HCC Music

Well, here we are at the end of another year.  While remote learning again impacted our year, it didn't stop our music department from achieving some wonderful goals and creating beautiful music.  Looking back, we managed to sneak our Celebration of Sound Concert in Term 1 and recorded our Autumn Concert the day before we started remote learning in Term 2.  Term 3's Spring Concert and Heatherton's Got Talent were recorded remotely. It was great to be able to get back into rehearsals in Term 4 to prepare for Presentation Day recordings and our final Virtual Concert.  

One thing that has been evident this year is how much students appreciate and value working together as a team to create music. One of the highlights in Term 4 has been attending band rehearsals and seeing our students working together with great enjoyment.  

A huge thank you to all the instrumental staff who have been part of the music team this year.  It has been fabulous to see how the students have improved over the year under your guidance. A special thanks go to Mr Jason Rolfe who has been conducting the Senior Band and working with the Year 7/8 program for the last few years. Also thank you to Mr Jeremy John who has assisted the music department in so many ways this year, with his recordings of bands and running the Year 7 and Junior Bands at times as well as teaching drums.  

Thank you to all students and families who have been part of music this year. Your commitment to continue lessons during Heatherton@Home has been much appreciated as this enables students to continue their musical journey.   

Virtual Concert 

We are releasing a final Virtual Concert on Tuesday 7 December showcasing the Concert Band Program at HCC. This is comprised of a few of the songs that our groups have been working on this Term. The concert will be available from 1:00pm onwards on Tuesday at the following site.  Past concerts are also available should you wish to view them again. 

https://heathertonarts.weebly.com/ 

Password:   HCC2021

Enrolling in Lessons for 2022 

A final reminder for families to submit enrolment forms for instrumental lessons next year. Places fill up quickly for some instruments, so ensure that you enrol your child as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please email the music office at music.admin@hcc.vic.edu.au. 

Final Remarks 

It is with sadness that I write this final newsletter, and whilst I can't possibly say thank you to everyone who has been involved in music over the last 6 years, I would like to mention some final thanks.  

A huge thank you to our instrumental teachers who have imparted musical knowledge and guidance to our students over this time. This talented group of staff turns up weekly, teaching and encouraging our students. Their input into the music program is priceless and greatly appreciated. 

An enormous thank you needs to be extended to Dina Man for her amazing work over the last 2 years in her role in music administration. We couldn’t have gone through remote learning without your amazing skills in guiding and supporting students, parents and staff.  Your perseverance and support have been greatly appreciated.   

Thank you to the HCC staff for assisting in our concerts and for supporting the music program.  

Parents, thank you for investing in your child's musical education, listening to practice sessions at home (sometimes) and for attending the various concerts over the years.  Apologies for the number of times you have heard the Year 7 songs.  

Most of all, thank you to all the students at HCC who have learnt an instrument during their time at the College.  It has been a wonderful experience watching your musical, and non-musical, journeys and seeing your growth.   

Junior and Senior Band students, your enthusiasm and dedication have been fabulous during my time at HCC.  You have created a musical family in our rehearsal space that is welcoming and fun. Your enjoyment in making music together can be heard in your performances and I encourage you to keep doing this next year and beyond.  

And even though we now part ways, I hope we all continue to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. 

Julianne Sim 

Head of Music