Instrumental Music Concert

In Week 2 this term, the Instrumental Music Concert Series returned to Sharman Hall for the first time in five years. Over the course of two evenings, the full breadth of the Instrumental Music and Performing Arts programs were on display featuring a wide range of performances from different ensembles including: two massed Year 7 choirs, orchestras, bands, string ensembles, choirs, student-led ensembles, big bands, jazz combos as well as a number of solo performances. 

In all, the performances over these two nights highlighted everything that makes University High School so special: the collaboration, creativity, student leadership and the sense of community that the Instrumental Music Program fosters. The impact of these large-scale events though, don’t stop just with the students on stage; behind-the-scenes the members of our student crew were also hard at work keeping things running smoothly throughout the night and displaying their own teamwork and leadership.

Lucy Fogarty and Cameron McCormick

It was definitely something to boast about. Whether you were playing an instrument or just enjoying the show, it was definitely something that blew everybody's mind. 

Student Experiences: 

“Practising and performing in the Symphonic band was a very rewarding experience, and performing in the Instrumental Music Concert was a great way to end my high school instrumental music journey.” - Riley Dexter

“After months of dedicated rehearsing and perfecting, the end of year instrumental concert came and we could finally share the culmination of our hard work to our dearest families and friends. Practising with the band is such a comforting feeling; being surrounded by instruments singing in harmony, and beating to the rhythm one’s heart confides in. Performing is one of my most favourite parts of the process; displaying the hard work and passion we have put in to the piece which is celebrated with  large applause and praise which just enhances the feeling further. 

Waiting behind the scenes until it is time to perform, in theory seems like a boring wait, but the theory could not be more wrong. I brought homework in fear of boredom, only to get through one page before falling into a raucous of laughter and endless card games with my ensemble peers, creating new connections and friends. A monitor was showcasing the performance happening live, allowing us to cheer for each other as we performed and congratulate one another as we saw each other again. Not only was the performance a great sense of accomplishment, but was also an opportunity to connect with new people. And as said by Confucius ‘...produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without’”. - Caminha Luu

“I had a great time, it was nice to perform in front of friends and family, and I think I did a good job. I liked how the months of practice leading up to the concert all came together and we all had a great performance!” - Max Parris

“The training strings ensemble worked hard and had many practice sessions. When nearing the concert many of us felt really nervous. However on concert night our performance went well and sounded amazing all together.” -  Lily Ariana

“I thought the concert was a fantastic experience, it gave me the opportunity to feel what a concert was like and on the performance stage. Novice Band was fun, as it was my first time being in a band. During the practices, cooperation was key and I learnt to ‘go with the flow’ and to not make mistakes. On the concert day, the band performed quite well, and the band was a success.” - James Chen

“A rewarding experience; a unique form of music to be shared with the audience.” - Edward Li

“It was great playing with the new Chamber Strings Ensemble, which was developed earlier in the year, and the orchestra had a fantastic performance.” -  James Stark

“It was very fun!” - Bianca Khoo

“Behind the scenes of our school concert, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation, though it was very dark, making it a bit spooky and hard to see where people were waiting and walking around. We spent countless hours in  rehearsals, perfecting our performances, while training sessions pushed us to bring our best to the stage. After the performance, the energy shifted as we gathered in breakout rooms, celebrating our hard work and success together. It was a moment of joy, a fitting end to the dedication we had poured into our preparation.” - Sudeeksha Addagudi and Avishka Rawat

I had a great time. We had been preparing for this for a week and performed 2 songs. Being on the stage, although nerve-racking, was also exhilarating. The best part was being  alongside my friends who performed.  - Hilary Corbett

“It was very good to sing in front of an audience.” - Lleyton Lim

“It was an enriching experience.” - Ana Bhushan

“A unique time to advance our musical skills.” - Saanvi Huruli

The concert was a wonderful experience that left the audience buzzing with energy long after the final notes faded. The seamless blend of talent, emotion, and connection among the performers created an unforgettable atmosphere that many of us will continue to cherish throughout our musical journey.

By Aarav, Avishka and Sudeeksha - Year 7