Issue 20 - Australian International School Malaysia
Issue 20 - Australian International School Malaysia
Issue 20 - Australian International School Malaysia
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Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.<br />
Performing Arts News<br />
As I am writing my final newsletter article at AISM after five intense and exciting years, I look<br />
back on how far the Arts department has progressed from that time. I have made many friends<br />
with students, parents and staff and have travelled far and wide throughout Asia. Professionally<br />
I have steered the development of Drama to include students achieving outstanding results in<br />
the HSC; being involved in inter-school workshops and programs with industry professionals, and<br />
providing an increasing number of performance opportunities for our students. The Senior and<br />
Middle <strong>School</strong> Productions have been a joy to direct and/or write and I am very proud of the standard and variety of<br />
shows that I have produced during this time.<br />
The development of the new school facilities including the AISM Theatre has been five years in the waiting. As the school<br />
continues to grow, however, these facilities will have a major impact on the future development of the Performing Arts.<br />
The expansion of Music, under the leadership of Mr. McCormick over the past two years, has been a staggering<br />
achievement for one person to undertake. Under the leadership of Mrs. Bal-Short, the Junior Performing Arts program<br />
continues to provide students the opportunity to explore their world through music, drama and dance. I will miss<br />
working with both Mr. McCormick and Mrs. Bal-Short very much and wish them the best for the future.<br />
Finally I would like to thank the teaching staff for their ongoing support of the Arts and the many friendships that I<br />
have made. I wish colleagues returning to Australia or moving on to other locations health and happiness in the years<br />
to come. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.<br />
Jon Suffolk, Coordinator Performances and Events<br />
From The Music Room<br />
AISM Music Academy<br />
There will be some noticeable changes to the Music Academy in terms of organization next year.<br />
Each of the tutors will continue and we are pleased to welcome Mr Jared Cheow as our new drum<br />
teacher. Following are some of the changes:<br />
• Schedules for the entire term will be sent to parents at the beginning of each term<br />
• Invoicing and payments will be managed by the AISM Accounts Department<br />
• Students and teachers will use a practice journal, which will alert parents to the goals, content<br />
of each lesson and expected weekly practice to be completed.<br />
Next week I will be sending out information and enrolment forms to parents of existing Music Academy students.<br />
Continuing students must complete an enrolment form. Those parents wishing to enrol their son/daughter for the first<br />
time can find the form on the website under ‘Calendar and Events’ and under ‘Student Life’. Otherwise, please email<br />
me on malcolmmccormick@aism.edu.my and I will send a form to you. Please ensure the form is completed promptly<br />
to enable us to formulate the schedules for next year.<br />
Year 5 Band<br />
The year has drawn to a close for the Year 5 Band. Instruments should be returned in person to me (Mr McCormick).<br />
Please do not just leave them in the practice suites as I need to check them off. I am hoping that many students will<br />
continue to play in Band or Orchestra as a Co-Curricular activity next year. Please ask me about opportunities for next<br />
year and I also can arrange instruments for purchase. There will be only a limited amount of instruments available as<br />
the new Year 5 will be using the current stock.<br />
Happy Holidays!<br />
Just a word of thanks to all students who have participated and performed in the many music activities this year.<br />
Some of the highlights include the recent AISM Rocks!; Year 8 students preparing World Music for <strong>International</strong> day;<br />
the String Quartet performing at the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n <strong>Australian</strong> Business Council annual dinner; the 50 strong Year 5 Band<br />
performing at Showcase; the Orchestra performing at assemblies and concerts; every student in the Middle <strong>School</strong><br />
performing at the Middle <strong>School</strong> music afternoon; our superb Year 10 vocalists in the Music Showcase Concert and our<br />
new ‘Smooth’ Jazz Ensemble.<br />
I would like to acknowledge the work of our Music tutors, Miss Poh (piano), Mr Albert (sax, guitar and flute), Mr Boey<br />
(strings), Miss Audrey (Voice) and also the late Mr Victor (drums).<br />
I would also to thank Mr Warren for his help with the Co-Curricular Programme organization, Jazz Ensemble, and also<br />
his hard work at all Music events this year, and Mr Suffolk for his wonderful support for Music here at AISM throughout<br />
the year. I wish them all the best in their future journeys.<br />
Lastly, thanks to the parents for your support throughout the year in attending concerts, monitoring home practice and<br />
encouraging student participation in Music at AISM. Happy Holidays.<br />
Malcolm McCormick, Music Teacher<br />
14th December <strong>20</strong>12 Page 5