The SMP class recently concluded their Term 1 topic where we studied “Espionage and Music” by coming together for a funtastic SPY CLUB weekend here at Westburn School.

Our first mission was on Friday evening, when the students formed four “Spy Rings” and, in these teams, enjoyed completing challenges at Escape Artists! On returning from this adventure, we watched the hilarious movie “Johnny English” ate too much Pizza and chips, and had too much dessert together.

Saturday was spent (in costume) writing compositions based on motifs that were actually ciphers of the students names, (such as Bach and Shostakovich, among many others, have used). There are so many ways to code using Music, and we even found cipher designed by Michael Haydn (F.J’s brother). The students also rehearsed (a lot!), took part in a spy themed ‘treasure hunt’ designed by Mrs Jasmine Robb (who has the best games for any and every occasion). We were lucky to have a visit by Lauren and Jaime Ball to discuss what Justice means in New Zealand, and heard about the skills that are needed to work in the Intelligence Services such as the Predicting Crime Unit, where Jaime works, and the Department of Corrections, where Lauren works. Lauren studied Music at Burnside High School, and confirmed the skills she developed studying Music transferred to her job. We learned about musicians who have worked as spies throughout history, and how music has been used to convey secrets. Her best friend is a Concert Pianist who may/may not also be a spy.

Finally, at our concert, we played to our friends and family the pieces we have worked on so far this year. The choir sang “Skyfall” (which many of you will know as a song written and recorded by Adele for a James Bond movie), and “Soul Bossa Nova” by Quincy Jones (which was used as the theme song for the Austin Powers movies). Mr Richard Oswin arranged Soul Bossa Nova for the children to sing, as well all of the pieces the Chamber Orchestra played. These were Henry Mancini’s “Pink Panther Theme”, Monty Norman’s “James Bond Theme”, and the very challenging 5/4 version of “Theme from Mission: Impossible” by Lalo Schifrin! Richard has the ability to write parts for each child (and the conductor!) that are enjoyable for to play, but a bit of a challenge too, and to put all of these parts together to create such exciting sounding pieces. At the Concert the children also talked about their Coding Compositions, and described to the audience how they had found their motifs, what composition devices had been used to develop them, and what structure or form they had chosen to use in putting the pieces together. Each Spy Ring then performed the compositions, and showed us that we have creative talent, wonderful student leadership, and supportive student collaboration happening in SMP!

A huge thank you to our SMP teachers, Mrs Frances McNeill, Mr Elliot Riley (who had to drive across town to help us set up the hall!), and all of our supportive parents who gave their time helping with all the jobs need to make this mission a success!

SMP Spy Club Mission: COMPLETE

So, Why do Musicians make great Spies?

When WWII broke out, Musicians were sought out and employed by Bletchley Park (the top-secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers), as cryptanalysts.

Espionage requires disciplined professionals. The discipline required to study music, and the brain development which the study of music enhances, are assets in this field of work.

Musicians develop skills in pattern recognition, abstract thinking, appreciation of other cultures, analytical skills, study organisation skills, self management and motivation, listening skills, numeracy, creativity, written communication and argument development skills. The ability to stay calm and to perform under pressure is valuable in many aspects of life, but is a particularly important skill for a secret agent to have.

It is most important that students study what they enjoy while they are at school. People who enjoy studying Music are likely to enjoy working as Intelligence Officers, and would be well prepared to develop further the professional skills a spy requires.

Intelligence work can be routine and repetitive at times. Having music as a creative release also leads to healthier, more well rounded, and dedicated officers, who can switch to their creative side when needed. In the important job of protecting and serving the public, humanity and creativity is required as well as science….

Music = Art + Science