From the World Wide Web into the real world! How to unplug the family

Posted on September 14, 2012 by niypaa

The Internet has fast become our best friend. It is something we tell our secrets to, stay up late at night with and contact every day.

The Internet has made a positive impact on our lives and allowed us to communicate more quickly and across invisible borders. However, before we bow to the Gods of technology, we all need to consider how much we want the Internet to infiltrate our lives.

Time in front of the computer, iPad or iPhone screen is time away from face-to-face interaction and good ol’ fresh air.

Most of us love that the Internet can help with homework and research, give us an easy way to pay our bills, contact our overseas relatives and even find the nearest Toys-R-Us because we need to find a Barbie STAT for the six year old birthday party your daughter is invited to that completely slipped your mind.

We want all these great things from the World Wide Web, but for many of us it is difficult to find a balance between online and offline.

Here’s some ideas for unplugging the family for a few moments a day and increase face-to-face time.

Snakes and ladders – Keep the games offline but still going and see if you can have some laughs over a few board games. Charades, Pictionary, Uno or Trivia, it’s all fun and it’s good for keeping the brain active and healthy.

Family of cooks – It’s in to the kitchen for a cooking lesson! You could make a fun dessert together, go out shopping for the ingredients and enjoy the results after dinner.

Reading – Buy everyone in your family a book or visit the library. Cosy up in the family room and have a group reading session.

To the park – Now it’s staying a little lighter for a little longer each night, we have a bit more time for the out doors. An afternoon at the park could be a great way to get some fresh air and help the kids burn off a bit of energy.

Group Activities – Encourage your kids to get involved in a sports group, take up an instrument, singing or dancing. These outside of school activities will keep your kids alert and introduce them to new skills.

Day trips – Plan ahead and take the kids on day trips! Getting out of the house to the beach, the zoo, a friends place or even the museum can loosen things up! It can be good to get out for a few hours and teach the kids that there’s a lot to see out there.

Can you think of any other great unplugged family activities? If so, share them here!

Julie McKenna – NIYPAA Director

Julie’s involvement with the Performing Arts covers a wide field of expertise. As a classroom teacher she fostered her passion of singing and ensemble groups with her students and continues this aspect with the students of the Australian Youth Choir and Australian Youth Dance Theatre. An extensive career in opera, music theatre and choral groups has seen her perform in a variety of productions with Opera Australia, the Victoria State Opera, Melbourne Music Theatre and the Melbourne Chorale.

Brought to you by National Institute of Youth Performing Arts – auditioning now.

Go to www.niypaa.com.au

Sing and Dance Australia

Sharing life’s experiences – singing dancing and growing up!

Team spirit – How children benefit from group activities

Posted on August 30, 2012 by niypaa

It is evident in all walks of life. Teams are common among the human race. A team is not just a group of people, it is a group linked together for a common purpose. If we want to get something done, we usually do it with a team.

Our recent post about the Olympics highlighted that great athletes always attribute their success to the support of their coaches, families and mentors – in other words, their team.

Similarly, young footballers can be great talent, have the highest grade of fitness and skill level but won’t be a success without their team. I mean do we ever go to the MCG to watch an individual footballer kick goals on his own? Boring!

No matter what the activity, whether it be acting, choir, dancing, reading or learning, it’s great to do it in a group working toward a common, shared goal. This is especially true to children.

Working in a team gives children encouragement and a means to learn from others. It helps with confidence building and social skills. How great does it feel when you win a netball game or finished a group assignment? Everyone plays his or her role and the job gets done and you can celebrate your win together.

The same goes for choir and dancing. It’s a team effort. The National Institute of Youth Performing Arts (NIYPAA) has been encouraging group learning since we founded over 35 years ago. We know from working with young people, how exhilarating it is when together they learn new choreography or a new piece of music. Even better is at the end when they perform their work for an audience. All that work together to produce something that sees them gain applause and recognition from others for their efforts.

From our long history of watching, teaching, supporting and helping young teams develop, learn, grow and succeed, here’s a list of the benefits of team activities for our young people:

Group awareness It’s a positive learning experience for young people to realise that their actions impact on others. When they have the chance to see themselves as part of a whole they start to understand their part in the team and that their behaviour has a reaction in the group.

Encouragement to learn: When a child witness’ other children their age working at something and focusing on a goal they will be more likely to become interested in doing the same. This is a stepping-stone for “rest of life” learning.

Friendship: People form groups based around common interests, e.g. If you join a choir it’s most likely because you like singing or music. By sharing a positive experience with someone we create a bond together and build friendships on this initial interest.

Social confidence: If a child becomes familiar with group and team situations from a young age they will be more likely to feel comfortable interacting with others in general as they grow up. Being a socially confident person allows us to be open to opportunities.

Flexibility: In any team of people there are many different personalities. When young people work with others they begin to comprehend and accept differences. This acceptance helps them learn the art of compromise and helps them learn to be sensitive to others.

Gain Knowledge: To be a part of a team is to learn about the world. When we interact with others and share a purpose of achieving something, we pick up stories and information. From participating in group activities we can learn a lot about the activity but maybe even more about life and the world around us.

These benefits explain why parents spend so much of their precious time car-pooling their young ones to a variety of team activities. What has been your greatest team activity or achievement?

Julie McKenna – NIYPAA Director

Brought to you by National Institute of Youth Performing Arts – auditioning now.

Go to www.niypaa.com.au

Sing and Dance Australia

Sharing life’s experiences – singing dancing and growing up!

Is your child going for Gold ?

Posted on August 9, 2012 by niypaa

Mentors for our children

With the London Olympics in full swing media coverage of our athletes is hard to miss. After each performance, our athletes attribute their success to those who have influenced their journey – their mentors and coaches.

Every athlete confirms their success is not just their own. The mental and physical support and encouragement is crucial to their stamina and ultimate sporting performance and achievement.

The coach/athlete relationship is deeply personal and includes the transfer of specific technical knowledge, personal support, professional development and motivation. The mentor is commonly more experienced than the protégé but often a mentor can also be a peer.

These days, mentorship is not just for the sporting elite. More and more people are realising the benefits of a mentor and or coach. Sometimes we choose our mentors and sometimes this relationship simply evolves. For children it starts with our parents and often a great teacher/student relationship. A mentor is anyone who has their protégé’s best interests at heart and wants to help them develop, grow and succeed.

So how important is it for your child to have a mentor?

Well, I assume that most parents want what I want for my children. We hope our children will become confident and happy adults who can make a positive contribution to the world. We want them to learn to give their “personal” best in all their endeavours and to work well with others. We want them to have the confidence to try new things, to take some risks, to test themselves and to develop the resilience to recover when they’re disappointed. We want them to develop enough “self knowledge” to understand their strengths and develop those strengths to the best of their ability.

Most kids need some help with this. In fact most adults do as well. A mentor will recognise an individual’s strengths and actively help to improve and develop them. A mentor will be honest enough to tell you when you’re on the wrong track. A mentor will help you identify your goal and motivate you to try harder to achieve it.

For young performers embarking on their ‘Olympic’ style journey to the stage, overcoming their nerves and self-doubt is essential. Mentors can be found in their teachers, conductors and choreographers but often forgotten are their peers. Their fellow students, who applaud one another in rehearsal and help one another work through performance challenges.

In ensemble pursuits, the young person is not as vulnerable to discouragement. The team is a positive force in which to learn and grow. Membership to an ensemble brings affirmation and removes the pressure of individual performance, allowing each person to develop at their own pace.

Performance authenticates the learning process. It not only brings personal satisfaction but gives a point of direction for further improvement and this is where our mentors step in.

Applause can be the greatest encouragement. This support together with tips for improvement is a healthy way to help students to grow. It’s important for parents and teachers to understand the obstacles that have been overcome and give students genuine and well-deserved praise.

Thank-you to all my personal and professional mentors and thanks to all of us who act as mentors or are mentored by others.

Who is your greatest mentor and how have they helped you?

Christine Grey – General Manager NIYPAA.

Christine is an educator, organizer and art enthusiast, with a profound interest in youth performing arts. A former music and art teacher Christine is now devoting her time to the Australian Youth Choir and Australian Youth Dance Theatre where she has worked for over 15 years. She is a fan of the visual arts, live theatre, drama, film and is jealous of anyone who can create movement to music.Her working life has been dedicated to the musical education of young people in the performing arts and shes loves to tell anyone who will listen about the benefits the Arts can bring to every personality at all stages of their lives.

Performing Arts Education steps it up during the school break

Posted on July 26, 2012 by niypaa

PAS VIC 2012 fun!

During the school holidays, singers and dancers from NIYPAA’s Essendon and Rosanna centres gathered at Santa Maria College, Northcote, for the annual Performing Arts School (PAS), a three-day intensive workshop for the Australian Youth Choir and Australian Youth Dance Theatre.

Throughout Australia, thousands of NIYPAA students participated in PAS which is considered an important part of NIYPAA’s annual curriculum.

Students made new friends and cemented old friendships in a fun-filled and energetic atmosphere It is the holidays after all and while there is much work to be done on technique and repertoire, in the end they walked away feeling they had not only achieved their goals but had a great time doing it!. They all had plenty to say but Kaitlyn, a level 2 chorister, was especially enthusiastic about the opportunity to see the choir and dancers working together.

Here’s a list of why PAS rocks!

A good way to keep warm during the winter school holidays – a daily physical warm up with both dancers and singers is part of the tradition. Chicken dance anyone?
Have a break from school and hanging out with new kids from other choir or dance venues
Dress-up days
Hilarious games
Lollies
Raffles
Fun songs with silly actions
New dance music and choreography
Exams for dancers to move to the next level
Photos
Jokes with teachers
Not wearing school uniforms!

One of the grand traditions of PAS is fancy dress and as ususal 2012 turned up some very inventive dress themes. Come as your favourite music artist, gave us a variety of rock stars and pop idols and included a variety of song styles including Bing Crosby, KD Lang, and Louis Tomlinson. ( we think that some mum’s and dad’s had a role to play too!)

Your favourite fictional character, gave us a chance to see what everyone was reading or watching on video and we saw a varied cast of whimsy, including a splendid Simba from The Lion King, a Mad Hatter and many others.

Harry Potter theme. was by far the most exciting. n an amazing feat of travel across time and space, Santa Maria College morphed into a realization of Hogwarts College. It seems there is no end to the magical powers of our students and they were determined to be sure we k new it!

One of the delights of PAS is entering a large venue on the first day with piles new music to introduce and new choreography to learn. So many kids were astounded at how much they had achieved in two short days.

Choristers tasted a varied repertoire of songs exploring a wide range of moods and emotions including songs from Coldplay, the Seekers, and the BeeGees, among others. Songs such as Paradise, and New York Mining Disaster 1941 formed part of the varied soundtrack to a varied program across the three days.

The dance program offered a wide variety of activities and challenges. During this time annual assessments take place for the first time and there is much practice to be done in hall ways and corridors if students are to impress. as a high point of PAS with many being promoted to the next level.

With exams completed the focus can then turn to new techniques; and the most fun of all – new choreography Kat, Emily, and Hannah were all very proud of their achievements and commented that the impact of intensive work can already be seen by the second day at PAS. “We learnt lots of new techniques. It’s very challenging, but helps us to move things forward.”

“(It’s) amazing to see how fast we’ve learnt all this new stuff” (Kat), and “it’s so good to work with a larger group of dancers, and to see people from other venues” (Emily).

On the final day, PAS was brought to an exciting close with short performances from all groups. WE were all sad that it was over for another year, none more than Mia “PAS is just so much fun, I wish it could be on for every single day of the whole school holidays!”

Dr Kieran Crichton – NIYPAA Conductor

Dr Kieran is committed to the musical development of the Australian Youth Choir members at Essendon and enjoys his weekly rehearsals with students.

Is Lady Gaga a good role model?

Posted on July 5, 2012 by niypaa

There’s been much hype surrounding Lady Gaga’s world tour. Fans, both young and old paid big bucks for their tickets, glammed up in Gaga-esque fashion and fought for a glimpse of her outside hotels. While this is not new to pop stardom, it still makes me wonder what this “lady” is all about and whether she’s really someone we should look up to.

Mia Freedman, (publisher of popular blog Mamamia and former Chief Editor of Cosmo, Cleo & Dolly) highlights Lady Gaga’s message in one of her latest blog entries stating, “she has a great message about acceptance and tolerance.” Freedman praises Gaga’s music and agrees the pop star offers encouragement to people to just be themselves.

“Let me start out with a strong statement: I love Lady Gaga. I love what she stands for. I love her music. I love what she’s done for the lesbian; gay, bi & transgendered community and I love her message about acceptance and tolerance. Love. It. All.”

- Mia Freedman

For young performers she promotes the ‘get out there and do it’ attitude. She presents fearlessness and says not to listen to the cynics and to be strong and confident about your true self.

It seems Gaga uses her fame for good. However, despite Freedman’s positive assessment of Lady Gaga “the pop star”, after seeing her show, Freedman says she “hated” her concert.

Freedman admits her review of Lady Gaga’s concert was definitely not the dominant view and that the audience happily rocked the concert but says she was alone.

“It was just very hard to connect. Her costumes were so OTT, that she was often hidden inside them – prompting me to wonder more than once if it was even her.”

Ok, she’s a little bit wild and a little bit showy but is it simply that she needs to create attention to take her fame to the top level?

Everyone has mixed opinions on what is a good or bad influence on children, so I thought I would highlight some of the positives.

Endorsing creativity is never a bad thing

Lady Gaga is an advocate for the arts and creativity. In a YouTube interview Gaga endorses renowned artist Marina Ambramovic, discussing the ‘limitlessness’ of such an artist and proclaiming the positivitivity in an artists’ ability to be big thinkers and doers. She is also a fashion designer sporting her work and promoting fashion designers as artists in their own right. The creative arts are a nourishing part of child rearing and Gaga does a good job encouraging this.

Girl Power

Gaga is a big time superstar. She has “made it”. She promotes the view that women can achieve their dreams. Young women all over the world are in turn empowered by Gaga’s success. This success is not just driven by the clothes she wears – it’s her music. As a two time Grammy winner, she has proven her worth on the pop music scene.

Love yourself

Gaga’s song “Born This Way” promotes a positive message; “There’s nothing wrong with lovin’ who you are”. There’s no denying this is a message all parents want for their young and kept at a decent volume, many can’t complain if they hear this one blasting from under the bedroom door.

Philanthropy

Just as all the rich and famous should and do, Gaga supports a number of charities including ‘The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) and other organisations representing disadvantaged children in the US. She’s also an advocate for AIDS prevention.

While most of us can’t help but notice and perhaps even judge Lady Gaga’s brash and often scarce fashion choices, we don’t often see ‘tweens’ congregating at the movies on a Saturday night in hot pants, platform shoes and masks trying to emulate her look.

While many are put off by the way she looks and understandably find it difficult to warm to Gaga, we have to recognise and applaud her creative yet eccentric self. She’s a music writer and performer as well as a supporter of young people promoting the power of an open mind.

What do you think?

References

1. http://www.mamamia.com.au/entertainment/lady-gaga-why-i-walked-out-of-her-concert/

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVY4Whayw0s

3. http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1944-lady-gaga

Benita Sullivan – Administration and PR Assistant – NIYPAA

Benita is currently working in the Melbourne office for NIYPAA. Her early back ground in music and performance stretches from musicals, to choir, singing and instrumental training. She has been managing and playing with Melbourne bands for the last eight years. She is a singer song writer, developing her latest band Elliot Friend. She looks forward to a successful career in creative arts administration while persisting in her musical endeavours.

Interview with Monique Le Bas – Australia’s Got Talent rising opera star

Posted on June 29, 2012 by niypaa

Monique Le Bas performs on Australia’s Got Talent

Sounding like a foghorn didn’t stop Monique LeBas from realising her dream of becoming an Opera Singer.

Former National Institute of Youth Performing Arts teacher, Monique performed on live national television last night in the finals of “Australia’s Got Talent” and is set for a career boost as people cast their votes on the popular reality show.

Like any young wanna-be pop star, Monique owns up to using a hair-brush to practice singing around the house.

“I wasn’t always a huge Opera fan. I liked Madonna and Michael Jackson and attempted the moonwalk on occasion. I still like to sing all kinds of music, but my real passion now is Opera.”

Monique demonstrates that you don’t need natural born talent to follow your dreams.

“I am not a person with natural talent. My talent is passion and persistence. When I first started Opera, I sounded like a foghorn,” she said.

Monique started singing when she was three years old and began serious training at 19 years old when she decided to pursue a career in Opera. She says that early lessons are most important.

“The very first music lessons you take are the ones that stick with you. Early lessons are the most important.

“Programs like the Australian Youth Choir are so important. When I was growing up I didn’t have access to such great programs with a curriculum of such a high standard. When I was teaching with the AYC, I would think to myself – these kids don’t know how lucky they are!”

Monique recalls her fondest memories of the Australian Youth Choir were the social catch-up. “We were more of a family than a choir,” she said.

Monique says a teacher’s positive influence can impact our lives and our future selves. “My singing teacher, John Weaving passed away the week before I applied for “Australia’s Got Talent”. He didn’t just teach me about music and singing, he taught me about confidence. My advice to all the Australian Youth Choir students is to never give up.”

VOTE FOR MONIQUE

CALL 1902 55 75 03 or SMS ‘MONIQUE’ to 1977 88 88

WATCH: Click here to see Monique’s latest performance on Australia’s Got Talent

Singing and Dancing – a performance a day keeps the doctor away

Posted on June 6, 2012 by niypaa

I recently discovered that the performing arts could be the answer to many of our health needs. As society’s interest in the booming health and wellness industry intensifies with fad diets, cookbooks, horoscopes, beauty products and shows like The Biggest Loser , a different approach to health is likely very welcome. It’s time to warm up the vocal chords, slip on a leotard and try a new tack.

Here are some of the physical and mental benefits of singing.

I dare you to try and find a product at the pharmacy that does all this:

Do away with colds - Singing produces a physiological response, boosting the immune system.

Charm others with your flare - Singing helps to build self esteem and confidence while promoting a sense of achievement.

Strengthen your Heart - Cardiac output is enhanced substantially.

Forget stress - Exercising your vocal chords induces a pleasant emotional state, relaxing muscle tension. It also improves deep breathing and body awareness.

Many of the benefits of singing can be found in dancing and aerobic-dance activity also.

Strong body strong mind - Dancing builds inner strength and gives us confidence in our bodies’ ability.

Move with grace and poise - Your coordination is improved with every new move.

Healthy Heart - Blood pressure is lowered which decreases the risk of heart disease.

Feel good - It’s a creative activity that can be shared with others and helps you stay mentally focussed and fit.

Singing and dancing are interactive activities that can enhance our daily life and help keep us healthy. I’m no doctor, but young or old it’s worth a try!

Christine Grey – General Manager NIYPAA.

Christine is an educator, organizer and art enthusiast, with a profound interest in youth performing arts. A former music and art teacher Christine is now devoting her time to the Australian Youth Choir and Australian Youth Dance Theatre where she has worked for over 15 years. She is a fan of the visual arts, live theatre, drama, film and is jealous of anyone who can create movement to music. Her working life has been dedicated to the musical education of young people in the performing arts and shes loves to tell anyone who will listen about the benefits the Arts can bring to every personality at all stages of their lives.

Did you ever dream of being a star? Why singing is good for the soul

Posted on June 5, 2012 by niypaa

A month ago when I started my job at the National Institute of Youth Performing Arts (NIYPAA), my new boss asked me what singing means to me and immediately, without hesitation I told her singing is good for the soul.

I started writing songs when I was ten years old with big dreams for a pop-star career. Now that I’m in my 20’s, although I am still singing and writing songs, fortunately I’ve improved both my vocabulary and my taste in music.

Lucky for me music was always encouraged in my household. From musicals to choir and singing lessons as well as drama and piano, I paved the way for a career in the arts. My artistic pursuits were often a logistical nightmare for my folks, with frequent drop-offs and ferrying to various commitments but their support was invaluable.

Now, working with NIYPAA I speak to parents every day and after each phone call I’m thankful they too are investing in their children’s artistic pursuits.

Singing, dancing, performing or any other artistic activity is good for the soul. The confidence, new friends, new experiences and skills are with you for life.

Last weekend I attended my first NIYPAA concert and was so impressed.

The student’s excitement backstage was contagious. They chatted with friends and hummed their first notes ready to storm the stage. I spoke briefly with some of the children and felt very proud of them for getting out there and doing it. To me they were all stars that day. They had made it big because they gave it a go. I couldn’t help but wonder what great things (big or small) the experience is doing for their future selves.

We’re all a product of our past experiences. Being involved in those concerts will help these kids carry their confident selves all through their lives. I hope they keep singing and performing for years to come because whether you find fame or if you just perform for yourself, singing is good for the soul.

Benita Sullivan – Administration and PR Assistant -NIYPAA

Benita is currently working in the Melbourne office for NIYPAA. Her early back ground in music and performance stretches from musicals, to choir, singing and instrumental training. She has been managing and playing with Melbourne bands for the last eight years. She is a singer song writer, developing her latest band Elliot Friend. She looks forward to a successful career in creative arts administration while persisting in her musical endeavors.

Happiness on a high note – bring back the choir

Posted on June 4, 2012 by niypaa

Music is ever more mainstream with the rise of popular reality shows The Voice, Australian Idol, X Factor and Young Talent Time. While these shows encourage Australia’s youth to sing and perform, we don’t all need to be on TV to make it happen and to reap the rewards.

So, why sing? My answer is because it makes us happy.

I started singing with the Australian Youth Choir when I was eight years old and over my seven year education I performed overseas, sang at special events such as the AFL Grand Final and made lifelong friends. Most importantly, I found something that made me truly happy and have turned it in to my career.

These days there’s much emphasis on children being high achievers. School tests, competitive environments and media influences just touch the surface of today’s youth pressures.

Now, let’s face it. If you ask parents what they want for their children, the general answer is for them to be happy. And…when do you see sad or unhappy children singing? Never!

It’s time for choirs to make a comeback. Who wouldn’t want a group of happy, singing angels?

Although not every child wants to pursue an artistic career, their involvement with music at an early age provides multiple benefits:

Music promotes literacy. In choir, students learn to read music. We read words, rhythms and patterns and sequences
Singing means you simultaneously learn visual and auditory skills all in one activity
Choir rehearsals promote kinaesthetic learning (learning by example).
Students learn to keep a beat, further developing numeracy (we’re constantly counting)!
Lots of laughter. Children learning together means we have lots of “in jokes”.
Students learn non-competitive teamwork, very different to teamwork experiences in the sporting arena.
Choir also fosters new friendship groups to those outside of school. Twenty years on since my choir days, I still catch-up with the friends I made.

The simple fact is that group singing releases “feel good” hormones (endorphins) in the brain to produce a happy individual. Young choristers are typically capable, confident and overall happy people. Believe me, I know, I was one of them!

Susan Neilson – Conductor – NIYPAA

Susan is a former chorister of the Australian Youth Choir, one of the original members, commencing in 1984. She holds a Bachelor of Music majoring in Voice and Drama from Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music and a Graduate Diploma in Education. Susan taught in London for four years and on her return to Australia, rejoined the Australian Youth Choir as a Choral Conductor.

Sing and Dance Australia

Sharing life's experiences – singing dancing and growing up!

Category Archives: Sing

From the World Wide Web into the real world! How to unplug the family

Sing and Dance Australia

Sharing life’s experiences – singing dancing and growing up!

Team spirit – How children benefit from group activities

Sing and Dance Australia

Sharing life’s experiences – singing dancing and growing up!

Is your child going for Gold ?

Performing Arts Education steps it up during the school break

Is Lady Gaga a good role model?

Interview with Monique Le Bas – Australia’s Got Talent rising opera star

Singing and Dancing – a performance a day keeps the doctor away

Did you ever dream of being a star? Why singing is good for the soul

Happiness on a high note – bring back the choir

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