Music Notes
Tour Success
Over the recent school holidays, forty-seven students and six staff members were fortunate to participate in the biennial European Music Tour, this 2025 version included destinations in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. The touring ensembles consisted of a forty-piece orchestra and a thirty-six-piece competition choir, along with the entire Tour Chorale group.
The primary objective was to compete in the Budapest International Choral Festival. However, the opportunity was seized to explore some of the most picturesque locations during our journey to and from the choral festival. Many of the destinations we visited are intrinsically linked to our classical music heritage. Consequently, it was beneficial for the students to connect with these places, including the birthplace of Mozart and the epicentre of classical music composers in Vienna.
The students represented Huntingtower exceptionally well in the eleven concerts held in the four different countries. At the festival, we were honoured with a Silver prize for the outstanding performance of several intricate pieces. The students were inspired by the numerous other international choirs, and we engaged in meaningful personal interactions with the members of some of these choirs.
The positive response to this tour has been so encouraging that planning for the 2027 tour is already underway.
Winter Concert
Our annual Winter Concert is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24th (Week 10 of Term 2). To accommodate our extensive ensembles program, we will be holding two sessions: Session 1 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (for Junior School and some Middle School groups) and a second session from 7:45 PM to 9:00 PM (for some Middle School and all Senior groups). Further details will be disseminated shortly. In the meantime, please mark this event on your calendars and diaries.
The feature item form the Huntingtower Symphony Orchestra will be a performance of the infamous piece by George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue. This year marks 101 years since the premiere of this groundbreaking work that combines elements of classical music and early jazz forms.
As previously advised late last year, this will treated as a ‘formal’ event and the ‘Performance Uniform’ now excludes the boys’ grey pants and any shorts. We are
reiterating that students will only be permitted to perform if their legs are covered by the navy pants or winter skirt and tights.
Percussion Vacancies
The Senior Concert Band has experienced significant growth in both its membership and musical proficiency. In preparation for the Victorian Schools Music Festival, the band’s repertoire necessitates an additional percussionist.
We are seeking students, particularly those in Year 9 to Year 11 with a piano background, who are interested in joining the band. These students would be required to attend rehearsals on the Thursday preceding school hours and may consider taking additional percussion lessons to enhance their skills in this specialised musical instrument.
Furthermore, we are actively seeking to expand our percussion student numbers at all levels to meet the demands of the Percussion Ensemble. If either of these opportunities aligns with your interests, we encourage you to contact us via email at music@huntingtower.vic.edu.au.
Bassoon Vacancies
The Music Centre is actively seeking to expand the number of students enrolled in Bassoon lessons. We have a highly qualified Bassoon teacher, but his student list requires augmentation. This distinctive and engaging instrument is essential for Concert Bands and the Symphony Orchestra.
Proficiency in the Bassoon will not only expedite a student’s progress within the ensembles but also provide opportunities such as tours and competitions at an earlier stage compared to standard instruments. The Bassoon is suitable for students in Year 5 and above, with prior musical experience in other instruments such as flute or piano being advantageous. For further information, please contact the Music Centre at music@huntingtower.vic.edu.au.
Mr David Mowat
Director of Music