MUSIC NEWS
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
2019 is well underway in Instrumental Music. Students from Years 8 to 10 have commenced their instrumental lessons for the year, and ensembles have started their regular weekly rehearsals.
The process of allocating instruments to Year 7 students is nearly complete. Over the last few weeks, students in Year 7 Band forms have had the opportunity to try out a range of instruments to help them make their final selection. It was great to see their willingness to attempt instruments they may never have seen or even heard of before! The sound of flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, trumpets, horns, trombones, euphoniums and tubas echoed through the halls as enthusiastic future musicians learned the rudiments of sound production from our instrumental teachers, aided by some of our senior and former students. Plenty of raw talent was displayed, and we can't wait to hear the sound of the new Year 7 Bands at their first rehearsals! At this stage we are planning on the first rehearsal to take place on Tuesday March 12.
As the year starts to take shape, we encourage all students to take their instruments home regularly to practice. Students should be aiming at daily practice on their instruments to see consistent improvements. Parents are encouraged to contact the relevant instrumental teacher to gain an understanding of the time per day that students should be practicing.
We ask that all students clearly label their instruments and utilise the storage space effectively. Many students are not using the shelves provided and might find that their instruments are misplaced, causing a great deal of concern. All personally owned instruments brought to school must be clearly identified with the student’s name and a contact number.
HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Congratulations to the newly appointed Music House Captains. Rehearsals are now under way. The level of enthusiasm for all students is extremely high. Students can keep an eye on when their house rehearsals are by following the attached link.
A reminder that the House Music Festival is at 7pm on Wednesday 20 March in the School Hall. We invite you to come along and celebrate with the students on this evening.
REHEARSAL
Ensemble rehearsals are all well underway now. Please ensure that attendance is maintained as a priority and we ask that appointments and other activities are not scheduled at rehearsal times. Please note that absences from ensemble rehearsals before or after school need to be notified in advance as for any other school absence.
A reminder that the five core rehearsals are at the following times:
Monday After School – Symphonic Wind
Thursday Before School – Keenan Strings
Thursday Lunch – Choir
Thursday After School – Orchestra
Friday Before School – Ovenden Band
INSTRUMENT HIRE
Instrument hire payments can be made via compass this year.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Saturday 23 February, 3:30 pm - Senior Stage Band performing at the Big Bands Sunsets Festival in Mordialloc. For more information www.bigbandsunsets.com.au
Year 8 Band and Strings Performing at Year 7 Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 13 March, 5:30pm
World Day of Prayer, Bentleigh Service 2019 - Friday 1 March, 10:30am at St John’s Anglican Church, Bentleigh
Megan Papworth
Head of Music