Music

MUSIC News

It’s been a hectic end of term in the Music Department. In the last two weeks we have had groups perform at the Fyans Park Christmas Fair, Primary Schools Music Tour and as part of the Grade 6 Orientation program. We also held a successful Grade 6 Concert for those students who have been part of our Grade 6 music program this term. None of these events would have been possible without the support and help of our music students, parents and staff. Thanks to everyone who stepped up to mentor, transport instruments (and students!), support and perform at these events. 

Fyans Park Christmas Fair

On Friday 28th November, both Intermediate Jazz and CHOPPED band entertained the crowds at the Fyans Park PS Christmas Fair. They included some festive songs such as “All I Want For Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad” and did a great job representing BHS. CHOPPED Band even played their whole set from memory! Thanks to Ms Moffatt for preparing them so well and to all the students who performed. 

Grade 6 Music Program Concert

Over the last 5 weeks, a number of Grade 6 students have been having music lessons after school at BHS as part of our Grade 6 Music Program. They showed off their new music skills at a concert held in the PAC on Tuesday 8th December. After a short rehearsal together, they were able to play some pieces for the first time as a whole band. It sounded amazing! Some soloists and smaller ensembles were then featured and the standard was very high. The future of instrumental music at BHS looks bright! Many thanks to Ms Moffatt for organising the program and conducting the band. Thanks also to Mrs Wilding, Pat Consedine and Mrs Linton for teaching the students and supporting them at the concert. A big thanks to our student mentors: Rabhin O’Keife, Malin Speare, Finn Larsen-Brown, Charlie Jess and Victor Buschailhon for giving up their time to help on the day.

Primary Schools Music Tour

On Monday 8th December, a group of our junior music students headed off to Roslyn PS, Highton PS and Belmont PS for our annual Primary Schools Music Tour. They played so well and helped to promote our instrumental music program to local students. Hopefully this will inspire a new generation of musicians who are coming to BHS in the future. Thanks to Ms Moffatt, Mrs Wilding and Mrs Linton for making this possible and well done to all the students involved.

Grade 6 Orientation

The day after our PS Music Tour, the Intermediate Jazz students were back at BHS in the morning performing for the Grade 6 students as part of their orientation. They also kept them entertained at lunchtime with a performance outside the PAC. On the second day of the orientation, we had some Year 7 students give instrument demonstrations to all the Grade 6 students as they came through the band room. Thanks to all the students who generously gave up their time to be part of this in what has been a very few weeks of performances. 

The Routine

Congratulations to our BHS students from The Routine who recently performed at the Esplanade Hotel (the Espy) in St Kilda as part of the Songmakers concert and at the Queenscliff Music Festival. What fantastic opportunities for them to have as Year 10 students! Well done to Grace Britnell, Lola McNee, Hibiki Tan, Jack Williams and El Rechenberg for your great performances at these events. I’m sure we will be hearing more from these talented students in the future!

Upcoming Music Events:

Tuesday, 16th December- Senior Band (10:30am) and Jazz Syndicate (1pm) rehearsals for Awards Day performance 

Wednesday, 17th December – Awards Day performances (Senior Band, Jazz Syndicate and Percussion Ensemble)

Thursday, 18th December- BHS Christmas Ensemble performances at Aged Care facilities: Kalkee, Belmont and Estia, Newcomb.

AMEB Exams

A number of BHS students have recently completed AMEB Music Exams in Performance and Theory of Music. These exams take a lot of self-discipline, motivation and practice from students. 

Congratulations to the following students who completed these exams with excellent results:

Congratulations also to the following students who completed AMEB Theory exams and achieved excellent results:

Benjamin Ha – Grade 1 Theory

Ben Fuller – Grade 2 Theory

Finn Ibrahim – Grade 2 Theory

Elliott Savage – Grade 2 Theory

Thanks for a great year of music making and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday break!