The students in the Specialist Music classes and in the College Choir were treated to a workshop and masterclass by WA Opera. Students learnt how to breathe properly when singing, how to stand to enable better breathing and how to use their diaphragms for support. The coloratura soprano host explained the difference between head and chest voices and taught students how to find their own passagio (mixed voice).

The workshop included singing rounds in three and four parts as well as classics like Hey Jude by the Beatles. The students surprised themselves by being able to sing in harmonies and hold their own parts. The traditional song Wellerman was easily mastered in three parts and the session ended with a scary rendition of Double Trouble by John Williams.

It was wonderful to hear our students singing. Who knows? Perhaps future WA Opera stars from LJBC were in our midst.

Tammy van der Nest
Director of Music PK-12