From the Principal
Missing – our Winter Solstice
Ten years ago, when I first arrived at Preshil as Principal, one of my first special duties was to lead the lantern parade at the Winter Solstice. It seemed like a reasonable proposition.
On the night we were a little late setting off and, as a heavy nightfall descended on Arlington, the scope of this pleasant responsibility began to dawn on me. Forging off into the black mystery of the Arlington gardens at the head of a procession of excited, trusting children was all at once revealed to be a foolish, even hazardous, undertaking for a novice.
Since then the Solstice has been a little different each year, shaped by different voices and ideas, always nearly wonderful and always just nearly out of control!
This year, with heavy hearts, we have had to cancel this celebration, as we have had to do with so many other cherished events. Already we are missing the excitement of the lead up, the anticipation of the children as they make ever more spectacular lanterns and light shows and the confidence that this year we will nail it!
At the heart of the Solstice, as with many other Preshil events, has always been music; massed singing, solo performances, orchestral and chamber ensembles and jazz and rock bands of all sorts, music to accompany the lantern procession, busking and wandering minstrels; children making their performance debuts as well as seasoned performers revelling in the informal atmosphere. How lucky we have been as an audience to be entertained and delighted in this way, taking for granted this gift, which lifts our spirits and binds us to our community.
Preshil has an exceptional Music program and it continues to flourish, even without an audience, thanks to the many wonderful individuals who contribute to it so generously.
Karoline has started an Instagram page for Preshil Music that captures some truly incredible performances and feats of technological sophistication, some of which have been shared more widely. Our Instrumental program continues to thrive and I know there have been some hilarious online forays into musical forms across the whole school.
Looking forward to a time when audiences can come together once more has even greater significance when we think of the inspiration and encouragement our smallest musicians gain from being part of a whole school musical culture. Seeing them watching in awe, joining in and being encouraged by the older students to take their first step on stage is something to be treasured and preserved.
Luckily, the Winter Solstice will recur each year regardless of plague, floods or fires and no doubt we will celebrate it with music and magic for many years to come… just not this year.
Marilyn Smith
Principal