Unit to receive their ENews. Send an email to Teri: calder.teri@abc.net.au https://www.abc.net.au/ourfocus/ausmusicmonth/ https://musicaustralia.org.au/program/countusin/ "One Song" - Uniting Australia in Music on November 1.

sMAG Spring ENews 2018

Victorian Election 2018 Edition July 12, 2018 Forum - Federation Hall Key players throughout the music education field gathered at the forum to discuss where we are at now, where to from here, and to celebrate leadership change. We heard an overview of achievements from the last 4 years from Retired Chair, Catherine Lyons, an oration from Prof. Gary McPherson, and split into conversation groups. ACHIEVEMENTS ›Over the last 4.5 years, sMAG has submitted to 15 Reviews, contributed to 12 Campaigns, attended various meetings at various auspices and government, and participated in the Music Education Expert Reference Group - MEERG. ›There are up to 8 – 10 different regulator bodies that oversee education: DET, Federal and State Government, VITs, VCAA, VRQA, VAGO, IBAC, Youth Justice system and others in early years. sMAG Submissions to Reviews & Final Report Responses: ›2014 Federal Review into the Australian Curriculum ›2014 Federal Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Groups (TEMAG) Consultation ›2015 Submission AITSL “Classroom Ready: Demonstrating the Impact on Student Learning of Initial Teacher Education Programs” – Survey ›2015 Submission to the Victorian State Schools Funding Review ›Submission to the Victoria Government Vision for the Education State: Early Childhood Consultation Paper ›2015 Position Paper - Victorian Secondary Instrumental Music Program for the MEERG ›Submission to the Program for Students with Disabilities Review 2015 Submission to the VET Funding Review ›Submission to the VIT Permission To Teach Review 2015 ›2016 Victorian Early Years Learning And Development Framework ›2016 Review of The Program for Students With Disabilities ›2016 “Working Together to Shape Teacher Education in Victoria” ›2017 Victorian Submission into Youth Detention ›2017 Submission to the Legal and Social Issues Committee of the 58th Parliament of Victoria ›2018 Victorian Budget Submissions sMAG Campaigns: ›2013 Election campaign; social media and letter writing to all candidates ›Supported the 2014 Music Trust ‘Full Deal’ Campaign ›Campaign to both Liberal and Labor parties to adopt the 17 Recs in early 2014 ›2015 Amuse Sounds Great Conference Forum ›2016 AEU Collaborative campaign: VIT PTT ››2016 Federal Election Campaign ›2016 SIMP Funding Model ›2016 Victorian Budget ›2017 Music Australia Delegation to Federal Parliament Campaign ›2018 Regional Forum – Geelong ›2018 Victorian Budget ›2018 VCAA Letter writing campaign ›2018 Election Campaign launch – July. The Music Education Expert Reference Group - MEERG:   Over the life of the MEERG several members of the sMAG committee contributed by attending the meetings and joining the conversations.  We  have seen many new initiatives put in place by the Victorian Andrews’ government and DET.  Many of the initiatives have been wholly completed by substantive Music education bodies and associated industry partners. Some include: ›Music PD at the Bastow – free to the public ›Vic government Music in Schools vision (2015-2018) ›Instrumental Music Grants ($400,000); a total of 87 primary schools (metropolitan and rural/regional) were allocated up to $5,000 and purchased over 2,000 music related resources, including musical instruments, music books, and accessories. ›Delivery of Musical Futures Australia Programs ($1.6m); 1,118 teachers from 700 government and non-government schools, and 874 pre-service teachers have participated in MFA professional learning programs (August 2015 to 30 April 2018). 43% of schools (300) are located in regional areas. ›National Music Teacher Mentoring Program 2018 Seven teachers are mentoring 15 teachers across participating schools including one new mentor based in Warrnambool. ›Quality Music Education Framework (QMEF) The QMEF is now available on the DET website:  www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/arts/Pag es/QMEF.aspx ›Strategic Partnerships Program   https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/partnerships.aspx#link41   The SIMP During the life of the MEERG, sMAG representatives have put forward significant discussion to DET around the SIMP.  The high value of the program was highlighted, data and evidence on delivery and outcomes, as well as a proposed Strategic Leadership Architecture to see the program grow and thrive. At this point, little if any progress has been made towards improving SIMP delivery, nor resolving complex industrial dispute matters. As such, a significant portion of future work, and election campaigns need to keep the SIMP as a key focus. Any teachers delivering the SIMP and have concerns around their employment conditions are advised to seek support from the AEU.   sMAG Facebook Group VICTORIAN ELECTION NOVEMBER 2018 Victorian Election - Music Education Charter https://www.change.org/p/smag-vic-victorian-election-music-education-charter The Victorian Election - Music Education Charter is now published on Change.org. Please log on and sign so we can get thousands of signatures to bring the campaign to all election candidates. With around 90 days before the State election, we need people to sign the petition: A healthy 4 years of growth, needs another 4 years to solidify Music in EVERY school. The Charter looks to the 17 recommendations for direction.  sMAG has analysed what has been achieved over the last 4 years, discussed at the forum and now presents what needs to happen in a new Victorian Government Term.  No matter who wins the election, we need to build on the last 4 years to see continuous growth.   Press 'like' and 'share' on all platforms, and see our campaign grow! Forum Footage - July 12, 2018 Retired Chair, Catherine Lyons, opens the forum, and Prof Gary McPherson provides part 1 of his speech. CANDIDATE LETTER WRITING Every candidate in your electorate will need a personalised letter Find the addresses and candidates on the Victorian Electoral Commission Website. https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/CandidatesAndParties/CurrentRegisteredParties.html Use the tempalte below, and personalise your letter. TO YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATE Your Name Your Address Your Phone and Email Date The Candidate name Their address Their phone or email if known Dear (insert name), I would like to express my appreciation of the work involved, and the subsequent report and recommendations following the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Extent, Benefits and Potential of Music Education in Victoria.        http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/etc/article/1965.  I was also very pleased around the work accomplished by DET, the 2014 – 2018 Victorian Andrews Government and the DET Music Education Expert Reference Group to date, and request/implore any newly elected Victorian government continue the work as outlined on change.org https://www.change.org/p/smag-vic-victorian-election-music-education-charter In writing to you I am seeking your commitment to ensuring the implementation of the Music Education Inquiry recommendations continue, should you be elected as member of the Victorian parliament on Saturday November 24, 2018.  For the next term of government that support means:   Any newly elected government deliver on the clear aspiration of the last Parliament that music learning is an ‘integral part of every child’s education’ and is delivered by an expertly trained teacher - this means the teacher has a specialist degree in Music Education. Ensure that the newly elected government commits to the development and implementation of a strategic plan that provides a sustainable basis for music education in Victorian schools built upon P - 8 classroom (whole-of-class) delivery and Secondary Instrumental Music Program (SIMP).  Whole of class provides a foundational understanding according to the curriculum.  SIMP provides specific instrumental education towards VET/VCAL/VCE outcome requirements. Call on the government to appoint a music education specialist as director in an ongoing capacity the DET Music Education Team and Working Party that oversees the implementation of the Inquiry recommendations thereby acknowledging the high priority of this initiative in the eyes of an Victorian public. Include as policy accountability structures for principals and schools under these teams, as this measure provides more surety of delivery and recognition of the high priority of this initiative, particularly in the implementation of the Secondary Instrumental Music Program (SIMP). Provide sufficient funding and resources for principals and schools to provide music education to all their students Support the many students who currently miss out on whole of class (Primary)  and SIMP (Secondary)  music education get the education and opportunities they deserve by advocating that sufficient funding and resources for principals and schools are provides so that quality music education be made available to all students in all schools Work in partnership with the Commonwealth government, according to the recommendations coming from the Review of the Australian curriculum, as it seeks to introduce compulsory music education into all schools across Australia. [Insert briefly why you consider music to be important, what is happening in your local area and, if you are a parent say that it is your expectation that music education be part of your child’s learning while at school] With significant progress made against the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Extent, Benefits and Potential of Music Education in Victoria 17 recommendations,  during the Andrews' government term, it is time to build further to ensure all recommendations are fulfilled, particularly Recommendations 13 -17.    While investment into the SIMP is high, the funding only provides for 17% of students.  We need to aim for at least 70% in the next term of government, and then 100% in any succeeding government.     it is now time that action is taken to provide breadth, depth and quality so that all students attending Victorian state schools have the opportunity to learn and engage with music.  You will see that many have signed the petition on change.org and agree that we need more to be done to reach every child with an expert music education: https://www.change.org/p/smag-vic-victorian-election-music-education-charter I wish you well in the upcoming campaign and trust that you and your party will make a comprehensive and unambiguous statement in support of music education on behalf of the children and parents of Victoria in the weeks and days ahead. Kind Regards/Yours sincerely, Retirement After 4.5 years as Chair of sMAG, Catherine handed over the baton to Mrs. Fiona Phillips and Ms. Susan Buchan. Mr. Carl Williams was inducted as Vice Chair as Sarina Iacono's retirement was also celebrated. Thanks were sincerely shared particularly to the long serving committee members. The work sMAG completes is all voluntary. All members of the team have gone above and beyond the call of duty.  We are all indebted to the sMAG teams and thank each and every person for their tireless service. We are all indebted to the inaugural Chair, Dr. Anne Lierse. MESSAGE FROM CATHERINE: I wish to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who has supported and contributed to our vision that every child in Victorian schools has access to a quality music education that is taught by professionally trained teachers. This is in-line with the recommendations from the National Review of Music Education (2005) which was the catalysis for the Victorian Music Workshop (2007) and the subsequent formation of sMAG which then led to the Inquiry into the Extent, Benefits and Potential of Music Education in public Schools 2013. Over the last 4.5 years we have seen great inroads made towards achieving this vision.  However, we are not there yet.  sMAG must not rest until 100% of Victorian public school students have access to a quality Music Education.  It has been my sincere pleasure to lead the Music Education community in efforts across sectors to improve outcomes for the Victorian State.  I look forward to liaising with the new Co-Chairs, and Vice Chair as needed to see a successful election campaign, and an ongoing upward trajectory of growth in the sector. sMAG is  supported by our Ambassadors for the School Music Action Group  Professor Brian Caldwell The Honourable Barry Jones AC FAA FACE FAHA FASSA FTSE Mr Jonathon Welch AO  and Mr. Bob Spencer - The Angels. sMAG has been supported by the following organisations: Association of Music Educators The University of Melbourne Melbourne Symphony Orchestra The Music Council of Australia Victorian Opera Australian Council of Educators Victorian Music Teachers Association Music Matters Association of Directors of Music in independent schools. sMAG also has the endorsement of the following organisations: Australian Music Association Australian Society for Music Education (Victorian Chapter) Australian String Association (Victorian Chapter) The Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia (Victorian Branch) Musica Viva in Schools Musical Futures The Soundhouse Music Alliance The Music Trust The Song Room Victorian Orff Schulwerk Association No finances are garnished from any organisation, and no conflict of interest can be claimed. sMAG operates with an even hand, and remains un-financial in order to be an impartial representative of all voices in the field.   Catherine and Sarina will be available for consultation. Catherine will continue to assist with social media. Copyright © 2018 sMAG VIC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: P.O Box 4076, Box Hill South Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.