Music Matters

Music in term 4

Term four has started with the optimism of being able to see some of our instrumental music students face to face and the hope of having all students back on site in week four. It has been so good to be able to see our VCE and year 7 students face to face (or at least mask to mask) and give them immediate feedback on their playing. Unfortunately with the current restrictions, students and teachers are unable to play woodwind or brass instruments or sing. This has led to yet another rethink of how we deliver our lessons. Woodwind and brass teachers have been working on rhythm skills and aural training. Skills that are very valuable but we can’t wait to have them playing in lessons and ensembles again. The good news is that we have been able to teach string and percussion instruments.

Ensembles

Stringworks and String Orchestra have had their first rehearsals this week with excellent attendance from our year 7 and VCE students. Our wind ensembles, Wind Symphony, Concert Band and Soundworks are all planning alternative ideas for rehearsals involving percussion rhythm exercises and aural work. Wind Symphony rehearsed this week with some VCEs at school on percussion instruments and others at home on their instruments.

We are still hopeful that we will be able to have some sort of virtual concert after the VCE exam period. This may require wind players on percussion instruments but we are keen to give all our year 12s the send-off they deserve. Stay tuned for more details.

Instrumental Lessons

We are so proud of our instrumental students for their enthusiasm and patience throughout online learning. Our Year 7 to 10 students are still engaging in lessons and producing excellent results. Here are two examples of video submissions from Zach M (10B) and Daniel P (9E) that we hope you enjoy.

'Respect' Aretha Franklin (Bass) 

Zachary M (10B):

'Now's the Time' (Guitar)

Daniel P (9E):

VCE Music

Our dedicated VCE music students have been tirelessly preparing for their exams which begin this weekend. We wish them all the best and we know you'll all do really well. You’ve all come so far and we’re extremely proud of you for persevering through these unprecedented times.

NEVR Virtual Choir

We would like to inform all singers at the College of a Virtual Choir opportunity that is being put together by the instrumental staff of the North East Region. For anyone interested please follow the details on the flyer below to get involved and represent our school. The students who participated in the NEVR Virtual String Orchestra and Virtual Concert Band earlier this year had a great time. 

You will need at act fairly promptly if you want to be involved as finished videos need to be uploaded by 30 October. Please email Mr Dean/Mrs Howes or pop into the Music Centre if you need any further information or advice on recording your videos.

Nick Dean

Music Coordinator