Performing Arts

A Musical Jump Start

The Music Centre came to life even before the school year started with rehearsals for the European Music Tour groups and the Senior Symphony Orchestra occurring in the last days of the holidays. The Senior Symphony Orchestra performed magnificently for the Commencement Service that took place at the very start of our first school day. Following this energetic beginning to the year all other ensembles had their first rehearsals in the first days of the term, all with great attendance numbers.

The rehearsal schedule for our ensembles is as follows:

* = Open-entry ensemble: Audition not required

^ = Select-entry ensemble: Audition / Invitation / Negotiation required

Students in Middle School who have some experience on a woodwind or brass or percussion instrument are welcomed and encouraged to become a member of the Middle School Concert Band. Similarly, experienced string players should be participating in Middle School Strings. Some Middle School students on instruments in greater need at Huntingtower (such as low brass), or of a higher standard may find themselves participating in Senior Ensembles.

Private Music Lessons

The benefits of taking lessons on an instrument are well known and scientifically proven to enhance learning across all other subjects. Students who play an instrument that are used in an ensemble, or sing in choirs, also find their special place within the school contributing to a positive sense of wellbeing. There has always been a strong correlation with musicians also attaining academic success and strengths in leadership. 

The school is well set up for facilitating private music lessons during school time. Instruments taught at the school include Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, French horn, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Percussion, Voice, Piano, and Guitar. For further information please refer to the Music Centre handbook. Music Tuition Information Booklet.pdf (huntingtower.vic.edu.au)

Some instruments are fast approaching capacity and soon a waiting list will be necessary. We look forward to further enquiries or applications from Huntingtower students of all year levels.

Picnic Music

A full program of performers presented themselves at last week’s P&F Welcome Picnic. The twenty acts included the 40+ piece Tour Choir and Tour Orchestra, the recently formed and amazing Jazz Band, the Brass Ensemble, singers as soloists, duos and trios, guitarists, violinists, String Trios and Duos. It was a testament to the depth of talent that exists within Huntingtower, and the breadth of musical styles and eras covered many centuries of music from baroque to rock. Thanks go to Troy and Jackson form the PAC who set up a fantastic outdoor PA system so that all the picnickers could enjoy the music throughout the quadrangle. 

Year 7 Music

We are very excited to introduce to Year 7 Classroom Music an exciting new initiative where students spend half of their lesson in either an Orchestra or Concert Band setting for half the lesson and singing and other music activities in the other half. The students who come to Huntingtower with previous musical experience and are continuing their orchestral instrument will participate in the Class Orchestra; and for those who are new to playing an instrument, they will be provided with an instrument from the band set of instruments. Each group’s learning journey will culminate in an ensemble performance opportunity towards the end of the semester.

This program is running for 7.1 and 7.3 this semester, and 7.2 and 7.4 in the second semester. Regardless of the semester in which they are doing this wonderful practical music making experience in classtime, the students are always encouraged to take up private music lessons as a way of boosting their enjoyment and understanding of playing their instrument. 

David Mowat

Head of Music

2023 Dramatic Production 

We can announce this year's senior production - 39 STEPS.

An information session and initial auditions have been held for Alfred Hitchcock's '39 Steps.'  What a huge turnout and interest for this comic suspense, on the back of last year's award winning production of Matilda.  Timing and cast announcements are still to come.

Trent Bockman

Head of Theatre and Productions