Music News

The Instrumental Music Program has got off to a fabulous start this year with many performances from our many ensembles. The year began with the Music Information Night which saw 80 students from Year 7 and some Year 8 students make the decision to learn a musical instrument. These students made their debut performance at the Junior Winter Concert on Tuesday, 20th June.  

Vocal Workshop 

The first music activity for the year was the Vocal Workshop on Thursday, 9th March. Choir students had the opportunity to work with guest, Monika Harris.  Monika is a Kodály-trained music teacher, qualified speech pathologist, and freelance vocalist who is passionate about evidence-based vocal pedagogy. Monika currently teaches at the Australian Boys Choir and Caulfield Grammar School and uses her unique expertise of vocal science and teaching pedagogy in vocal studio, classroom, and choral contexts. With over 18 years choral experience, Monika has sung with various choirs and vocal consorts including ALTA Collective, Exaudi, Vocalis Opera, Burgundy Blue, and the Consort. A wonderful experience for our young vocalists.  

Strings Workshop 

Intermediate and Senior Strings members worked with Andrea Keeble as part of the Strings Workshop on Thursday, 27th April. Andrea has a private teaching practice that attracts interest from professional teachers, students and performers.  Her studio is known for its focus on technique with effective body use (in relation to the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method), performance anxiety strategies, efficient and creative practice skills through the use of improvisation, composition and a range of musical genres. Both Intermediate Strings and Senior Strings ensembles worked separately with Andrea before coming together and performing for each other.  Students also saw Andrea workshop solo pieces with Units 3 and 4 Music Repertoire students, Issey Walkenhorst and Vincent Miceli.  

Open Afternoon 

The Senior Strings ensemble performed in the Quad and then rehearsed until 4pm helping provide a wonderful atmosphere as the public walked through the music department.  VCE students worked on their solos and group pieces in H4 and the tutorial rooms.  Thanks to all involved.  

Band Camp 2023 

Band Camp was a great success thanks to the hard work of all staff and students involved. New pieces were looked at in preparation for the year’s performances and the Wind Symphony worked with composer and conductor Brian Hogg on the final day.  Students enjoyed other non-music activities such as Flying Fox, Laser Tag and a walk through the wet and muddy bush.  A big thanks to Martin Corcoran, Adam Watson, Gianni Marinucci, Travis Easton, Renee Badcock, Chloe Steele, Ben Muddyman, Grant Arthur, Steve Vertigan (guest clarinet tutor) and Steve Morley.  

Vocal Night Thursday, 1st June  

The Voice faculty scheduled their Annual Vocal Night concert on the 1st June in the Hall. What a wonderful opportunity for our Voice students to get valuable performance practice. Thanks to Susanna Wailes for giving all of her students this opportunity. 

The Winter Concert Series 

The Junior Winter Concert kicked off our Winter Concert Series on Tuesday, 20th June and what a Night it was.  The Beginner Band and Junior Strings made their debut performance with many nervous beginner students experiencing the joys of performing for the first time.  We also heard from the Concert Band and Intermediate String ensembles along with solos from Sarah Q (piano) and Nick P (electric guitar).  Finishing the evening was Cameron K, accompanied by Emme G on piano with a spectacular rendition of 'Vienna' by Billy Joel.  

The next night saw performances by our Senior students at the Senior Winter Concert. The Wind Symphony, Senior Strings, Choir and Stage Band were the main ensembles who performed with the concert supported by solists. Issey W (Violin) ‘wowed’ the audience with an unaccompanied work called Fantasia No. 9  1st and 2nd Movement - Georg. P. Telemann.  Next was the VCE ensemble with a rendition of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’.  The band featured Emme G on drums, Paige S on keyboard and Kailan S-F and Cameron K on vocals.  Oh and some old bloke on bass.  We also heard a Chinese traditional piece from sisters, Bella and Yujia C.  They played Chinese instruments called the Dizi and Buzheng and demonstrated to those who are unfamiliar with these instruments, the sound that is synonymous with Chinese music.  Our final solo came from Atoosa W (Violin) who was accompanied by Ivy H (piano). They performed two pieces on the night called The Swan and Golden Hour.  Definitely one of the highlights on the evening. 

Thanks for everyone’s support at the two concerts and all of the positive feedback.  Term 3 is looking very busy for the Music Department with most ensembles taking part in the Victorian Schools Music Festival and the Spring Concert (all ensembles) at the Box Hill Town Hall on Tuesday, 12th September.  

All term 3 dates below.