Music Concert

Autumn Concert

A BIG congratulations to all students who performed at our Autumn Concert which was held in the Theatrette a few weeks ago. It was a full house which was great to see. Our Ensembles and Soloists did a great job performing their repertoire and solo pieces. The level of playing amongst all groups is improving. This was evident throughout the evening. A big thank you to all students who helped set up equipment in the Theatrette. Thomas Hanson once again did a professional job looking after the lighting on the night with some extra help from Elsie Smith. I would like to thank our wonderful instrumental music teachers Robyn Keane, Donna Stemberger and Danny Stain for their teaching and support they give to our instrumental music students. 

East Gippsland Music Festival 

Students in the junior, intermediate, senior concert bands and string students are invited once again to participate in the East Gippsland Music Festival held at Orbost Community College. The festival begins on Monday 22nd June and concludes on Thursday 25th June 2026.  Instrumental music students will be taking part in full day combined rehearsals with students from Bairnsdale SC, Orbost CC, Nagle College and their feeder Primary Schools. Our ensembles have already commenced rehearsing the repertoire in preparation for the festival. This is going to be a great week of music making.

The rehearsal timetable is as follows:

• Monday 22nd June - ALL INTERMEDIATE BAND STUDENTS
• Tuesday 23rd June - ALL JUNIOR BAND STUDENTS
• Wednesday 24th June- ALL STRING STUDENTS
• Thursday 25th June – ALL SENIOR BAND STUDENTS

All students participating in the music festival should have received a consent form and letter that includes all information. 

Classroom Music

In the Music Classroom in Term 2, students have been learning about music from other times and places. We have explored music styles from The Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods and the 20th Century. There have been some enthusiastic dance moves from students when we learnt about 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rock music from the 1960’s & 70’s. The Twist, the Swim, the Monkey and so many other dance styles extended students understanding of the different styles of music that have been influenced by African American musicians. In practical classes students have created some amazing compositions either on the keyboards or using music sequencing or notation programs. Students have written a short story that creates a mood and then have used this story as an inspiration for their composition. Students have also performed in whole class ensembles playing the keyboard, drums or bass guitar with fantastic sounds being created.

Guitar Ensemble/Rock Groups

In term 3, guitar students will participate in an ensemble. Weekly rehearsals will take place during lunchtime. A contemporary rock group will also commence on either a Monday or Thursday after school until 4.30pm. Teacher Danny Stain will be responsible for running these groups. All students involved will receive information before the end of term 2.

Practice

Could I ask all parents/carers to please encourage the kids to practice their instruments during the week. 15 to 20 minutes a day for junior level and at least 30 minutes a day for other students will see great progress in their playing and musicianship. It will also help balance sections and improve the overall sound of their ensemble. A few students are also leaving their instrument at school for the week turning up to their lesson without any practice. This isn’t a good sign. Please remind them their instrument is to go home at the end of the day after their lesson. Thank you for your support in this matter. 

On behalf of all instrumental music staff, enjoy the rest of the term.