Musical Notes

Catholic Schools Music Festival

On 23 September at the Festival Theatre, the Year 6/7 Choir participated in this musical feast representing Blackfriars for the 20th year in a row. 20 boys from Year 6 and 7 had been preparing an extensive and varied repertoire since February. This included a day long workshop in the July holidays, combined rehearsals with other schools, and visits from the Music director Ms Denise Rothall. The result on stage was an impressive 400 strong choir singing numbers ranging from the Wizard of Oz to sacred and popular tunes. Many of them included choreography which added to the spectacle. A huge thank you to all of the boys - you looked and acted and sang like true professionals. Also, to the families who have supported your sons through this journey, it has been an invaluable experience they will never forget.

Libby Hunter

Music Teacher

As well as the Year 6/7 Choir, we had many Senior students also represent Blackfriars as support acts to the festival. Groups involved over several nights included, Stage Band 1, Big Band Theory and a small rock group. Senior Vocal also participated in the festival performing every night as part of the Combined Secondary Boy’s Choir in collaboration with Nazareth, CBC, St Michael's and Cabra.

A big thank you to Libby Hunter and Marie Wohling for their outstanding work with the groups and ensembles throughout the week.

Lucy Pope

Curriculum Leader: Performing Arts

Events This Weekend

This weekend we have a number of events commencing with the Year 12 Academic Assembly on Friday evening at Bonython Hall. On Saturday a small ensemble will be performing on stage at 11.35 am at the Prospect Spring Fair at Broadview Oval. We would love to see you there.

Finally on Sunday, the Big Band Theory and Rockin’ Rhythms will perform in the undercroft area at the St Dominic’s Fete at 12.30 pm. The fete is always a strong community event.

Music Soiree

On Wednesday 30 October, we will be hosting our final Music Soiree in the Fr James O'Doherty Performing Arts Theatre. The Soiree will commence at 6.30 pm and tickets can be purchased via the link https://www.trybooking.com/BGDMU. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate as a community for one of the final events for the 2019.

Farewell Year 12’s

I would like to say a special thank you to our graduating Year 12’s who have contributed significantly to the music department who are finishing at the end of this week! Thanks to Julian McPeake, Vince Ravida, Declan Fitch-Woolford, Alex Hunter, Silas Koo, Ben Semmler. Ryan Dalton, Nathan Dang and Jonty Sims. We wish you all the best on your future endeavours and please make sure you come back and visit!

Stage Band Auditions 2020

In Week 3, details and pieces for Stage Band Auditions will be distributed to all students wishing to audition for a position in either Stage Band 1 or 2. Auditions will be taking place in Week 5 on Tuesday 12 November.

Band Immersion Program 2020

The Band Immersion Program is offered to students in Years 3 to 7. Students are invited to learn a Brass or Woodwind Instrument and participate in group lessons and Concert Band 3. Information will be sent out next week via classes.

Application for Instrumental Lessons 2020

Applications to Instrumental Lessons for 2020 will be sent home next week. Please forward applications to Ms Loana Liew in the Front Office at lliew@bps.sa.edu.au . All students continuing on with instruments must reapply and submit a new form.

Instrumental Timetables

I am currently in the process of transitioning all of the instrumental timetables to an online database via SEQTA. Stay tuned for further information of the trial and where to access them. As of 2020, all instrumental timetables will be in digital format and accessible via the SEQTA homepage for students.

Upcoming Events:

St Albert’s End of Year Mass – Thursday 14 November (Week 5)

Primary Awards and Carols Evening – Wednesday 4 December (Week 8)

Ms Lucy Pope

Curriculum Leader: Performing Arts