Music News

It has been a busy few weeks in the music department with many different musical opportunities for students to participate in.

CSEN Music Showcase

Thank you to the Year 8 students and members of the Senior Band for making the effort to participate in the CSEN Music Showcase on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 March. This event was held at the Belgrave Heights Convention Centre, where approximately 400 students from 9 Christian schools across the state came together to intensively rehearse and then perform in an impressive concert setting for parents and school communities.

We had 50 students from Christway College attend this event and now we are feeling the positive effects of what lots of practice can do for you as an individual and also lift the standard of the school music environment. Thank you for the teachers who came along to make this event such a success and all the parents who came to watch their children perform. The students who attended should be very proud of their efforts to perform such a high standard of music and be a part of something much bigger than themselves. The growth in confidence as a result is very encouraging.

Term 1 Music Soiree

On Wednesday 26 March the auditorium was filled with beautiful music from 25 solo and duet performances at the Music Soiree. It was such a beautiful afternoon full of students showing how much they enjoy playing an instrument and sharing their gifts and talents with the Christway Community. Instruments included: Piano, Voice, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet… and even a Piano Accordion. Thank you to the students who were so well prepared and to the parents for your unwavering support of your child’s practice at home. Some students performed after just a few lessons on their instruments, which was amazing, and others have been playing for several years and really demonstrated their commitment to learning an instrument. It is so lovely to hear everyone perform at their individual standard and celebrate being gifted by God in your musical abilities.

New Ensembles

There has been such a buzz around the music rooms as two new ensembles have started up. We have a new Vocal Ensemble (directed by Mrs Barry) that usually rehearses on a Monday during lunchtime in F1. We also have a new Jazz Ensemble (directed by Mr Perera – the new drums/percussion teacher) that rehearses on a Friday during lunchtime in F1.

We are very excited to offer two new groups that students can participate in and make music together. Both groups will have their debut performances at the upcoming Winter Concert in Term 2 – please see Mrs Barry if you would like to be a part of these groups, as we would love to see more students getting involved – there is strength in numbers.

House Performing Arts Event

This year Mrs Barry and Mr Simmons have been working together to have a House Performing Arts Event for Secondary School students. Over the past few weeks, students have completed a survey about where their talents are (if you missed the survey, please fill it out before the end of the term). We also held an assembly to decide on the song that each house will be performing. There will be more information about this event, so keep your ears open to hear how you can be involved. It is exciting to be a part of this inaugural event. Performances will be on Wednesday 18 June next term, and Houses are frantically organising how they will best perform their chosen song to take out the winning trophy. Talk to your House captains today!

Private Instrumental Music Lessons

There are still a few spots for students to sign up for instrumental music lessons. The following instruments are available for students to learn: Piano, Guitar, Drums/Percussion, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone. If your child is interested in learning an instrument, please contact the music admin team via email at music.admin@christway.vic.edu.au. Attached below is the instrumental information booklet and enrolment form. 

Our dedicated staff would love to see a few more students sign up for lessons. If you have private lessons, you will be more equipped to participate in the extra-curricular ensemble program as well as other music events throughout the year. Sign up today! 

Ruth Barry

Head of Music 

Upcoming Music Dates

Term 2

Winter Concert: Thursday 5 June

House Performing Arts (Secondary): Wednesday 18 June

Term 3

Instrumental Music Soiree: Wednesday 6 August

VSMF: specific ensemble dates TBC (August/September)

Primary Musical: Wednesday 10 September and Thursday 11 September

Term 4

Spring Concert: Thursday 30 October

VSMF: Young Concert Band Section – dates TBC (November)