Music Notes

Record Huntingtower Representation at the Victorian School Music Festival

This year marks a record level of participation for Huntingtower at the Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF), with 11 ensembles representing the School across orchestral, concert band and choral divisions throughout July, August and September.

The VSMF provides students with a rich educational experience that extends well beyond a performance. Each ensemble takes part in three valuable components of the festival:

A formal performance before an audience and expert adjudicators.
An on-stage workshop, where the adjudicator works directly with the ensemble, offering practical suggestions and demonstrating techniques to further develop the students' musical skills.
The opportunity to observe other schools performing in the same section, allowing students to hear a wide range of repertoire, compare performance approaches, and gain inspiration from ensembles across Victoria.

This combination of performance, feedback and observation makes the Festival one of the most rewarding educational experiences on our annual calendar.

Our participating ensembles this year are:

Junior School String Orchestra (30 July)
Senior String Orchestra (3 August)
Intermezzo String Orchestra (4 August)
Huntingtower Symphony Orchestra (5 August)
Senior Concert Band (24 August)
Intermezzo Concert Band (26 August)
Huntingtower Big Band (3 September)
Year 9 Chamber Choir (7 September)
VCE Chamber Choir (7 September)
Year 10 Chamber Choir (8 September)
Year 7 and Year 8 Chamber Choir (10 September)

We wish every ensemble the very best as they represent Huntingtower with excellence, commitment and a shared love of music.

Be Part of Our Centennial Celebration!

One of the highlights of Huntingtower's Centennial Gala Concert at Hamer Hall on Thursday 15 July next year will be the return of many of the musicians who have helped shape our rich musical tradition over the past 100 years.

We are delighted to invite former students and staff to register their interest in performing with the HOSA Choir and/or HOSA Orchestra for this very special occasion.

The alumni ensembles will be showcased in their own featured performances, before joining our current student ensembles in spectacular massed items that will celebrate the enduring strength of music at Huntingtower. It promises to be a memorable evening, bringing together generations of musicians who share a common connection through the School's vibrant music program.

Whether you graduated recently or many decades ago, we would love to welcome you back to rehearse, reconnect with old friends, and make music together once again. Your participation will help tell the story of Huntingtower's remarkable musical heritage and inspire the next generation of young musicians.

If you were part of the Huntingtower music program as a student or staff member, we warmly encourage you to register your interest and become part of this once-in-a-century celebration. We can't wait to see familiar faces back on stage as we honour the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to an exciting musical future together. The rehearsals and repertoire are currently in the planning phase, but information will be shared with those who are registered in due course.

Celebrating an Outstanding Musical Achievement

Congratulations to Terrence H. (Year 12) on the outstanding achievement of being awarded the Licentiate in Music Australia (LMusA) in Piano - one of Australia's most prestigious performance qualifications. This honour recognises exceptional technical skill, musical maturity and years of dedicated study and practice.

Last year, audiences were thrilled by his performance of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the Huntingtower Symphony Orchestra, where he demonstrated remarkable artistry and confidence as a soloist. He also serves as the Concertmaster of the Huntingtower Symphony Orchestra, leading the ensemble on violin with poise and musical excellence. Terrence has recently been awarded Honours for Instrumental Music.

Terrence generously shares his talents as one of our regular Assembly hymn accompanists, helping to enrich our weekly gatherings. He is also an accomplished accompanist at his local Christian Science Church, where his music contributes to the worship experience of the congregation.

His examiners noted that his exam performance was “… A program of appropriately contrasting styles, performed with personal conviction and technical command supporting a developed musical and artistic insight…”

Terrence's LMusA is a fitting recognition of his commitment, perseverance and passion for music. We are incredibly proud of all that he has achieved and congratulate him on this well-deserved milestone. We look forward to seeing where his musical journey takes him next.

A Musical Smorgasbord Returns!

After the tremendous success of last year's Smorgasbord Concert, we're delighted to bring it back for 2026 - and once again, the menu is packed with something for everyone!

Just as a traditional smorgasbord offers an irresistible variety of flavours, this concert celebrates the wonderful diversity of music-making within our school community.

Students are invited to form small ensembles of two or more performers and present a piece in a relaxed, informal concert atmosphere on Wednesday 9 September (the second-last week of Term 3). Ensembles can range from duos through to groups of around 15 performers and may feature players from the same instrumental family or an exciting blend of instruments. All musical styles and genres are warmly welcomed.

One of the great joys of the Smorgasbord Concert is its variety. Every performance is different, creating an entertaining evening where audiences can sample a rich selection of musical styles and discover talents they may never have heard before. Whether you're an experienced chamber musician, a jazz combo, a vocal group, a family ensemble or simply a group of friends who enjoy making music together, we'd love to see you involved.

If you'd like to perform, please register your ensemble by completing the online registration form.

We look forward to another unforgettable evening filled with creativity, collaboration and a wonderful feast of music!

Under The Stage: The Once Upon A One More Time Pit Orchestra

While the audience's attention is naturally drawn to the action on stage by our extremely talented cast, another outstanding performance takes place just out of sight in our PAC state-of-the-art orchestra pit.

This year's Senior School production of Once Upon A One More Time features a 32-member Pit Orchestra comprising talented student musicians from Years 7–12. Together, they bring the energy, excitement and emotion of the production to life, performing the dynamic score live for every performance.

We are using some sophisticated technology in the pit with the musicians being able to hear a tailored orchestra mix in their headphones whilst being assisted with a click track to hold us all together. This system is also coordinating with the auditorium sound and lighting desks to synchronise the various lighting, music and sound effects to bring a professional edge to the show.

A special congratulations goes to Hugo G (Year 12), who has taken on the role of Assistant Musical Director. When not conducting the orchestra with his newly awarded baton for one of the songs, Hugo has demonstrated outstanding leadership, musicianship and professionalism, playing an important role in bringing this production together.

Be sure to spare a thought for the musicians beneath the stage—their music is the heartbeat of the show.

Mr David Mowat

Director of Music