WAO SINGS
Supported by the Feilman Foundation.
West Australian Opera is proud to present WAO SINGS, a three-year choral education program running from 2025 to 2027, proudly supported by the Feilman Foundation and the City of Swan. The program delivers comprehensive music education through choral singing to Year 5 and 6 students at four schools in the Ellenbrook area, nurturing young voices and inspiring a lifelong love of music.
Led by Choral Director Dr Emma Jayakumar, the program brings weekly singing sessions to participating schools, culminating in a joyful mass performance for friends and family at the end of the school year. Students explore a diverse repertoire across musical genres, including pieces in operatic languages such as Italian, French, German, and Noongar.
A key focus of WAO SINGS is the integration of The Kids Research Institute of Australia’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing in the Arts (SEW ARTS) framework. This research-based approach supports teaching practices that centre on student wellbeing, creative confidence, and positive learning environments, aligning closely with West Australian Opera’s commitment to community engagement and arts education.
To enquire about WAO SINGS and other community outreach programs offered by West Australian Opera, contact Helen Dwyer, Education Manager at [email protected] or 08 9278 8913
| ARTIST | Dr Emma Jayakumar Dr Emma Jayakumar is a performing arts professional with 25 years of industry experience in a variety of roles including opera and classical performance, teaching, composition, practice-led ethnographic research with children and families. She has worked extensively with children in research projects, as performers and students, and in specialised compositional and writing approaches to children’s repertoire. Most recently this has included a family audience commission with WA Opera, Our Little Inventor, along with several other children’s works for AWESOME Arts, WA Ballet and Music Book Stories. |
Watch the videos: Reflections on WAO SINGS
Launched in February 2025, WAO SINGS is now in full swing. Let’s hear reflections from teachers and students on the impact so far.
PART 1 - Alison Roberson, Music Specialist at Malvern Springs Primary School
How are your students responding to WAO SINGS?
PART 2 – Students at Aveley Primary School
What has been your favourite part of these classes so far?
PART 3 – Students at Malvern Springs Primary School, Aveley Primary School, Bullsbrook College
What’s your favourite part of music?
PART 4 – Students at Malvern Springs Primary School
What have you learned in these lessons so far?
PART 5 – Chris Spencer, Music Specialist at Aveley Primary School
Why do you think WAO SINGS is important to the City of Swan community?
PART 6 – Students at Malvern Springs Primary School
What’s your favourite part of music?
PART 7 – Students and teachers at Malvern Springs Primary School, Aveley Primary School, Bullsbrook College
SUPPORT
