Introducing Froukje Werlemann-Godfrey, Head of Music (Curriculum)

STAFF STORY

One of the most sought-after positions for a music teacher in Sydney is the position of Head of Music at Santa Sabina. And our new Head of Music (Curriculum), Ms Froukje Werlemann-Godfrey, just happens to be one of NSW’s most sought after music teachers. At the time of her appointment at the beginning of this year, Froukje had multiple offers from highly regarded schools. But she knew Santa Sabina would be the best fit, such is the reputation of our music program, in scale and excellence. The virtuosity of our musical students and staff was on full display recently for those of us lucky enough to attend the widely praised sell-out Gala Concert at Sydney Town Hall.

Froukje directs the Music curriculum at Santa Sabina for Years 5 to 12, including the HSC and IB. The staff of her teaching department includes three other teachers and on top of the curriculum programming and teaching, Froukje directs the Gioia House choir and plays with the Symphony Orchestra. As a performer she is a jazz singer and violinist, starting lessons on the violin at age six. She has played in numerous orchestras and has been teaching violin without a break since she was 16.

‘Music has always been a big part of my life’, she says.

As a performer, Froukje has performed around NSW as well as in Germany, the country of Beethoven, Bach and Brahms. From Germany to regional NSW, Froukje was one of the founding members of the Orange Regional Conservatorium String Quartet. Not confined to music performance, Froukje trained as a ballet dancer for many years – the elegance and precision of her early ballet training is obvious when she conducts. Her wide experience in conducting has led to gold medals in eisteddfods, including at national level.

Froukje studied music performance at Sydney’s famous Conservatorium of Music and gained her Master’s of Teaching at the University of Western Sydney. She has also studied in the Hague Conservatorium in the Netherlands with Frederieke Saeijs. Teaching is in her blood – her Dutch-born mother, brother, aunt, mother-in-law, and many cousins are all teachers, and several are music teachers. Froukje has taught at co-ed and all boys schools including James Sheehan Catholic School in Orange and Sydney Grammar. Our students in Gioia House and our Secondary Years are her first all girls classes and another reason why Froukje chose to move here.

Santa Sabina students are well aware of Froukje’s high musical standards and intolerance of inattention in class and in rehearsal.

‘I have a high expectation of respect and participation’, she says.

‘I want it to be fun but I also set clear boundaries. My main expectation is that everyone gives it a go and shows respect, not just to their teacher but also to their peers because otherwise it’s not fair. You get more out of the experience if you are engaged and trying your hardest. The kids respond well and knowing the boundaries leads them to an element of trust’.

Out of hours, Froukje is busy with many interests including bushwalking, swimming at the beach, working out at the gym, cooking, performing with amateur theatre groups. Her number one relaxation, however, is playing board games, but not the traditional favourites of Monopoly or Scrabble that immediately spring to mind. Froukje’s board games look like the ultimate escape – where players immerse themselves in seven great cities of the ancient world or try to be the dominant force on the mythical island of Catan.

‘I’m a big nerd. I love 7 Wonders and Catan.’