Bellingen High School Teacher, Ann Phelan was awarded a Special Commendation at the 2011 National Awards for Excellence in School Music Education which were announced in Brisbane on Sunday (July 3).
The awards aim to:
• Recognise individual teachers and school leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to the provision of music education in Australian schools;
• Provide opportunities for award recipients to further their professional learning related to music education; and
• Raise the status of music education in Australian schools.
The talent and enthusiasm of Ann Phelan as a Teacher at Bellingen High School and Bellingen Primary School, and as the leader of Bellingen Youth Orchestra, long recognised and highly appreciated within the local community, has now been recognised at the national level.
A parent of a high school student and member of the youth orchestra stated: “Ann has a wonderful rapport with students and creates an environment where all students are welcomed and valued regardless of their musical tastes or abilities. She is a true champion in the field of Music Education and is held in high esteem within the local community”.
In less than five years at Bellingen High School Ann Phelan has instituted a thriving Music Extension Two course, numerous ensembles and an external tutoring program that covers specialty music teaching five days a week before school and after school.
Principal Bob Stockton has identified that the school is retaining students in our senior years because the success of the music program. The HSC music results year after year demonstrate this success. This year, two Bellingen High School students were selected in the Sydney Conservatorium as performance artists and three students played with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra at the conclusion of 2010.
While consistently supporting many talented students to the nth degree, Ann is as happy when a student who will never reach great heights finally “gets it” as she would put it.
She is modest, doesn't seek praise and is happier when she is out of the limelight. However, she possesses that factor that students understand. She is passionate about music.
It is her life, and students recognise that commitment and establish their own musical journeys.
One of her students recently said of her: “Ms Phelan is a wonderful Teacher who cares about her students. She builds friendship with her students and she really helps to enhance their learning and give them challenges”.
Ann has assisted local primary school to establish their music programs. At Bellingen Primary School, over 200 students out of a school of 300 students play a musical instrument. They reach secondary school ready to take on as much music as they can cram into their lives.
Ann has been instrumental in the formation of the Bellingen Youth Orchestra which includes approximately fifty young people from both public and private schools in the local region. Ann organises voluntary tutors to assist student learning in the orchestra and has developed a strong culture of mentoring of younger musicians by older musicians in all orchestral activities.
She works collaboratively with community groups in Bellingen, and in close partnership with students and parents, including in her role as Director of this year’s Bellingen Music Festival and providing substantial musical assistance during the 5 day Camp Creative event held each January at Bellingen High School.
It’s fantastic that Ann’s contribution to Bellingen’s music education and local culture has now been recognised more widely.
See details at:
http://musicawards.asme.edu.au/sc ripts/index.php
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