Music Matters

YEAR 7 MUSIC TURBO DAY

On Thursday, 6 May, year 7 instrumental students will be participating in “Turbo Day”. This is a whole day dedicated to accelerating their learning after our delayed recruitment process this year due to COVID-19. Students will participate in workshops, sectionals and rehearsals throughout the day with instrumental teachers and older instrumental students passing on their experience. The event is on Compass now, ready for parental consent. All year 7 instrumental students except guitarists are expected to participate for everyone to get the most out of this excellent experience.

MUSIC CAMP

Music Camp is all systems go at Camp Oasis Mt Evelyn from Monday, 24 May until Wednesday, 26 May. All instrumental students who are expected to be there will find the event is on Compass now. Consent and payment must be made by Monday, 3 May. If for any reason you can’t make it to the camp, please let Mrs Howes or myself know as soon as possible.

There will be a general meeting for all camp goers in the Music Centre this Monday lunchtime with Mrs Howes. Everyone is expected to attend. At the meeting, students will be given their medical consent form and packing list, along with the opportunity to ask any questions about camp. Students will be asked to fill out preferences for their cabin/room buddies and their activity preferences. Activities include; Flying Fox, Rock Climbing Wall, Crate Climb, Archery, Candle Making and the Reptile House. These activities enable students to have a mental and physical break from playing their instruments and are team building.

In light of the year we've just had, it's so exciting to be able to run these events again. We've had such incredible feedback about these camps in the past from students who have raved about them for years to come. We encourage you to make every effort to be there, as it is one of the highlights of the Music calendar. Students' playing skills are significantly enhanced during this three-day intensive camp. We look forward to exhibiting the results of the camp at our annual Winter Concert on Tuesday, 1 June.

SOUNDWORKS REHEARSALS HAVE BEGUN WITH A BANG!

Soundworks our Year 7 Concert Band have begun rehearsals after school on Mondays with their conductor Mr Ondaatje. Rehearsals run from 3:30 – 4:30 pm and all students in year 7 learning flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, bass guitar or percussion/drums must attend as a condition of learning an instrument at the school. The first two rehearsals have seen the students playing simple pieces while learning valuable ensemble skills. Mr Ondaatje is very impressed with the enthusiasm of the band members and rewarded them all for their efforts with Easter eggs at the end of the last rehearsal.

Congratulations to all Soundworks members for a fantastic start to your music experience.

MUSIC LEVIES

Thank you to everyone who has made their Music Levy payment. Levy payments are now closed for all levels. If you haven’t paid your child’s levy and you want them to have lessons you must call the office to make payment arrangements.

MUSIC DATES FOR 2021

May 6 – Year 7 Turbo Day

May 24 – 26 – Music Camp

June 1 – Winter Concert

August 27 – String Soiree

September 9 – Rock Showcase

October 19 – Spring Concert

Nick Dean

Music Coordinator