25 Tips for Working with Young Ensembles

Sue Arney is a Lecturer in Teacher Education at The University of Melbourne where she teaches music education into the Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Master of Teaching courses. Having originally trained as a secondary classroom music, instrumental and ensemble teacher, Sue has since worked in a variety of settings from early years to tertiary in both regional and metropolitan Victoria.

Sue’s passion lies in establishing and building music programs that encourage participation by all students across the school, either formally or informally, and developing the music program as a vital and entrenched part of the school and greater community.

Sue is regularly engaged to run workshops in schools, music programs and conferences that encourage strategic planning, team building, establishing and strengthening music programs and developing innovative curriculum. She appears regularly as guest conductor and clinician at state and national music camps, regional workshops, music festivals, schools and various youth music organisations.

Sue holds Bachelor of Music Education (Secondary Music) and Master of Education (Arts Admin/Educational Leadership) degrees and a Doctor of Education focussing on Professional Learning in Music Education.

Healesville High School is a small school in the heart of the Yarra Valley with a total of 320 students from Year 7 – 12. Despite its small size the school has a vibrant and dedicated music department coordinated by Ms Amanda Morrison. The department has 3 concert bands, a jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble and VCE ensemble. The ensemble performing at ANBOC is the Senior Concert Band, conducted by Ms Amanda Morrison, and involves 20 students from Year 10 – Year 12. The group rehearses once a week for 90 minutes and performs at numerous school events as well as at local community events such as the Healesville ANZAC Day Dawn Service, Remembrance Day Service and Christmas Carols. Healesville High School has a thriving music program that not only focuses on musical development, but also encourages self- growth and community engagement through performance.