Performing Arts News
Woodwind Soiree
Congratulations to all students involved in MGC’s Woodwind Soiree on Tuesday, 7th October, led by our woodwind instrumental teacher, Tony Hicks. Our award winning MGC Jazz Orchestra opened the show with the set song from Generations in Jazz, “A Little Lee”, featuring Eirene Carajias on saxophone. Then they played “What’s Your Hurry” featuring Miranda Moloney on sax and “There Will Never Be Another You”, featuring Natasha Lowe on tenor sax. Both pieces were from their repertoire for the Victorian Music Schools Festival, for which they were awarded the highest honour, a Platinum Shield.
Then Mina Chen, a flautist doing Year 12 music, played a traditional Chinese flute folk song, “Lady Ming Jiang”, before begin joined by all our flute players to perform Mozart’s Flute Concerto in D major with the Jazz orchestra.
Then it was time for our beginner band to play and they did a fantastic job of the Men at Work song, “Who Can it be Now?” which they also played at the Year 7 assembly on Monday.
Then the MGCJO played a set of Snarky Puppy tunes, whom they were lucky enough to get to work with earlier this year. Talia Meiri (flute) and Ella Ball (sax) featured on “Lingus”, Charlie Young (trumpet) and Miranda (soprano sax) featured on “Thing of Gold” and “Tia Macaco” ended with a drum solo from Marissa di Marzio.
Then the two bands combined to play “Memphis Underground” and “Night Train”. It was fantastic to see the two bands trading riffs and so many students performing improvised solos. The evening concluded with acknowledgment of our Year 12 musicians: Sandra Byrne (violin) Marissa Di Marzio (Drums) Abbie O’Flynn (Flute/Trombone) Chantel Wong (Baritone Sax) and our MGCJO co-captains, Miranda Moloney (soprano & alto sax) and Caitlin Moloney (Bass)
We wish them all the best with their upcoming exams and beyond!.
A huge thank you to Tony Hicks for creating so many opportunities for our musicians at MGC this year, including a professional sold out gig at the Paris Cat in the holidays.
“I just wanted to let you know how much our family enjoyed the Woodwind Soiree last night.
Having returned from 7 years in LA, where our girls went schools noted for their music programs, it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm for music and the warm, supportive community Tony Hicks and Anne Corry have created…it was fabulous to be able to share in that joy last night - which everyone there did - I have rarely heard such sustained and heartfelt applause from an audience at a school concert… we have some understanding of the enormous commitment and generosity it takes from all the music staff to deliver a program of such outstanding quality, that engages students so fully. We're so grateful MGC provides this incredible opportunity for our daughters.
Tony is such a gifted educator and musician - seeing 50 girls jam together confidently, and successfully, was a real treat, and, for us, seeing our daughter in Year 7, stand up in front of a crowd and deliver an improvised solo on her viola, after four weeks in the band and previously being terrified of improvising, was the embodiment of leading and achieving.
Congratulations on supporting such a vital and unique music program at MGC.”
Vocal Showcase
On Monday the 14th of October, a total of 70 talented performers, consisting of individual voice students, the A’Cappella and MGC Choir, gave 27 fabulous performances. In addition, the Soul Band accompanied us for certain parts of the night. For some singers, it was the first time they had ever performed solo and they were amazing. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our wonderful Year 12 performers, Franny Fleet, Riley Stoffel & Ella Paull.We wish you the very best in your upcoming exams!
A big thank you to Ellyce Calder and Susan de Jong for being our wonderful choir teachers. We would also like to acknowledge Andy Clarke, Ms Wen Chin and of course, Ms Anne Corry for the tireless efforts she put into organising this special evening.
Rachel Chiu
Choir Co-Captain
Year 12 Performance Exams
Congratulations to our Year 12 Dance and Drama students who completed their performance exams last week, and best wishes to our Music students, who complete their performance exams this Saturday. Thank you to Mr Jordan Evans (Dance) Lindy Mumme (Drama) Anne Corry (Music) and Ellyce Calder, Wen Chin and all the Instrumental Music teachers for their support.
Arts Week- Week 4, Monday 28th October-1st November
Our Arts Captains are excited to announce MGC’s Arts Week lunchtime activities.
Monday 28th October: Chalk Drawing. Meet at the Auditorium and leave your mark at MGC!
Tuesday 29th October: VCE Art Exhibition Opening
Wednesday 30th October: “Just Dance” in the Auditorium
Thursday 31st October: Karaoke on the Canteen Deck
Friday 1st November: The Masked Singer. Can you guess the teacher?