Putting on a Show: Interview with Lynne Bartlett

12/08/19 • 19 min

In this episode I chat with Lynne Bartlett about putting on a show with primary/elementary schools. Lynne has been involved in the writing of no fewer than 16 primary school shows and assorted plays and mini-musicals, as well as touring curriculum-based educational performances to schools. Lynne has is a founder partner in Bushfire Press. She holds an Associate Diploma in Speech & drama from Trinity College in the UK. Lynne has been working in primary schools since the Eighties and is still passionate and active, mentoring and team teaching with performing arts teachers, writing and, of course, helping schools put on concerts and shows.

In this interview, Lynne walks us through the steps from deciding to do a school production to pulling up the curtain on opening night.

Episode highlights:

Why put on a show?
Choosing a production.
Forming a production team.
Organising a venue.
Auditions.
Choreography.
Rehearsals schedule.
Working with grade teachers.
Large schools.
Number of performances.
Student esteem through performance.

HINTS & TIPS
Alison Lunnon from Maryborough QLD shows some uses for bluetooth speakers in the music room:
https://youtu.be/SWe15Afzh5o

In this interview, Lynne walks us through the steps from deciding to do a school production to pulling up the curtain on opening night.

Episode highlights:

Why put on a show?
Choosing a production.
Forming a production team.
Organising a venue.
Auditions.
Choreography.
Rehearsals schedule.
Working with grade teachers.
Large schools.
Number of performances.
Student esteem through performance.

HINTS & TIPS
Alison Lunnon from Maryborough QLD shows some uses for bluetooth speakers in the music room:
https://youtu.be/SWe15Afzh5o

Previous Episode

Music and Language: interview with Allison Cameron

In this episode I chat with Allison Cameron, who is completing a PhD at the University of Wollongong. Her research has looked at the effects of a children's music education program upon the language development of 4 and 5 year-olds. The music program is called Tuning In - it's part of the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra, based in Nowra on the NSW south coast.

Although Allison’s research focuses on preschool-aged children, there's so much relevance in it to music teaching in the early primary years. She would love to be able to communicate about her research and the wider benefits of well-structured and implemented music programs.

Episode highlights:

Allison’s research into the effects of a children’s music education program on language development 4 & 5 year olds.
The ‘Tuning-In’ program in the shoalhaven area - to increase pool of students playing instruments (to join orchestra)
Seeing language development problems in pre-school.
Developing a way to research the effects of a music program on preschool children.
4 preschools - two of which became ‘Tuning in’ schools.
Testing for phonological awareness.
Improvements in communication.
Music making is a social practice and provides a framework for building relationships.
Playing music in a group is the ultimate team sport and builds self-esteem.
Telling stories with instruments.
Babies, language and singing.

HINTS & TIPS VIDEO: https://youtu.be/8u5Jc3D5p3c

Next Episode

Writing Songs for Children: Peter Combe interview

In this episode I chat with Peter Combe (who has just been awarded the OAM) about his beginnings as a primary classroom teacher, his advice on what makes a great children's song, his work over his 38 year career as composer and performer of songs for both children and adults and his views on primary music and singing.
Episode highlights include:

Peter’s primary classroom and music teacher origins.
Hosting Music Time in the UK.
Why we still need such a program.
What makes a successful children’s song and why Peter’s songs have achieved longevity.
The origin of Spaghetti Bolognaise .
Peter’s 18+ concerts (Big Kids Night Out).
Peter’s Adelaide Fringe shows.
Using elemental musical cocepts in children’s songs.
Children’s singing keys.
The importance of singing for children.

About Peter
Peter Combe started as a primary school classroom teacher in 1969, moving shortly after into music teaching. By the late 70s he was writing and performing songs for both children and adults and decided to move the family to England to see where his career might take him.

In England he presented the classic BBC school music program Music Time which was aired also in Australia by the ABC. Returning to Australia, Peter pioneered the recording of albums for children that consisted of new songs (rather than nursery rhymes and old favourites). He also pioneered the making of video clips for children – the first being Toffee Apple . His Radio National radio show Ticklepot was voted best children’s radio program in the world in New York 1991.

Peter has performed in schools, pubs, clubs, concert halls, has sold out the Sydney Opera House (twice) and the Melbourne Concert Hall, has appeared at Carols in the Domain and other capital city Carols nights ... and regularly performs his children’s songs in pubs full of adoring adults who turn up to sing along with the soundtrack of their childhood. Yet another first for children’s songs.

Peter’s albums have won 3 ARIA awards, plus 7 gold and 3 platinum awards.

And on Australia Day 2020, Peter was awarded the OAM. And deservedly so. He has elevated the status, not only of children’s songs, but also the importance of music in children’s lives and the importance of those who provide the music education.

Peter made time in late 2019 to share his insights into children’s songs and music education. You’re going to enjoy listening to the man who gave us Mr Clicketty Cane , Toffee Apple , Spaghetti Bolognaise , Newspaper Mama , Christmas albums and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie the musical.

Also in this episode:
A recipe from film composer Ennio Morriconi
A teaching tip video on storing music teaching resources from Alison Lunnon. https://youtu.be/0eTvwfBuft4