Music News
Music Department
We are back performing live music and loving it!
Congratulations to Intermediate Stage Band and Senior Choir who both awarded second in their sections for Generations in Jazz, which was held as a virtual event at the end of last term. All our performances were recorded live at Jazz Night and submitted for the event. Also well done to Thomas Dower (Vibes) and Riley Lobert (Drums) who were both selected for Division 3 Super Band.
Congratulations to our Senior Jazz Combo on their wonderful performance at the NEVR Concert held at the Melbourne Recital Centre last week. They were fine ambassadors for our school at this prestigious event. Unfortunately, a few key players had the withdraw at the last moment due to illness, but this did not phase the ensemble at all. They played superbly with the assistance of their Ensemble Director, Mr Greg Clarkson and with one of our 2021 Music Prefects, Charlie Lodge who is currently studying music at the Victorian College of the Arts.
This week we have commenced the long-awaited Victorian School Music Festival starting with performances from our Senior Strings and Symphony Orchestra.
This week has also seen all four stage bands participate in masterclasses with one of Australia’s great jazz musicians and educator, Bob Sedergreen, in preparation for their upcoming performances at VSMF.
Also, during this week, the Intermediate Concert and Symphonic Bands have had the great privilege to work with composers of their works that they are preparing for Victorian Schools Music Festival. Last Tuesday Symphonic Band worked with Dr Ralph Hultgren, who is not only nationally recognised as a leading conductor, composer and educator but also internationally recognised for his compositions. The Intermediate Concert Band had the great pleasure of working with one of their composers, David Jones, on a zoom meeting from Brisbane.
The Symphonic Band also has the wonderful opportunity of a masterclass with Dr Nicholas Williams. Dr Williams is an Associate Professor of Music, Music Director and Conductor of the Wind Symphony and Concert Band at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Thank you to Intermediate Concert Band and Symphonic Band’s conductor Dr Jemima Bunn for creating this opportunity for our concert bands.
Band Tour Auditions are being held the week commencing 15 August. Music for the audition will be available from 8 August. Year seven to ten music students don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to perform for appreciative audiences in regional Victoria. Further details can be found on the Band Tour Auditions event just published on Compass. As it has been a while since our last tour, here is a taste of our 2019 Tour:
https://vimeo.com/733518353/7c18b858f3
Upcoming Performances:
Victorian Schools Music Festival:
Junior Choir: Monday 1 August, 11.45 – 4pm Salvation Army Arts Centre Box Hill
Senior Choir: Monday 1 August, 6.50 – 10.30pm Salvation Army Arts Centre Box
Training Stage Band: Monday 8 August, 11.30am-4.05pm Hawthorn Arts Centre
Intermediate Stage Band: Tuesday 9 August, 2.30- 6.45pm, Hawthorn Arts Centre
Senior Stage Band: Tuesday 9 August, 7.20- 10.30pm, Hawthorn Arts Centre
Junior Stage Band: Wednesday 10 August, 8.20-12.45pm, Hawthorn Arts Centre
Intermediate Concert Band: Monday 15 August, 2.30-7pm, Hawthorn Arts Centre
Symphonic Band: Tuesday 23 August, 6.50-9.45pm, Hawthorn Arts Centre
Junior Concert Band: Friday 26 August, 2.45-6.30pm, Hawthorn Arts Centre
Gala Concert:
Please note all music students are involved in this concert.
Thursday 15 September, 7.30-10.30pm George Woods Performing Arts Centre, Yarra Valley Grammar.
Janine Pero
Director of Music