SONGS FOR PRIMARY and SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2022

SCHOOL SONGS/ANTHEMS
Welcome to the schools page. I have taught in secondary schools for over 38 years as head of music/performing arts. During this time I have arranged and composed music for choirs and ensembles, directed concert bands and orchestras and school musicals. I have written two major musicals and co-written another six. As well as this I have composed ten school anthems/songs from lyrics supplied by the schools or simply by studying a school’s prayer or creed and setting these to music. This service is available by contacting me here on the contact page.If you are interested lets have a chat. Recordings are done here in my studio Hotel Sorrento WA.

Below is a sample of anthems written and recorded here at Rodmusic Productions for St John’s School Scarborough, Hammond Park Catholic Primary School, St Thomas Primary School Claremont and Sacred Heart College Sorrento.

PUBLISHING


This is Rodmusic Publishing company where clients can access my original compositions in sheet music form online. They can also listen to and purchase original music composed for theatre, television, film or documentaries, advertising jingles, original contemporary music tracks and virtual soundtracks for a variety of soundtracks and projects. A wide variety of choral music and songs for schools are a feature of this site. I also can represent client’s music and publish  and promote their works if necessary. I am currently arranging music and lyrics for three separate stage musical authors.

Rodmusic Publishing will handle and distribute sheet music and production music. Here, you submit f original songs and arrangements or ideas you may have where music or instruments need to be arranged for a variety of musical genres. You can also access large orchestral works such as Uluru Suite and other film scores and incidental music I have arranged and recorded.

SONG NUMBER ONE: Song for Western Australia

The Mt Pleasant Primary School Choir with Director Ms Jenny Coleman and Composer Rod Christian
The Mt Pleasant Primary School Choir with Director Ms Jenny Coleman and Composer Rod Christian
Year 4/5 Class Poseidon Primary School with Marie Paragelli and Rod Christian Composer.
Year 4/5 Class Poseidon Primary School with Marie Paragelli and Rod Christian Composer.

Hello Primary and Secondary music teachers. I am now publishing a variety of music for schools, catering for all age groups from Primary to Secondary and beyond.

The first song, Song for Western Australia is gaining momentum and popularity in WA schools and choirs. Recently, a number of primary schools, Leeming Primary School, Mt Pleasant Primary School, Creaney Primary School, Burrendah PS, Poseidon Primary and St John’s Albany. Western Australia was performed at their assemblies, concerts and Eisteddfods. The reaction was amazing, so much so, I have decided to publish the work so that all schools and colleges and choirs can access the song. You can now purchase the song in single or two part harmony complete with piano score and full backing track. In a few instances I have created specific arrangements including piano, flute and strings for the song. The package now available is. 1. A full backing track. 2. A complete piano/ guitar/vocal score. 3. Specific arrangements on request. 4. A video of the song that can be projected on an AV screen while the song is performed.This appears below featuring extracts from the video. 

Total cost is on application, depending on your requirements. This also covers the copyright for reproducing multiple copies of the score. Please contact me here directly for more details: rodmusic@bigpond.com

I will invoice your organisation and send the package to you on receipt of payment.

These are samples of my choral publications and some links to the videos or sound files

I have completed a recording of the choir at Mt Pleasant Primary School singing ” Song for Western Australia” under the direction of  Ms Jenny Coleman. View the video below:

Click here to view the first two pages of the score.

WA Song SAMPLE Pages 1-2

Lyrics reproduced below:

SONG for WESTERN AUSTRALIA Lyrics Copyright 2005 Rod Christian

Listen to and watch excerpts from the video featuring Courtney Murphy on vocals. This video is available to play at your assembley/ concert while your choir sings the song.

Rod Christian directs his Virtual Choir during Covid 19 Pandemic in June 2020. This is the SATB arrangement.

SONG for WESTERN AUSTRALIA Lyrics

Copyright 2005 Rod Christian

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is WESTERN-AUSTRALIA-Lyrics-Copyright-2007-Rod-Christian-724x1024.jpg
The lyrics here are from the song Song for Western Australia

SONG NUMBER TWO:

ULURU SUITE for ORCHESTRA and SSATB CHORUS

I Rod Christian, composer of the composition ULURU SUITE for ORCHESTRA and CHORUS, acknowledge the Anangu people, Traditional Custodians of this sacred land titled Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, their language Pitjantatjara and their culture and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. 

This new work was started on 12 December 2016 and completed on 8 September 2020. I have re-written movement 1 to include full orchestra and SSATB Chorus. The second and third movements feature an SSA Chorus but the third movement or Finale introduces the SSATB Chorus in the finale section. This work depicts Uluru from its early beginnings. The Anangu people unique to this vast area in Central Australia summon the spirits along the Songlines many thousands of years ago. We then hear the orchestra change key to reveal the spectacular sunrise over Uluru, the often harsh conditions during the day, the bird life, the thunder, lighting and rain, the creatures and legends but, above all the tranquility and peaceful ness of this Sacred place in Australia.

The Second movement pays tribute to Kata Tjjuta, the area in which Uluru is situated, the tranquillity and beauty, the sunsets and bird life.

The Third and final movement sums up the sentiment expressed in the opening movement and ends with the words sung by full choir, “Uluru, Tjukuritja – the Ancestral beings, Crossing the landscape to follow their dreams. Uluru.”

The vocal performance features Chelsea J Gibson, Soprano and Alto parts, Perry Joyce Tenor/ Baritone/ Bass and Justin Freind, Tenor. All orchestral parts were performed by Rod Christian using East West Symphonic Orchestra on Logic X Pro.

CD cover. Artwork by Sandy Prideaux

You can also purchase a copy of this work by filling in the contact form on this website.

Listen here to extracts from ULURU SUITE Movements 1, 2 and 3:

I have also included a Piano/ SSATB arrangement for the First Movement

ULURU Suite for PIANO and SSATB CHORUS P2
ULURU Suite for PIANO and SSATB CHORUS P3

AUDIO of EXTRACT HERE:

Enquiries: rodmusic@bigpond.com

SONG NUMBER THREE:

OH SUSANNAH!

OH SUSANNAH, a traditional song composed by Stephen Foster in 1840 is a song that lends itself to choral part singing. I arranged this in a jazz style as I have a real interest in unusual chords and the jazz genre.
The setting is for five parts, Soprano 1 & 2 with splits; Alto 1 and Alto 2. There is also an SATB setting of the song. The two arrangements are available here.

Review: This stunning treatment of the 1848 Stephen Foster classic was crafted by Rod Christian, one of Western Australia’s most talented composers and arrangers of choral music. Featuring tight jazz influenced chords and interesting harmonies, Christian achieves an uplifting, reflective, almost spiritual sound. The arrangement contains an optional piano part and is available for treble SSAA or mixed SATB choirs.

Click here to hear OH SUSANNA performed by the Iona Presentation College Chorale.

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Rod with the Iona Presentation College Senior Chorale

Audio File OH SUSANNAH! SSAAOH SUSANNAH Audio recording

Sheet Music sample pages 1 -2.



Contact me on the contact page to find out how to order your music or to discuss any music questions.

SONG NUMBER FOUR:

AUSTRALIAN ANTHEM FOR UNITY

Australian Anthem for Unity is a special song – one that represents our unique culture with all of our diverse backgrounds.In writing Anthem for Unity, I set out to show that we are all members of society. We need to strive as one voice to live in peace and harmony. The song asks for reconciliation amongst the turmoil we are experiencing in today’s world.

Versatility is an important feature of this anthem. It is available in either SATB format or SSAA format. This should cater for the vast majority of school and community choral groups.

There is also Piano/Guitar vocal sheet music available for the song.The chord symbols chords are visible above the piano line.



This version of the song was recorded in 2001 by Nicole Wheatley, Rod Christian and the Born to Sing SATB Choir. The solo vocal line here is shared with a male vocalist. The backing track and arrangement with the drums bass keyboards guitar and strings are available on request.

Nicole Wheatley sings Australian Anthem for Unity

Listen to and view the Rejoyce Choir singing Australian Anthem for Unity in SATB style under the direction of Perry Joyce and accompanied by Rod Christian at UWA Perth 2012



Links to Youtube here:

SONG NUMBER FIVE

KIMBERLEY SUN

Released on a CD KIMBERLEY SUN

Listen Here:

Now available for choirs.

RELEASE INFORMATION Luke and Dan Riches are Indigenous West Australians born at One Arm Point in the Kimberley. In 2014 Dennis Bird, then CEO of Abmusic, approached me to mentor the guys in vocals and performance. I had composed a number of songs but felt that these artists would enhance some of these songs as they related to the Kimberley and the particular culture. As time progressed we began recording the songs and I produced an album in my recording studios in Perth, Hotel Sorrento. The boys became inspired by the sound they were producing so we branched out and wrote a couple of “pop” and rap tunes which are now included on the album. Eventually, Luke and Dan composed a song each for this album which I was honoured to include. Dennis helped in the production of the songs. Various Perth musicians were selected to take part in the recording including Richard Walley who provided the didgeridoo and clapping sticks in the title song “Kimberley Sun.” Kelly Green, Paul Millard, Paul Reynolds, Mark Underwood, Mike Nelson, Jenny Wrenn, George Janicki and Tony Celiberti were contributing musicians. I recorded, mixed and mastered all tracks at Rodmusic Productions and played bass guitar and guitars. 
The album release date was Thursday October 1 2020. I know you will thoroughly enjoy this eclectic mix of songs. 
Rod Christian Writer/Producer << Less

School and Choir Versions: Kimberley Sun is now available to sing in primary and secondary and community choirs. Here are pages 3/4 of the arrangement.

SONG NUMBER SIX

THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY

This is a very popular song composed in 2016 and featuring the Haze Showband from Perth Western Australia. Rod sings the lead vocal backed up by drummer Nigel Ridgway, Sax/Trumpet?Guitar and vocals, Bazz Clarke and Robbie Jones, Lead Guitar and vocals.

The song is available on Spotify and SoundCloud

Check out the video here:

LYRICS:



This song can be arranged for your school band/class band/concert.

Let me know what format would suit you by reaching me on the contact page.

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ULURU SUITE for Orchestra and Chorus

I Rod Christian, composer of the composition ULURU SUITE for ORCHESTRA and CHORUS, acknowledge the Anangu people, Traditional Custodians of this sacred land titled Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, their language Pitjantatjara and their culture and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. 

 

In this composition, ULURU SUITE for Orchestra and Chorus, I have tried to encompass the early beginnings of ULURU through to the present day, the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the bird and animal life there, the spiritual connections, the sometimes relentless harshness of the heat, the storms and remoteness of the area.

Above all, I have paid tribute to the beauty and the spirit of this sacred place where the Indigenous Anangu people traversed the song lines of their land and settled here some 20,000 years or more ago. The choral section relates this story and talks about the language, the legends and the meanings of the Anangu language.The orchestral prelude depicts the beginnings of time when Uluru was first formed, the sunrise, the bird life and the call of the spirits.

First conceived from early December 2014 as a choral work for SSA voices and piano.

In December 2016 I composed the Prelude to the choral work for full orchestra and the choral section. I used Logic X and East West Symphonic Orchestra and featured is Chelsea J Gibson on vocals. Joining her is Justin Freind Tenor and Perry Joyce, Bass. 
In 2018 I completed the Second Movement to this work. This is an Andante piece and represents Kata Tjuta, the National Park where Uluru is situated.

In 2019 I began work on the Finale which sums up the beauty and at the same time the harshness of this beautiful landscape, sacred to the Indigenous Anangu people of this area. 

I am currently working with the Australian Government, Uluru Lands Council and the  Elders of the Anangu  to obtain permission to perform this work in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“MATES” a WW II Musical.

Yvonne Antoine at work in Print Hall WA Newspaper House. circa 1936

Yvonne Antoine at work in Print Hall WA Newspaper House. circa 1936

 

Yvonne at age 98.Photo taken in 2016

Yvonne at age 98.Photo taken in 2016

 

 

This is a fascinating story about my parents, Ron and Yvonne Christian (nee Antoine) set during World War 2. They met in 1935 while both working at The West Australian Newspaper and the rest, as they say, is history.
I took mum (100 years old March 2018) to see the Print Hall and she showed me exactly where the pay window was and can remember everything very well. I decided five years ago to write my next big musical based on their story, which from that point in 1935 is so interesting.
I have been interviewing my mother in short sessions for the past 7 years, from 2012-2017. She is still very alert now at 102 years of age in 2020, and her memory is still okay. The musical “MATES” is now completed after eight years work. 18 original songs are featured in this musical set during WWII, 1939-1945.

Print Hall 2013-1

 

 

 

 

 

Newspaper House Clock

Yvonne Antoine in the VAD Uniform 1941

Yvonne Antoine in the VAD Uniform 1941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VAD contingent Perth 1939

 

2/16 Battalion WW2

Captain Ron Christian WX3093 M.C.and Bar 2/16 Battalion

Yvonne Antoine WW2 copy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Military Cross Citation

Military Cross Citation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mum was a pay clerk at the West Australian Newspaper office at 125 St Georges Terrace. Dad was lining up for his pay in Print Hall (which has recently been restored to its original condition).

I took mum (who turned100 years old March 2018) to see the Print Hall and she showed me exactly where the pay window was and can remember everything very well. I decided seven years ago to write my next big musical based on their story, which from that point in 1935 is so interesting.

Photos and Articles from WW2.

RH Christian-MCRH Christian-BarTimeline:

My parents eventually fell in love.

Mum joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (Dalkeith) in about 1935/1937.

Dad proposed to Mum at the Embassy Ballroom in William Street Perth in 1939 just as WW2 was declared.This is a scene from the musical where the action is down at the Embassy Ballroom in William St Perth WA.
This is the song “Saturday Night.” The Embassy Ballroom is packed with people who are out for a good time trying to forget about the impending war ahead. Ron, Yvonne and Bret Langridge are there along with their friends enjoying the music and dancing. There are three girls out front of a big dance band and they are singing the song.

“SATURDAY NIGHT.”

Click here:

https://youtu.be/4xdq0nwhSi4

Dad’s best mate, Bret Langridge, was also keen on mum.
Dad and Bret joined the 2/16th Battalion when war broke out and went to train at Northam Army Barracks. They were subsequently sent to Syria in the Middle East in 1941.
In 1941 Mum was was one of those from her VAD detachment who volunteered for service in the Middle East. She was attached to the 7th AGH and travelled on the Queen Mary. She was later also attached to the 6th AGH.
Dad heard she was there and came down from the battlefields to the makeshift hospital where mum was stationed. They spent their “day off” together in Palestine. Bret Langridge was also there.
It was then they began planning a wedding, and Dad was keen to have it at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Dad’s Battalion was then brought home by Curtin to defend Australia. He went to Queensland where he trained with the 2/16 Batallion for New Guinea.
Mum stayed in the Middle East until February 1943 when her detachment returned to Perth. Dad returned briefly from New Guinea where he had been an integral part of the Kokoda Campaign as a Captain of the 7th Division 2/16 Battalion. He won his first Military Cross for bravery at Isurava/Abuwari when he helped plan the attack on Shaggy Ridge north of Kokoda and defeated a Japanese advancing party “with only the remnants of his platoon.”

 

 

 

“BRIGADE HILL on Kokoda” c. Rod Christian 2017.

This is the music that accompanies the scene in the musical.

Bret Langridge was killed at Kokoda – he and Dad had been close friends. They both became Captains and both contributed a lot to the successes of the campaign.

Bret had intimated to mum that if anything ever happened to Dad, he would look after Mum.
The irony is that Bret was killed in new Guinea and dad never got over it.

WHY SO YOUNG” copyright Rod Christian 2016

This is a song featured in my new WW2 musical, “MATES!” based on my parents’ life experiences during WW2. The song is about a father longing for his son, Bret Langridge to return from war. He has been called to duty on the Kokoda Track in New Guinea in the 2/16th Battalion. The father is writing a letter to Bret asking the question “Why So Young”- my only son! Bret is sitting on his stretcher bed and replies to his father’s letter. Bret’s sister Joan also joins in the song. The trio captures a moment in the musical where we question whether Bret will indeed make it home.

This is a video extract of the song which featured in a recent showcase of MATES.

Bret is killed in action on Kokoda the very next day! The REQUIEM scene in the musical is where he is formally buried in Port Moresby New Guinea.

I have set “THE ODE” by Laurence Binyon to a SATB chorale.

This is from Scene 12 in Act 2. Vocalist Perry Joyce.

 

When the Kokoda Campaign had finished, he returned home briefly to Perth where he married mum at Star Of The Sea Church in Cottesloe on 26 February 1943. See AWM website reference here: AWM website.

This is the wedding song my father sings to my mother at the wedding ceremony. It is titled “Another Chapter, Another Page.” The artists on the recording are West Australian vocalists Louise Anton Miller and Perry Joyce.

 

She had brought Egyptian lace home from the Middle East, and her boss at WAN got last-minute permission from the Minister for the Army to be married out of uniform. This story was carried by the West Australian Newspaper and she had many offers from dressmakers to make her wedding dress in time for her wedding.

After the gruelling Kokoda Campaign, the Battalion was sent to Borneo to further stop the Japanese at Balikpapan, and Dad won his second Militay Cross for bravery.
Mum went back to work and transferred to the commercial staff as Secretary to the CO of Hollywood Hospital.

This is a very telling story about my parents’ early lives together. Recently the family came across some actual footage of the events at Kokoda on an ATN Channel 7 film made back in the 50s. Dad is actually interviewed on this programme which I have restored to DVD. It is a fascinating account from various people who served in the Middle East and in New Guinea. Please view this here. We Were Anzacs 1956.

Please also see photos taken by Yvonne Antoine in the Middle East on the AWM website.

Glenda Prideaux Marriage Celebrant

portrait_front_web2

Rod is married to Glenda Prideaux, an Authorised Commonwealth Marriage Celebrant in Perth Western Australia. Glenda performs wedding ceremonies in the Perth metropolitan area and beyond. She is very experienced in this field and takes great care in preparing each ceremony with a personal touch.

My role is to provide the sound and microphones for the occasion as well as any music edits required on the day. I can also play guitar or piano for the ceremony.

All information can be found on Glenda’s website here:

http://www.glendaprideaux.com/