Music

James Morrison Concert

What a great evening of entertainment it was when James Morrison and Blackburn High Schools ensemble took to the stage on Thursday night! After two days of workshops and rehearsals with one of the world’s great musicians, groups including the Intermediate Concert Band, Clarinet Ensemble, Senior Jazz Orchestra, Thursday Big Blow, IBB and the specially formed Studio Orchestra presented a program of Jazz and classical music that had the audience captivated from start to finish.

Not only was this a chance for our students and staff to experience the joy of making music with James, it provided the opportunity to gain insights into what it takes to reach the top of your field. As skilled an educator as he is a musician, James has left all involved with not just inspiration, but ideas and a pathway to continue to improve in everything we do.

Download the Program from the night below:

 James Morrison Music Program

Victorian State Schools Spectacular

We are very proud of the five students who will be performing in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular this weekend at John Cain Arena. Kristy Gangur, Naima Gerald, Mei Hurley, Isaac Wicklein and Alanis Yim will be representing Blackburn as members of the Orchestra, Drum line, Choir and as a soloist. They have put in many hours of rehearsal over the year and will have a great experience that will stay with them forever. 

Essentially Ellington

Following on from two days working with James Morrison, the jazz ensembles then backed up on Saturday, August 20 with some swinging performances at Melbourne Polytechnic. This was part of the annual Essentially Ellington festival that had returned to Australian shores for the first time since 2019. As well as performing, each of the 3 bands received an assessment from Jazz@Lincoln Centre, New York musicians Vincent Gardner and Jerome Jennings. This was followed by a workshop with Jerome. On Sunday, the Intermediate Big Band rhythm section acted as a demonstration band for the teacher conference where they received 2 hours of tuition on how to play better from both Vincent and Jerome. A great weekend for all involved. 

Wind Band Day at the University of Melbourne

After 18 months of planning, the first Wind Band Day with the Blackburn High School Symphonic Band, Eltham High, Christian College Geelong and the University of Melbourne was held on Saturday, September 3 at the Conservatorium of Music. Planned as a way of working together more than competing at South Street, the day began by performing at a concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre featuring the 3 schools and UofM Concert Band. This was followed by masterclasses with the Conservatorium staff and then a concert from the faculty. Rounding out the day was a concert from the UofM Wind Symphony back in the recital centre. Across both the UofM ensembles, it was great to see so many of our alumni performing.

A great day was had and it was a fantastic learning experience for everyone involved. Already we have been able to bring back what was learnt in the masterclasses and been able to share this with others.

One thing that stood out was how much younger our musicians are compared to Eltham and Geelong. It is so exciting what we can achieve in the next few years as these young musicians grow and improve.