Music

National Song Writing Competition 2021

Music Australia is currently inviting students to submit their original songs for the 2021 National Songwriting Competition. Finalists from this competition will be selected to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write the song that will be sung and played by hundreds and thousands of young Australians as part of Music Count Us In’s Celebration Day on Thursday, 4th November, 2021. 

Open (free) to all Australian school students. Submissions are due Friday, 26th February. Applicants need to download the SONG BRIEF to see the requirements and selection criteria.  See the Youtube clip of last year’s songwriting workshop, mentored by Lior, for inspiration! 

Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP)

The Australian Honours Ensemble Program has grown from of Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program and now invites participants from other states to take part in an educational program for music students that helps extend and encourage their pursuit of musical excellence. Since 2001, more than 300 nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors have led the ensembles to presentations of musical excellence. AHEP has a wind orchestra, string orchestra and vocal ensemble and now includes the Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. 

Students need to have achieved a minimum Grade 6 AMEB for instruments and Grade 4 AMEB or have high level choral experience for voice. Outstanding young musicians are nominated to take part by their teachers and undergo an audition process. Please speak to Mrs Cooney if you are interested this year or for future years. 

AHEP is a residential program from 29 Sep-2 Oct 2021 at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, Brisbane.

Soirée Benvenuto

Our first Soirée of the year will take place on Thursday, 11th March. These are informal concerts for all students at all levels to gain performance experience. They are enjoyed by audiences and students alike. Please feel ‘Welcome’ to put your name on the program for this soirée – the sign-up sheet is at the Music Office. 

Duke of Edinburgh Award – Tower Bell Ringing

For those considering working towards a DoE Award, we would like to let you know about an unusual and challenging activity that you might consider for your program: tower bell ringing or campanology. This is an ancient art of ringing sets of large bells which is both musical and mathematical, and requires you to learn a completely new physical skill. Bellringers are volunteers and work as a team to ring as a voluntary community service. The peal of six bells at St Hilda’s Church Katoomba is a convenient, nearby location and the St Hilda’s Ringers would welcome any DoE participants willing to commit to learning for six months or longer. You can find out more from Ms Downs or Mrs Cooney in the Music Office.

Diary Dates:

Soirée Benvenuto: Thursday, 11th March, 7:00pm

ANZAC Day: Sunday, 25th April 

Blackheath Chamber Festival and Workshops: 23rd to 26th April

Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves: Sunday, 2nd May, The Old Farm, Yellow Rock

Mrs Julie Cooney

Music Department