Strings News

Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Certificates from Term 2 presented at assembly.

At assembly on Monday Ashley (5T), Audrey (5R), Emma (6P), Maya (4T), Neeva (4F), Ross (6H), Simon (6P) and Valeria (5T) were presented with certificates for their AMEB exams in violin or cello. The certificate recognises the months of preparation and effort that went into being ready to present the range of material required for each exam. Congratulations to these students for pushing themselves to achieve new levels of skill and assurance.

Absent for the presentation of certificates: Pia (4T) and Raffaela (4O)

Here are some photos of some students rehearsing with the piano accompanist, Anna, in the lead up to their presentations.

Choir for the Night of Music off to a good start

We have so far had two fun, well-attended rehearsals for the Choir for the Night of Music. Rehearsals start with interesting warm-ups to develop vocal technique then continue with the learning and refinement of repertoire. The choir is learning to sing: This Pretty Planet by Tom Chapin and John Forster in a round; September by Maurice White, Al McKay and Alee Willis with sections in 2 parts; Count on Me by Bruno Mars, Ari Levine and Philip Lawrence; and This is Me from The Greatest Showman which they will sing together with the Junior Strings of Banyule. What an opportunity to sing with a string orchestra!

Rehearsals will continue in Term 3 on Friday mornings, 8:05am in the Collaboration Space. For any questions, please email Margaret.butcher@education.vic.gov.au

Lunchtime Concert: our singing cellist

For several years, Alice Hurwood has been teaching cello at IPS. A couple of weeks ago she moved to Germany to further her studies and performing. We asked if she would give a lunchtime concert before she left so the IPS children could hear the very special thing she does with her singing combined with her cello playing.

The Collaboration Space was packed for the performance! Alice talked about her loop pedal and demonstrated how it means there can be multiple “Alice’s” heard at once. She performed several of her own songs including one in which the audience joined in the chorus. There was even a group clammering for autographs at the end. It was a very fun and memorable gig.

Alice Hurwood is a singer-songwriter who has been a cello teacher at Ivanhoe Primary School for several years. Her talent and enthusiasm has inspired countless students to pursue music as a hobby. I have been Alice’s student for the last year and a half and during this time she has introduced me to Classical music which now I really enjoy. Alice has guided students from Start Up Strings to Corelli Stings, and then up to Orchestra.

Last Thursday, Alice performed some of her songs to students in the collaboration space. She played her cello and sang some of her most famous songs such as “Too Much on My Mind” and “Can We Talk Sometime?” (make sure to check them out on Spotify or YouTube).

Alice has decided to leave for Germany to pursue her own development as a cellist and musician. As we bid farewell to Alice, her passion and heart for music will continue to influence her students and we will miss Alice dearly.

Thank you, Alice for everything — and we wish you all the best on your next adventure in Germany.

Kane 5T

Alice Hurwood is an amazing cellist, her albums “Can We Talk Sometime”, and “Retrospect” is simply exquisite. I love how her songs are about her past experiences and personality. She was good with the students and offered some autographs to people who asked.  She is an amazing artist, and I would love for you to listen to her music! Steve 4O

Here are 2 video snippets of the performance: