WEST Australian Opera will present a brand-new three-year pilot program, WAO Sings, which will deliver choral singing classes to Grade 5 and 6 students in four schools in the Ellenbrook area.

Dr Emma Jayakumar, who composed West Australian Opera’s 2022 production of Our Little Inventor, is choral director of the program and will work with students on a weekly basis at the four participating schools, Aveley Primary School, Bullsbrook College Primary School, Ellenbrook Primary School and Malvern Springs Primary School.

“At West Australian Opera we are incredibly passionate about nurturing and supporting local talent and we are thrilled that the Feilman Foundation and the City of Swan have generously provided us with the support to establish the exciting WAO Sings initiative,” Dr Jayakumar said.

“I’m very much looking forward to teaching and sharing the joy of singing with a new generation of WA school children.”

As part of WAO Sings, students will learn pieces across a range of genres, including in languages such as Italian, French, German and Noongar, which they will then perform at an end of school year concert.

WAO Sings puts emphasis on the integration of The Kids Research Institute of Australia’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing in the Arts (SEW ARTS) research framework, including supporting pedagogies centred on student wellbeing and the fostering of positive learning environments through the arts.

Ellenbrook Primary School performing arts teacher, Michelle Eisenhauer said that by providing an inclusive, friendly environment where all students, no matter their background, can participate, the program will foster a strong sense of camaraderie and community for students.

“The program’s no-cost structure is particularly noteworthy, as it ensures that every student can access high-quality music education without financial constraints,” she said.

“Additionally, the in-person professional development opportunity this program offers our faculty is invaluable.
“Research shows that music education improves emotional expression, reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes soft skills development.

“By incorporating the principles of lifelong learning, the program will help to prepare our students for future achievements in a variety of fields.”

Malvern Springs Primary School’s principal Penelope Reynolds and music specialist Alison Robeson said children face many challenges in the world we live in, and research shows that choral singing has a very positive impact on young lives in the form of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and social engagement.

Nicholas Henry chairman of the Feilman Foundation which was founded in 1976 by Mrs Ethel Feilman said they were thrilled to support the WAO Sings program.

“This initiative embodies our commitment to enhancing arts and culture within communities, and it is our privilege to collaborate with the West Australian Opera in nurturing young talent and fostering vibrant cultural experiences in the Ellenbrook area through access to high-quality musical education.

“We believe that initiatives like WAO Sings play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community, and we are proud to be a part of it,” Mr Henry said.

For more information visit www.waopera.asn.au/learn-ex plore/wao-sings/