Kathryn Andersen from The Juilliard School visited DCIS from the 12th to 14th October to observe and participate in the array of activities happening in and around the music department at DCIS.
During her visit, Kathryn taught the 6IR class about gesturing in music and how movement creates motion in music. This lesson developed the perceptive and reflective disciplines of the ‘Learner Ambitions’ profile by encouraging students to relate movement activities to that of the sections of the orchestra. In particular, the relationship between the soloist and orchestra in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto was brought into focus.
The orchestra was again given provided with an interactive workshop in preparation for the upcoming Christmas concert 'Carols by Candlelight', with particular emphasis placed on the string section. Our violinists and cellists replicated certain bowing techniques to develop more balanced phrasing, particularly in ballad-like Christmas pieces such as Silent Night.
Teachers also gained from Kathryn Andersen’s feedback and insight into the Juilliard curriculum through various lessons observed as part of the school’s continuous professional development.
Patrick Dwyer
Head of Music