MUSIC NEWS
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
It has been an amazing fortnight in the music department. There have been many, many performances and competitions and the results have been outstanding, the highlight being the Annual Winter Concert showcase.
WINTER CONCERT
Congratulations to all music students from Year 7 – 12 who took part in the Annual Winter Concert on Wednesday 29 August at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University. The standard of playing was outstanding with each ensemble presenting a spectacular program to the wider school community. Thank you to all those who attended and helped recognise the musical journey that the students are on. Thank you to all the music teachers, the general staff and the administration for their ongoing support and development of music at the school.
VSMF (VICTORIAN SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL)
As reported in the last newsletter, both Ovenden Band and the Symphonic Wind Band performed at the Victorian Schools Music Festival. It was pleasing to hear the students working hard to perform at a high standard in both competitions.
Congratulations to both groups in achieving Silver placings in very tight competitions.
SOUTH STREET FESTIVAL BALLARAT
The school Orchestra travelled to Ballarat on Saturday 1 September to perform at the long standing South Street Festival. The Orchestra presented themselves very well on stage and performed to a challenging program with good blend and balance. In a tough and tight field, the students represented the school well and achieved an amazing 83/100 – 3 points behind the 3rd placed school.
Thank you to Ms Tracy Videon for her continual development of this group and organising the trip to Ballarat for the students to perform. Thank you also to Mr Cook and Ms Bugeja for their assistance in the travel to and from Ballarat.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Please note Term 3 dates in your diary for upcoming Performance Opportunities for Term 3:
- Clarinet Choir to Royal South Street - Wednesday 5 September
- Big Band Bash – Friday 14 September
- Spring Soiree – Monday 16 September
- Year 12 Music Performance Celebration Night – Thursday 20 September
- AMEB exams – Clarinet/Saxophone/Flute – Saturday 27 October
- AMEB exams – Brass – Wednesday 7 November
In preparation for the many performances that will be taking place over the semester, students are reminded that they need to keep their attendance up at the core ensemble rehearsals. All music students, instrumentalist and elective, are required to be in one of the main ensembles that are held at the school. Being a part of these ensembles helps develop group skills, aural work, sight-reading, widens their experience and musical style and often involves performing for community groups, other schools and functions within the school community.
Rehearsals are held as follows:
- Symphonic Wind – Monday afterschool 3:30 – 5pm
- Keenan Strings – Thursday before school 7:45am
- Orchestra – Thursday afterschool 3:30 – 5pm
- McKinnon Choir – Thursday lunch time
- Ovenden band – Friday before school 7:45am
We look forward to seeing all students at their respective ensemble rehearsal.
Megan Papworth
Head of Music
