In the Know

Music Highlights 

Music Notes

Masterclass - Rachael Beesley (Baroque violinist and educator)

Alessia Di Felice, Year 6

Last Tuesday, I was filled with anticipation of what was to come. It was finally the day that I would have my violin Masterclass with Rachael Beesley. I had gone to see her play at the Recital Centre and she was amazing, so I was very excited! I was to play Sonata VI Allegro in G major, a Grade 6 Bach piece which I had begun learning this term. Mr Kolosov introduced Rachael, and then she talked for a while about the Baroque period. I was quite nervous, as the timing and technique of this piece is extremely difficult.

 

I started playing my piece, and had almost finished the first page when Racheal stopped me. I was confused. Had I done something wrong? But as she started speaking, I realised that she didn’t care so much if we made a mistake, but how we actually played the piece. Racheal said that there were four different voices in this piece (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) and the contrast between my playing and the piano illustrated that. She spoke about how my piece moves through these different voices throughout the piece and that I could learn to try and identify them, which would allow me to play the piece better. Rachael also talked about some technical elements, such as the key, time signature, and also the diminished and dominant chords.

 

As Rachael spoke, her passion for Baroque music became clear. Everything she said was fascinating, but it made me realise how much I, as a young musician, have to learn! This was an amazing experience, which I encourage all people with a passion for music to jump at if they get the chance. I learnt so much from Rachael Beesley and hope to meet her again someday - maybe as a musician!

 

Edgar Chen, Year 7

Alessia, Derrick (Kwon) and I performed for Australian Baroque Violinist Rachael Beesley. I really liked this Masterclass because she taught us a lot of new techniques including how to play our pieces in a more musical way, and how to play without tension in my hands and body.  Rachael also brought in some cool stuff like a Baroque bow and some gut strings.  I am sure that everyone who was there learnt something from Rachael.

String Concert

William Chen, Year 11

On Thursday the 5th of September, it was my first time playing violin as a soloist with the whole Chamber Strings.  When I was performing on the stage, my hands started to tremble and sweat in the beginning.  After a few minutes, I remembered what our conductor, Mr Kolosov, told me, which is to ‘enjoy being on the stage’ and ‘show them who you are’, so I calmed myself and adjusted my nerves to give an outstanding performance on the stage, and I made it!  Special thanks to all the support from staff and peers to make the String Concert a success.

 

Derrick Kwon, Year 6

The String Concert was a great experience for me. I love how everyone had opportunities to perform in front of a large audience.  It was a wonderful time performing as a soloist. It was enjoyable for me because I always love to play music. I love to tell a story to the audience about the music and to express the feelings of the piece. Playing in an ensemble was a great experience as well. I love how we all get to perform what we learnt over the past month and to enjoy the music. Overall, I would like to thank the music teachers for making this concert possible and for teaching the students music.

Aladdin, Year 5 & 6 Production

What an amazing production it was! Congratulations to all students, staff and parents who worked so hard to create such a memorable and quality performance.

 

Open Morning Performances

Thank you to all the students who helped create an atmosphere of vibrancy and energy at our recent Open Morning. You showcased the Kilvington Music program beautifully and continue to help build its outstanding reputation. 

Diary Dates (Term 4)

  • Tuesday, 29 October – Spring Concert – (Dalton Hall) 7:00 – 8:30pm
  • Thursday, 31 October – Unit 2 VCE Music Recital - (PVC7) – 6:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Friday, 22 November – Celebration Night – (RBH) - 7:30pm – 9:15pm
  • Tuesday, 26 November – Year 2 String Concert - (PVC7) – 12:35pm – 1:05pm
  • Thursday, 5 December – Year 5 Band Concert - (Dalton Hall) – 10:00am – 10:30am