MUSIC NEWS
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
2018 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.
ALLOCATING INSTRUMENTS FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS
The process of allocating instruments to Year 7 students is nearly complete. On Wednesday 14 February students in Year 7 Band forms 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 cannot wait to hear the sound of the new Year 7 Band at its first rehearsal!
DAILY PRACTICE IS IMPORTANT
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 instrument 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.
MUST LABEL INSTRUMENTS
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 and the level of enthusiasm for all students is extremely high. A reminder that the House Music Festival is at 7pm on Wednesday 28 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 24 February at 5 pm - Senior Stage Band performing at the Big Bands Sunsets Festival in Mordialloc. For more information www.bigbandsunsets.com.au
Friday 2 March at 10:30pm - World Day of Prayer - Bentleigh Service 2018, Bentleigh Uniting Church
Wednesday 14 March at 5:30pm - Year 8 Band and Strings Performing at Year 7 Parent Information Evening
Megan Papworth
Head of Music
ALLAN HARRIS MASTERCLASS
Senior Music Performance students and House Music Captains had the opportunity to attend a masterclass held by the proclaimed jazz singer and guitarist, Allan Harris on Valentine’s Day.
Accompanied by his band (Pascal Le Boeuf on piano, Shirazette Tinnin on drums, and Nimrod Speaks on bass), Allan introduced himself by singing a small selection of songs, showcasing the band’s musicality and adaptability to different genres.
We had the privilege to hear Allan speak of his attitude to performance, and how it is of utmost importance to “have your story, and to tell it to the audience” so to connect with them emotionally through the music, while entertaining them. He also gave us fantastic insight into how to prepare for a performance, how to find band members who you will work well with, how to choose a repertoire, and how to grow as a performer.
Some of us even had the chance to play alongside the band, with the students of the rhythm sections putting together a blues sequence, while our fellow vocalists and instrumentalists improvised over the top. While the students were performing, Allan and the band gave tips on stage presence and how to interact with fellow performers and the audience.
It was a privilege to witness the band’s talent, and all who attended learnt much about the music industry and how to develop as a musician. The energy and humour with which Allan delivered his messages made it a thoroughly enjoyable and helpful afternoon!
James Hardy
Year 12 Student