Music Mentor Shares His Talents

Year 11 student Henry Livingstone performs in six different instrumental groups, plays four instruments and, perhaps unsurprisingly, is a recipient of the 2021 Betty Higgs Music Scholarship at Girton Grammar School. 

When he found out that he had received a Music Scholarship this year, Henry said he was ecstatic.

“It’s a very special thing to be recognised for doing something that you enjoy, and I’m glad to have been chosen to represent the students at Girton.

“The music teachers at Girton are some of the nicest people I know, and they are always up for a chat with kids and are supportive of every student in their musical endeavours,” he said. 

Henry plays the trumpet, the cornet, flugelhorn and piano. At Girton, he plays in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Big Band and Jazz Band. Outside of school, he plays the cornet in the Eaglehawk Citizen’s Brass Band and the Evergreens Band. 

Henry loves playing music for a range of reasons and says he has as many opportunities at Girton to perform as he could possibly want. 

“Playing in an ensemble is a good way to become friends with people with whom you may not otherwise interact. I really enjoy forming connections through mutual passion. 

“I also love that music is a way to discover what you can achieve and build the courage to make mistakes and improve. 

“At Girton, I have been provided with many opportunities to perform in groups and solo performances. One of my favourite nights of the year is the Girton Ensemble evening because we get to show everyone what we have been working on throughout the year and listen to what other groups have prepared. 

“One of the best things about the Girton music programme is the variety of music activities on offer. There are at least seventeen music co-curricular activities to join in the Senior School and around seven in the Junior School. These vary from something small like the Jazz Band to the impressive Girton Singers choir. 

“At Girton, music is a great way for younger students to engage with those from older year levels and to have positive role models to look up to and learn from. As a VCE student this year, I am looking forward to mentoring some of our younger musicians,” Henry said.