On Friday 14 June, the Year 5 students experienced a wonderful journey of music, story and projection at Hamer Hall where they were asked the question, ‘What is the most dangerous creature?’.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra played selections from ‘Carnival of the Animals’ by Saint-Saëns’ and ‘Dangerous Creatures’ by Matthew Hindson. We heard the sounds of dangerous creatures such as big black bear, spiders, army ants and scorpions, while every now and then a giant snake would poke its head out from the wings. The Year 5 students were inspired by hearing the instruments that they learn being played in such an exciting context.

The Year 5 students experienced a wonderful journey of music at the ‘Carnival of Dangerous Creatures’, a performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

“I really enjoyed listening to all of the instruments in action. The music was very entertaining and told a story. It showed us how we could sound when we are older.” – Clover Oxley.

“Watching the MSO perform was entertaining and inspirational. It made me want to practise on my clarinet more so that I can make such beautiful music, and not squeak! My favourite instruments to watch perform were the triangle and the clarinet.” – Lexie Hill.

“It was amazing seeing how many different instruments there are in the woodwind, brass, strings and percussion families. Hearing all the different sounds they could make in an orchestra was really entertaining. My favourite part was when the orchestra played an underwater piece.” – Giselle Upton.

“It was really good listening to the MSO perform. The spider song was my favourite because it sounded like spiders crawling everywhere. I also enjoyed the tuba solo in the bear piece. It made me realise how much I need to practise my trombone to make a better sound. It was really inspiring!” – Lulu Kyriakou.

So what is the most dangerous creature? Humans! (Movement Nine of Dangerous Creatures, Matthew Hindson)

I can highly recommend this wonderful experience to any young person to engage and inspire them in the world of music.

The Year 5 students enjoyed watching the ‘Carnival of Dangerous Creatures’ performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.