Music Notes

The Music Department has been a hive of activity this term. For those that came and saw this year’s Senior Musical, Twelfth Night, you would have been aware that the orchestra was not in the same room as the cast. In fact, we were barely in the same building as the cast, we were all the way down in the Hall Green room, connected together by 90 metres of fibre optic and video link cables. The reality is that this is often the case for most professional musicals, and our students not only adapted, but thrived with the situation. As I’m sure you would agree, they did not miss a step, and for me, each performance was an absolute joy to see their talents on display. 

I would like to congratulate all of the students involved in the musical, but I would like to especially thank the musicians. Our student pit singers; Lucy L, Gabriella V, Sophia W and Kathrina A, along with our incredibly talented instrumental Music staff: Mr Dean Hilson, Mr Rowan Patterson, Mr Luke Dema, Mr Lachlan Wallace, Mr Nicholas Goulding, along with all the other musicians that joined us.

Upcoming events

Jazz Night | Wednesday 27 May

This is a highlight of the year, which I have to say is officially sold out. This year, we have 16 soloists and small groups that have been working hard with Mina Yu and her trio. But we’ll also hear from our Jazz Ensembles, including our newest group the Intermediate Jazz Ensemble. I would like to thank the hard work and dedication of our Creative Arts Auxiliary, who have done an amazing job behind the scenes and will also be there on the night looking after the bar. For those that have been able to book tickets, I look forward to seeing you there.

Recital | Thursday 28 May

Our second recital for the term, this will be held in the Ballroom starting at 3:40pm.

Victorian Flute Guild Eisteddfod | Sunday 31 May 

The Barbreck Flute and 7/8 Flute Ensemble will be competing in the Victorian Flute Guild Eisteddfod on Sunday 31 May at Camberwell Grammar. I’d like to congratulate our Flute teacher Ms Katherine Semenov for her hard work preparing the students for this performance. 

Kodaly Choral Festival | Wednesday 3 June

Viva Voci will be performing at the Kodaly Choral Festival on Wednesday 3 June at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar. This is a fantastic performance opportunity for Viva Voci and I would like to congratulate Ms Juliana Kay for her hard work preparing Viva Voci for the performance.

Student spotlights

AmusA exam - Piano 

Year 8 student Esther H has passed her AmusA exam on Piano. This is an exceptional achievement, where her name will be added to the Virtuoso Board in the Ballroom.

Alexi K at Boroondara Eisteddfod

Congratulations to Alexi K for making it to final round for Strings Under 15 section in the Boroondara Eisteddfod. Alexi will proceed to the final of the Strings section on the 21 June. We wish her all the very best.

Mr Francis Blakiston 

Head of Music