Celebrating our musicians

Student performers shine

Music has showcased the talent of our students at a range of events during the past two weeks including Jazz Night, competitions and Cheese, Wine and Fine Music. Both the Jazz Night and Cheese, Wine and Fine Music were sell-out events, providing a great audience and atmosphere for our ensembles to entertain. They were wonderful community evenings. Thank you to all our students for their fine performances; to the whole music team: Tessa, Radha, Kieran, Ros, Martin, Kiya, Amanda, Christina, Anne, Merrilyn, Robbie, Bernadette, Kirsten, Cindy and Jackie; and to the families who supported the events. 

At the Jazz Night, the annual Brian Brown Award (a world famous Jazz Musician who is an ‘old boy’ and who started the Jazz arm of the Victorian College of the Arts) was presented, for the first time to two students – Josh Dulfer and Ezra Blaikie. This award was presented by Dr Ros McMillan, who teaches music educators at MGSE and is the wife of the late Brian Brown. Angus Buick was also presented with his award from Generations in Jazz, as the best bass trombonist of the festival.

We also had Trumpeter Mat Jodrell, one of the most exciting voices in Jazz today as a guest performer. Mat recently returned to Australia after having lived in New York City for the past eight years, performing around the city and teaching at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. 

Further congratulations to the Jazz Ensemble for receiving a silver place and to Symphonic Band for their gold place at the Victorian Schools Music Festival.