The Sound of Picture Books really came alive in September when The Literature Centre, in partnership with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and Yamaha Australia, proudly performed in the Performing Arts Centre at Comet Bay College. Hundreds of students from Comet Bay PS, Golden Bay PS and Secret Harbour PS were thoroughly entertained during their highly interactive multi-modal workshop for the picture book Tree. Tree, by Danny Parker and Matt Ottley is a ‘little story about big things’ and explores the cycle of life, the turn of seasons, survival of the fittest and the delicacy of the natural world through a combination of dramatic illustrations, the minimalist text and the breath-taking original music.
The secondary students witnessed a powerful and thought provoking performance of the book Home and Away that featured WASO’s superb string quintet, Yamaha’s Alf Demasi, narration by Danny Parker and illustrations by Matt Ottley. This compelling and confronting story tells of one Australian family as they suffer the hardships and terrors of war. Forced to flee Australia, they set out to find a new and safe home in a distant land.
Student comments:
We really enjoyed the way Matt Ottley went into great detail explaining how and why he illustrates the way he does. We learnt that music and tone has a huge effect on a story and that each instrument has a role to play. Having music made a bigger impact on the emotions felt than just reading the book. The powerful message gave the audience a different point of view and a different perspective by being in the asylum seekers shoes.
Sophie Durnin and Iris Sin Yr 7
After watching the WASO presentation we felt inspired to think more creatively and more divergently. We also felt moved by the plot featuring the intense struggle experienced by asylum seekers, which left us reflecting on both our own fortunes and the hardships of others.
Julia, Grace and Calisto Yr 11
For all of human history, music and storytelling have been our oldest forms of communication. It was absolutely incredible to see them come together in such a harmonious and complimentary way.
Connor Siekman Yr 11