Music News
Chris MITCHELL
Director of Instrumental Music & Performance
Classroom Teacher
It’s been a busy first term in the music department. It’s been great to see students settling into their lessons and ensemble rehearsals and making good progress in their learning.
Twilight Tunes
The highlight of the term was our annual Twilight Tunes concert. We managed to schedule this outdoor performance on a warm, clear and still night – the perfect conditions for students to share their talents. It was great to see students organising and developing their own items for this concert, and to see some students performing a solo for the first time. Some photos of the event are below.
Instrumental Lessons
A few reminders for students regarding instrumental lessons:
Please check your lesson times carefully each week, and again the day before the lesson. Write yourself a reminder if you need it so you remember to attend (or if you use a BYOD, set a reminder using a calendar app such as Outlook).
If you will miss a lesson please see your teacher or send your teacher an e-mail in advance. In some cases, the lesson time may be able to be re-arranged but this is not always possible.
Please ensure you complete regular practice as advised by your teacher. Some teachers will write practice requirements in the Compass lesson plan, so please check this.
Home Practice
It is essential that students practice their instrument outside of lesson times and ensemble rehearsals. This will greatly help their progress. To aid in this, a suitable music stand is essential to promote good posture. Basic fold up stands are available at most music stores for around $25-30.
Ensembles
Ensembles are now underway for the year. A reminder to students to be on time and arrive with all required equipment to fully participate.
^ PA893 is Semester 1 only. Students will be allocated to Intermediate Concert Band, Intermediate Strings or in some cases, a different group for Semester 2. Students can choose to start their allocated group during Semester 1.
* audition only group taken in addition to a core ensemble.
Due to the flood in the Theatre and Gym last year, please check Compass carefully for rehearsal locations each week.
Harmonix ‘NEVR Spotlight’ Performance
Unfortunately, this year the NEVR Youth Concert is not running. However, the North-East Victorian Region Music Coordinators have organised a smaller ‘Spotlight’ concert. Our Harmonix choir has been selected to be part of this, combining with similar groups at Vermont Secondary College and John Monash Science School. Parents/carers of Harmonix students will have received an e-mail about this from our choir director, Mr Nguyen. Please check and action this information carefully.
2025 Performances
For your forward planning, please see the proposed 2025 performances below. If you are unsure if your student will be required on a particular date, please contact the music department for confirmation.
