Music News

Music News Newsletter 6

Dear Parents/Carers,

Term 2 has been a productive one in music. Our students are making great progress. Our ensembles continue to build their repertoire with more challenging music. This is a great sign. One of the highlights was our first concert which was held in the Theatrette. We had performances from our concert bands, string ensemble, rock groups and soloists. It was great to see a full house in attendance and most importantly our students had fun performing. Our musicians look smart in their new band shirts. I would like to once again acknowledge our Parents and Friends Association for providing funds to purchase the new shirts.

Another highlight for term 2 was the East Gippsland Music Festival which was held in the last week of term at Bairnsdale Secondary College. This amazing event has been running for over 35 years. This involved our music students in the junior and intermediate concert bands and string students. Full day combined rehearsals took place with music students across the region. The intermediate band students rehearsed on the Monday, our junior band on the Tuesday and our string students participated on the Wednesday. We had up to 80 students all performing together in the concert bands. What an experience! It was a productive week of music making where each ensemble rehearsed combined items in preparation for the gala concert. These events build self-confidence. They also give our young musicians an opportunity to play in a large ensemble. They also get to make new friends. I would like to congratulate all students who participated in the festival. I hope this event has inspired you to keep practising.

We look forward to term 3. A reminder to all students to check their compass timetable towards the end of the holidays as lessons will commence first week back. On behalf of instrumental music staff Robyn Keane and Donna Stemberger, have a safe holiday, don’t forget to do lots of practice. We look forward to seeing you all back at the beginning of term 3.

Gerry Ciavarella

Instrumental Music Co-ordinator